Hey future leaders! Ready to kickstart your university journey without the stress of funding? The amazing FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is here to help bright, young South African students like you achieve your dreams for the 2026 academic year!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s an incredible opportunity from the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF), established by FirstRand Limited. FREF is all about making South Africa a place where everyone has a fair shot at economic success. If you’re a Black South African student with big dreams, looking to pursue your first undergraduate degree in a critical field, this bursary aims to empower you to excel without financial worries. They envision a future where talented individuals actively contribute to our nation’s growth, and they want you to be a part of it!
Who Can Apply?
Think you’ve got what it takes? This bursary is designed for ambitious students who meet these requirements. Make sure you tick all the boxes:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must identify as Black, as defined by the BBBEE Act.
- You must NOT be older than 21 years old if you’ll be starting your first year of study.
- You must currently be in Matric, or have completed Matric within the last 3 years. (Sorry, if it’s been longer than 3 years, this one isn’t for you!)
- You need to have achieved a minimum of Level 5 for Mathematics in Matric.
- You should have a strong overall academic record.
- You must plan to study full-time for your first undergraduate degree in 2026 at a public university in South Africa.
- You must have already applied for, and received provisional admission to, a public university in South Africa for 2026.
- Your combined gross family income must be NOT more than R600 000 per annum.
The bursary supports a wide range of fields that are key to South Africa’s future. Here are the study areas they cover:
- Agricultural Sciences: All specialisations
- Arts: Psychology
- 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
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is super comprehensive, so you can focus on your studies and not on the bills! It aims to cover your essential university expenses, including:
- Tuition fees (yep, the big one!)
- Learning resources (books, notes – all the stuff you need)
- A computer (for first-year students to get you started!)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- A monthly stipend (for those everyday essentials!)
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Applying is done online and it’s straightforward. Just follow these steps carefully:
Head over to the official application portal: FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Application 2026
Before you hit apply, it’s a good idea to read through the Study Trust Bursary Applications Page for extra tips and guidance!
Make sure you have clear copies of all these documents ready to upload. Missing anything could mean your application won’t be considered:
- A clear, recent photograph (head and shoulders)
- Your South African ID document (a certified copy)
- If you’re currently in Matric: Your Grade 11 final results and Matric June results.
- If you’ve completed Matric: Your Matric certificate.
- Proof that a university has accepted you (or provisionally accepted you) for 2026.
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ household income (this could be recent payslips, an affidavit if unemployed or self-employed, audited financial statements if they own a business, or a SASSA letter if applicable).
- If parents are deceased: Their death certificates.
- If parents are divorced or separated: A letter from the court stating child support amounts, or an affidavit from the parent stating the amount received.
The closing date for applications is 30 September 2025. Don’t leave it until the last minute – get your application in before then to ensure it’s considered!
If you have any questions or need more help with this bursary, you can reach out to StudyTrust (they manage this bursary programme):
- Tel: 011 403 1632
- Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za
So, if you meet the criteria and are ready to make your academic dreams a reality, don’t miss this incredible chance! Apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary today and remember to check out more amazing opportunities right here on Bursaries Room. Your future is waiting!