FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 Opens Applications for South African Students
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 is now open for Grade 12 learners and recent matriculants pursuing critical skills degrees at South African public universities.
Introduction
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2027 Undergraduate Bursary Programme, offering financial support to academically promising South African students pursuing studies in critical skills fields at public universities.
Administered by StudyTrust, the bursary programme is designed to improve access to higher education for deserving students from financially constrained households while addressing the country’s growing demand for scarce and strategic skills. The initiative forms part of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation’s broader education and youth development strategy aimed at tackling unemployment and improving long-term economic participation among young South Africans.
The bursary targets first-year undergraduate students who demonstrate strong academic potential and who intend to study in fields aligned with South Africa’s economic and developmental priorities.
About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is committed to supporting education, skills development, and transformation initiatives across South Africa. Through its education portfolio, the foundation invests in programmes that improve access to quality education and create opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities.
By funding tertiary education in high-demand sectors, the organisation seeks to contribute toward reducing youth unemployment while strengthening the country’s future workforce.
The foundation has partnered with StudyTrust to manage and administer the bursary programme. StudyTrust is a respected educational trust and public benefit organisation with more than 45 years of experience in student funding, mentorship, and educational support.
According to the organisation, StudyTrust has awarded more than 21,000 bursaries and scholarships and facilitated over R600 million in student funding over the years.
Purpose of the Bursary Programme
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme focuses on supporting students entering degree programmes linked to critical national skills shortages and economic growth priorities.
The initiative is not only intended to fund university studies, but also to create pathways for long-term professional development and sustainable employment opportunities.
The programme particularly focuses on students who may have strong academic potential but face financial barriers that could prevent them from accessing higher education.
Degree Programmes Funded
The bursary supports a wide range of undergraduate qualifications across multiple disciplines at traditional South African public universities.
Agricultural Sciences
All specialisations within Agricultural Sciences are funded under the programme.
Commercial Sciences
Supported fields include:
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Economics
- Financial Management
Engineering
All engineering specialisations qualify for funding consideration.
Environmental Sciences
Fields include:
- Climate Sciences
- Renewable Energy
Information Sciences
Supported programmes include:
- Business Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Information Systems
- Information Management
- Information Technology
Mathematical Sciences
Funding is available for:
- Mathematics
- Risk Studies
- Statistics
Natural Sciences
Qualifying fields include:
- Biosciences
- Electronics
- Physics
Social Sciences and Law
The bursary supports studies in:
- Society and Sustainability
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Law
Arts and Creative Disciplines
Eligible programmes include:
- Psychology
- Digital Arts
- Fine Arts
- Multimedia
- Architecture
- Art and Design
Health Sciences
Supported health-related qualifications include:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Public Health
- Pharmacy
The wide range of funded disciplines reflects the programme’s focus on supporting sectors critical to South Africa’s future economic and social development.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary programme has specific eligibility criteria designed to identify academically capable students who require financial support to pursue tertiary education.
Applicants must:
- Be Black South African citizens as defined by the BBBEE Act
- Be younger than 21 years old in their first year of study
- Have achieved at least Level 5 in Mathematics in Grade 12
- Be currently in Grade 12 or have completed Grade 12 within the last three years
- Have applied for and received provisional admission to a traditional South African public university
- Intend to study full-time toward a first undergraduate degree in 2027
- Come from a family with a combined gross annual income not exceeding R700,000
The programme is specifically designed to support students entering university for the first time.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support intended to reduce the burden of tertiary education costs for successful applicants.
Funding includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Learning resources
- Monthly stipend
- A computer for first-year students
This comprehensive support structure ensures that students can focus on academic performance and personal development without excessive financial pressure.
The Role of StudyTrust in Student Development
StudyTrust’s involvement in administering the bursary programme extends beyond financial support alone. The organisation is known for providing mentorship and student support services aimed at improving academic success and student wellbeing.
Through mentoring initiatives, StudyTrust assists students with:
- Academic adjustment
- Personal development
- University transition support
- Career preparation
- Professional readiness
This holistic support model helps students navigate the challenges of tertiary education while improving completion and graduation outcomes.
Addressing Youth Unemployment Through Education
One of the key motivations behind the bursary programme is addressing South Africa’s ongoing youth unemployment crisis. Higher education remains one of the most effective pathways toward improving long-term employment opportunities and economic mobility.
By funding studies in scarce and critical skills sectors, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation contributes to workforce development while helping students access industries with growing demand for qualified professionals.
The programme also aligns with broader national goals around transformation, educational access, and inclusive economic participation.
Application Process
Applications for the bursary must be completed online through StudyTrust’s official bursary application platform.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully read all instructions before beginning the application process to ensure that submissions are complete and accurate.
Application Period:
01 June 2026 – 30 September 2026
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants can access the application platform through:
Why Bursaries Like This Matter
Comprehensive bursary programmes continue to play a major role in expanding access to higher education for talented students who may otherwise struggle to afford university studies.
Beyond financial support, these programmes help build future professionals in sectors critical to South Africa’s economic growth, innovation, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainability.
For many students, bursaries also provide life-changing opportunities that extend beyond education into long-term career advancement and social mobility.
Conclusion
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 offers an important opportunity for academically talented South African students pursuing careers in critical skills fields. Through funding administered by StudyTrust, the programme provides comprehensive support covering tuition, accommodation, learning resources, and student wellbeing.
By investing in education and future talent, the initiative contributes not only to individual student success but also to broader national development goals focused on skills growth, transformation, and youth empowerment.
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