Hey future leaders! Ready to kickstart your university journey with some serious financial backing? We’ve got exciting news from the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary for the 2026 academic year! If you’re looking for comprehensive support to pursue your dreams at a public South African university, you’re in the right place. This bursary is designed to empower talented students just like you, focusing on critical skills needed in Mzansi. Let’s dive in!
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is a fantastic opportunity for first-year students starting their degrees in 2026 at traditional public universities across South Africa. It’s specifically tailored to support students entering fields that are vital for the country’s growth and the FirstRand Group’s focus areas. They’re looking for academic potential and a commitment to making a real difference. Basically, it’s a full-package deal to ensure you can focus on your studies without financial stress!
Who Can Apply?
Are you a current Grade 12 learner, or did you finish Grade 12 within the last three years?
- Do you have a combined family income of no more than R600,000 per year?
- Are you a South African citizen?
- Are you 21 years old or younger in your first year of study (2026)?
- Did you score at least Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12?
- Have you applied for and been provisionally accepted into a public South African university for full-time studies in one of the funded degree programmes?
If you ticked all these boxes, you might just be a perfect fit! They’re looking for students keen on pursuing degrees in areas like:
- Agricultural Sciences: All specialisations
- Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Financial Management
- Engineering: All specialisations
- Environmental Sciences: Climate Sciences, Renewable Energy
- Business Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Management, Information Technology
- Mathematics, Risk, Statistics
- Biosciences, Electronics, Physics
- Society and Sustainability, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Law
- Psychology
Quick tip: While this bursary mainly covers your first undergraduate degree, if a postgraduate qualification (like PGD or Honours) is essential for getting employed in fields like accounting or actuarial science, they might even cover that too! How awesome is that?
What Does It Cover?
This isn’t just a partial bursary; it’s a full-on support system! If you’re successful, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary will cover:
- Tuition fees: Say goodbye to those hefty university bills!
- Accommodation: A place to live while you study.
- Meals: Keeping you fueled for those long study sessions.
- Learning Resources: Textbooks and other materials you’ll need.
- A monthly stipend: Some extra cash for your everyday needs.
- A computer: First-year students get a brand-new computer to help with their studies!
Basically, they’ve got you covered from almost every angle, so you can focus on acing your academics!
How to Apply?
Ready to take the plunge and secure your future? Applying is super straightforward:
- Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
- Gather all your necessary documents.
- Click on the link below to head straight to the application portal. Don’t wait until the last minute!
This is an incredible opportunity to get your higher education fully funded by one of South Africa’s leading foundations. If the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary sounds like your golden ticket to university, don’t hesitate – apply before the closing date! And while you’re here, why not explore more amazing bursaries on Bursaries Room to ensure you don’t miss out on any funding opportunities for your academic journey? Good luck, you’ve got this!
