Applications for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027 are now open. Discover eligibility requirements, supported fields of study, benefits, required documents, and how students can apply before 3 September 2026.
Hollywood Foundation Opens Applications for the Future is Bright Bursary Programme 2027
The Hollywood Foundation has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated Future is Bright Bursary Programme 2027, offering financial and developmental support to ambitious South African students pursuing tertiary education. Through its My Education Pillar, the Foundation continues its commitment to empowering young people by helping them overcome financial barriers and access quality higher education opportunities.
As South Africa continues to face critical skills shortages in several industries, the Future is Bright Bursary Programme seeks to invest in talented students who have the potential to become future leaders, professionals, innovators, and change-makers. More than just financial assistance, the programme provides holistic support aimed at helping students successfully transition from education into meaningful careers.
Applications are currently open and will close on Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday.
Investing in South Africa’s Future Workforce
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for economic and social transformation. Recognising this, the Hollywood Foundation established the Future is Bright Bursary Programme to bridge the gap between high school, tertiary education, and the world of work.
The initiative focuses on supporting deserving students across South Africa who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to their chosen fields of study. By providing bursary funding and developmental opportunities, the Foundation aims to nurture skilled graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth and development.
The programme reflects Hollywood Foundation’s broader mission of creating sustainable opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities.
What the Future is Bright Bursary Covers
The bursary is available to students pursuing a variety of accredited higher education qualifications.
Funding opportunities are available for students enrolled in:
- Higher Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Honours Degrees
- Postgraduate Diplomas
The programme supports students from their first year through to their fourth year of study, depending on the qualification being pursued.
It is important to note that Master’s and PhD qualifications are not funded under this bursary programme.
Preferred Fields of Study
The Hollywood Foundation prioritises fields that align with South Africa’s future skills needs and labour market demands.
Preferred areas of study include:
Technology and Digital Innovation
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
Business and Financial Services
- Finance
- Accounting
- BCom Law
Marketing and Communications
- Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Communications
- Media Studies
Creative Industries
- Graphic Design
Business Operations and Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics Management
- Project Management
- Business Management
- Human Resources Management
Built Environment
- Architectural Design
While these fields are preferred, the programme continues to focus on developing skills that contribute to national growth and economic sustainability.
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Who Can Apply?
The Future is Bright Bursary Programme is open to South African students who meet specific academic and eligibility requirements.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be enrolled for full-time studies during the 2027 academic year.
- Be studying at a DHET or CHE-accredited university or registered private higher education institution.
- Be pursuing a Higher Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, Honours Degree, or Postgraduate Diploma.
- Be studying within one of the preferred fields identified by the programme.
The bursary is open to:
- Current Grade 12 learners writing matric in 2026.
- Previous matriculants currently on a gap year.
- Current tertiary students enrolled at recognised higher education institutions.
Who Cannot Apply?
The programme does not accept applications from:
- TVET College students.
- Master’s students.
- PhD candidates.
- Employees of Hollywoodbets and related entities.
- Immediate family members or relatives of Hollywood Group employees.
Separate funding processes exist for qualifying employees and their families.
Academic Requirements
Academic performance plays an important role in the selection process.
For Matric Learners
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Pass.
- Achieve a minimum overall average of 65%.
For Current University Students
Applicants already enrolled in tertiary studies must have achieved:
- A minimum academic average of 60% in their most recent completed academic year.
These requirements ensure that bursary funding is directed toward students demonstrating both commitment and academic potential.
More Than Just Financial Support
One of the unique aspects of the Future is Bright Bursary Programme is its holistic approach to student development.
Rather than simply covering educational expenses, the programme seeks to equip students with:
- Professional skills
- Workplace readiness
- Personal development opportunities
- Career guidance
- Industry exposure
- Employability support
This comprehensive approach increases the likelihood of graduates successfully entering the workforce and building sustainable careers.
The Selection Process
Applicants should be prepared for a competitive selection process.
Depending on the stage reached, shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in:
- Screening assessments
- Application reviews
- Interviews
- Psychometric evaluations
The Foundation assesses not only academic performance but also a candidate’s potential, motivation, and suitability for long-term success.
Renewal of Funding
The bursary is renewable annually, but continued funding is not guaranteed automatically.
Renewal depends on:
- Satisfactory academic performance
- Active student engagement
- Availability of sponsor funding
Students are therefore encouraged to maintain strong academic records throughout their studies.
Important Conditions
The Hollywood Foundation places strong emphasis on honesty and transparency throughout the application process.
Applicants must disclose all relevant information accurately.
Failure to disclose important information, including:
- Employment status
- Previous funding
- NSFAS funding history
- Academic history
may result in the bursary being withdrawn.
Students who provide false or misleading information may also be required to repay bursary funds already received.
Required Documents
Applicants must ensure all documents are certified and less than three months old.
Required documents generally include:
- Certified South African ID document
- Personal motivation statement
- Parent or guardian identification documents
- Proof of household income
- NSFAS funding disclosure
- Other bursary funding disclosures
- Academic records and transcripts
- Proof of registration or acceptance
- Fee statements where applicable
Depending on the applicant category, additional supporting documents may also be required.
Incomplete applications or missing documentation may result in immediate disqualification.
Key Dates to Remember
Students interested in applying should take note of the following important deadline:
Application Closing Date:
Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday
The bursary will support students for the 2027 academic year, meaning applicants must be enrolled for full-time studies during 2027.
Applicants who do not receive communication within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Final Thoughts
The Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027 represents a valuable opportunity for ambitious South African students seeking financial assistance and professional development support. By focusing on high-demand fields and providing holistic student empowerment, the programme aims to create a pipeline of skilled graduates capable of contributing to South Africa’s future growth.
For matric learners, gap-year students, and current university students pursuing qualifications in technology, business, communications, design, and related fields, this bursary could provide the support needed to achieve educational goals and build a successful career.
With the application deadline set for 3 September 2026, eligible students are encouraged to begin preparing their documents and submit their applications well before the closing date.
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