FirstRand Bursary 2027 for Various Fields

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is dedicated to fostering educational opportunities for deserving South African students. This prestigious bursary programme aims to support first-year university students pursuing a variety of degree programmes at traditional public universities across the country. The initiative is strategically aligned with addressing critical skills shortages within South Africa, supporting FirstRand's corporate social investment objectives, and contributing to the nation's development. By investing in the education of young South Africans, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation seeks to empower individuals and contribute to a more skilled and prosperous future for the nation.

This bursary is particularly aimed at students who demonstrate strong academic potential and come from families with a combined gross annual income not exceeding R700,000. It is an excellent opportunity for current Grade 12 learners and those who have completed Grade 12 within the last three years to access higher education and pursue their academic and career aspirations. The programme is designed to provide comprehensive financial support, enabling students to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.

What the Bursary Covers

• Tuition fees

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Learning resources

• A monthly stipend

• A computer for first-year students

• Funding for a postgraduate qualification (PGD or Honours degree) where essential for employment (e.g., accounting, actuarial science)

Who Should Apply

This bursary is open to Black South African citizens, as defined by the BBBEE Act, who are currently in Grade 12 or have completed Grade 12 not more than 3 years ago. Applicants must be under 21 years old in their first year of study and must have achieved a minimum of Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12. Furthermore, applicants must have applied for and been provisionally admitted into a South African public traditional university for full-time studies in one of the specified degree programmes. A crucial criterion is that applicants must belong to families with a combined gross annual income of up to R700,000. The bursary is intended for students commencing their first undergraduate degree in 2027.

Why This Bursary Stands Out

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is a highly sought-after opportunity due to its comprehensive coverage, extending beyond just tuition fees to include accommodation, meals, learning resources, a monthly stipend, and even a computer for first-year students. The programme's commitment to supporting students through their first undergraduate degree, with provisions for postgraduate studies where necessary for career entry, highlights its long-term vision for student success. This bursary not only alleviates financial burdens but also invests in the future leaders and professionals of South Africa, aligning academic pursuits with national development needs and offering a pathway to a stable career.

How to Apply

Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary must be submitted online. Prospective applicants can access the application portal via the following link: Click here to apply for this bursary. It is important to note that if the link appears blank upon clicking, users are advised to tap the screen or scroll to ensure the page loads correctly. Ensure all required documentation is prepared in advance to complete the online application process efficiently.

Closing Date: 2026-09-30

• Only Black South African citizens, as defined by the BBBEE Act.

• Minimum of Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12.

• Not older than 21 years in their first year of study.

• Applied for and been provisionally admitted into a South African public traditional university for full-time studies.

• Currently in Grade 12 or completed Grade 12 not more than 3 years ago.

• Will be starting studies towards a first degree in 2027.

• Family combined gross annual income of up to R700,000.