Access to quality education is a dream for many South African students, especially those from families with limited financial means. The good news is that opportunities like The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme exist to help talented young students achieve their educational goals without financial burden.
If you are a Grade 12 learner or a recent graduate dreaming of studying at a university, this bursary could be your key to unlocking a successful future. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the bursary – from who qualifies, what it covers, to how you can apply.
What Is The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme?
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme offers financial support to deserving first-year students enrolling at traditional South African public universities. It focuses on funding degree programmes that are aligned with South Africa’s critical skills needs, as well as FirstRand’s social investing priorities.
The bursary is designed to provide access to quality education and tackle the youth unemployment crisis by equipping young people with valuable skills in vital fields like accounting, engineering, environmental sciences, and information technology.
Who Qualifies for This Bursary?
To qualify for this bursary, applicants must meet specific selection criteria designed to support those with academic potential but limited financial resources.
Key Requirements:
- Citizenship: Only Black South African citizens, as defined by the BBBEE Act, are eligible.
- Academic Performance: Applicants must have achieved a minimum level 5 in Mathematics in Grade 12.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be no older than 21 years when starting their studies.
- Study Status: Applicants must have applied to or been provisionally admitted to a South African public traditional university for full-time study in 2026.
- Income Threshold: The combined gross annual income of the applicant’s family should not exceed R700,000.
- Recent Grade 12 Completion: Current Grade 12 learners or those who completed Grade 12 not more than three years ago can apply.
This bursary is open to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. However, in some cases where a postgraduate qualification is required for employment (such as accounting or actuarial science), funding for postgraduate studies is also available.
Which Degree Programmes Are Funded?
The bursary supports a wide range of degree programmes focused on critical sectors in South Africa:
- Agricultural Sciences: All specialisations
- Commercial Sciences: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Financial Management
- Engineering: All specialisations
- Environmental Sciences: Climate Sciences, Renewable Energy
- Information Sciences: Business Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Management, Information Technology
- Mathematical Sciences: Mathematics, Risk, Statistics
- Natural Sciences: Biosciences, Electronics, Physics
- Social Sciences and Law: Society and Sustainability, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Law
- Arts: Psychology
This diversity ensures that students from various fields aligned with South Africa’s development needs can access education funding.
What Does The Bursary Cover?
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme is comprehensive, covering all essential costs a student might face in their first year of university:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Learning resources (books, stationery)
- A monthly stipend for personal expenses
- A computer to support study and research
This support aims to ease financial pressure on students and their families so they can focus on academic success.
How to Apply for The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme
Applying is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.
Application Steps:
- Prepare your documents: Ensure you have your latest academic records, ID, proof of family income, and university admission confirmation (or proof of application).
- Online Application: Applications are submitted through the StudyTrust online platform. StudyTrust is responsible for administering the bursary on behalf of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation.
- Deadline: Applications open from 1 May and close on 30 September annually.
- Submit complete applications: Incomplete applications will not be considered, so double-check all information before submission.
Make sure you carefully read all instructions on the bursary application page before starting your application to avoid mistakes.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Maintain strong academic performance, especially in Mathematics.
- Ensure your family income documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
- Apply early to avoid missing deadlines.
- Double-check your application for completeness.
- Seek help from your school’s career counsellor if you need assistance with the application process.
Also check: TuksSport Performance Support Bursary 2026
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme is an invaluable opportunity for many South African youths to access university education without the financial burden. If you meet the criteria and plan to study in one of the supported fields, this bursary could be your stepping stone to a brighter future.
Don’t miss out! Start preparing your application today and take the first step towards achieving your academic and career dreams.
