The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is a prestigious opportunity that provides financial support to South African youth who are pursuing undergraduate studies. This bursary supports first-year students who want to study in specific fields, reflecting both the country’s critical skills shortage and FirstRand’s social investment goals.
Administered by StudyTrust, the bursary seeks to empower financially disadvantaged students, giving them the chance to achieve their academic dreams without the financial burden.
About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is a financial aid programme aimed at supporting first-year undergraduate students at traditional public universities across South Africa. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, and even provides a computer for first-year students. In certain fields where a postgraduate qualification is essential (such as accounting and actuarial science), the bursary will extend support for a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or Honours degree.
Why Apply for This Bursary?
South Africa’s youth face multiple challenges, with limited access to higher education and high youth unemployment rates among the most pressing. By offering bursaries to students pursuing degrees in fields that align with national skills shortages, FirstRand aims to not only provide financial support but also empower students to become productive members of society. The bursary also helps address gaps in fields like Information Sciences, Commercial Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Engineering.
Read more: Understanding the Differences: Bursaries vs Scholarships in 2025
Requirements
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. This helps ensure that the bursary goes to those most in need of financial assistance and who show potential for academic success. Here are the key eligibility criteria:
- South African Citizenship: Only Black South African citizens, as defined under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act, are eligible.
- Academic Requirements: Applicants must have achieved at least a Level 5 in Mathematics in their Grade 12 results.
- Age and Education Level:
- Applicants must be 21 years or younger in their first year of study.
- The bursary is open to current Grade 12 learners or those who completed matric within the last three years.
- Family Income: Only applicants from households with a combined gross annual income of R600,000 or less will be considered.
- University Admission: Applicants must have already applied and been provisionally accepted at a traditional South African public university in one of the specified degree programmes.
Related: SepFluor Bursary 2025
Degree Programmes Supported by the Bursary
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary funds studies in various fields critical to South Africa’s socio-economic development. These include:
- 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
These fields not only align with FirstRand’s social investment areas but also help address South Africa’s pressing skills shortages in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), environmental studies, and social sciences.
What the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Covers
This bursary is comprehensive and covers the following expenses for successful applicants:
- Tuition Fees: The bursary covers the full cost of tuition for the academic year.
- Accommodation and Meals: Students can live on campus or in approved off-campus accommodation, with meals provided.
- Learning Resources: This includes textbooks and other learning materials.
- Monthly Stipend: To help with daily living expenses, students receive a monthly allowance.
- Laptop: First-year students receive a computer to aid in their studies and research.
Recommended for you: How to Apply for Bursaries for the 2025 Academic Year
How to Apply
Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary must be submitted via StudyTrust’s online application platform. Follow these steps carefully to ensure that your application is complete and submitted on time:
- Visit StudyTrust’s Online Application Platform: Go to the official StudyTrust website to begin your application. You’ll find all the necessary forms and detailed instructions.
- Read the Instructions Thoroughly: Make sure to understand the requirements and provide all required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out all sections of the form accurately. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement, as these factors could make your application stand out.
- Submit Before the Deadline: The closing date for applications is 15 December 2024. Late applications will not be considered, so plan to complete your application well in advance of the deadline.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is an incredible opportunity for Grade 12 learners and recent matriculants to pursue their educational goals without financial obstacles. Not only does this bursary provide comprehensive funding, but it also opens doors to career opportunities in high-demand fields.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a passion for learning, don’t miss the chance to apply.