Hollywood Foundation Bursary (Future is Bright) 2026 – Closing Date: 16 September 2025

Hey future game-changers! Ready to kickstart your career and make your future bright? If you’re looking for a bursary that truly believes in your potential, then you’re in the right place! We’re talking about the incredible Hollywood Foundation Bursary, famously known as the “Future is Bright” programme. This isn’t just any bursary; it’s your ticket to academic success, brought to you by the amazing Hollywood Foundation, which is all about giving back to communities across South Africa.

The Hollywood Foundation, powered by the well-known Hollywoodbets, launched this bursary to empower South African youth. They’re on a mission to bridge the gap between high school and the professional world by funding your studies. Imagine getting support for your education and then potentially even getting a head start with a graduate programme – that’s what the Future is Bright Bursary is all about!

Who Can Apply?

Think this could be you? Here’s who the Hollywood Foundation is looking for:

You must be a proud South African citizen.
You need to have completed Matric, or currently be rocking your final Matric year.
Planning to study (or already studying) full-time in 2026 towards a Higher Certificate, National Certificate, Diploma, Degree, or even Postgraduate studies.
Your qualification must be 12 months or longer.
You must be attending or have applied to a tertiary institution registered with the DHET in South Africa.
Academic performance matters! You’ll need:
- A minimum overall average of 65% in your Matric mid-year or final results (if still in Matric).
- At least 65% in EACH subject in Matric (if still in Matric).
- If you’re already at tertiary level, a minimum overall average of 60% in your latest results.
- You’ll need to maintain a 60% overall average to keep receiving funding each year.
You shouldn’t be receiving any other bursaries, awards, or internships that would tie you to another organization after you graduate.
Make sure you read and agree to the Hollywood Foundation Bursary Terms and Conditions.

And what are they looking for you to study? Awesome fields like:

Data Science
Digital Marketing / Marketing & Communication
Finance & Accounting
ICT (including Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Information Technology, Software Engineering, System and Network Administration)
Other fields (only if the selection panel gives it a thumbs-up!)

What Does It Cover?

This bursary aims to ease your financial burden, potentially offering full or partial cover for your study costs. The exact amount depends on your field of study and your academic results. Generally, they cover:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Prescribed textbooks
Study materials
Accommodation and living assistance (if approved and applicable)

Just a heads-up: it won’t cover things like supplementary exams or non-prescribed materials. Plus, the bursary covers one year of study at a time, so you’ll need to reapply for funding each year – keep those grades up!

Oh, and here’s a cool bonus: if you’re selected, you’ll be required to do some vacation work at Hollywoodbets during at least half of the holiday period, and you’ll even get a transport stipend for it. After you graduate, there’s a chance you might be offered employment within their graduate programme, especially if your field of study aligns with their needs. Talk about a full circle!

How to Apply?

Ready to jump in? Applying is super easy and done online! Just follow these steps:

1. Head over to the official application portal: Hollywood Foundation “Future is Bright” Bursary Application 2026

2. Make sure you have clear, certified copies of these documents ready to upload with your application:

Your ID document (certified copy is a must!)
Your Matric certificate or statement of results
Your most recent academic results (whether final or interim)
An acceptance letter or proof of application from your chosen institution (must be on their official letterhead)
Detailed info about the qualification you’ve chosen
The name and address of your registered institution
A proforma invoice or estimate invoice from your institution (this needs to show a breakdown of registration, tuition, study materials, and any accommodation/living assistance if applicable)
Proof of banking details for your registered institution
Proof of your address (either an affidavit or a utility bill)
A powerful motivational letter (in your own words, explaining why you need this bursary and how it will help you succeed – maximum 2000 words). Need help writing one? Check out our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter!

Shortlisted candidates will go through assessments and interviews, so be prepared to shine! You’ll hear back about your application status by the end of December 2025.

If securing your study future with the Hollywood Foundation sounds like a dream come true, don’t wait! The closing date is 16 September 2025. Get your application in ASAP and don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity. Keep exploring more life-changing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!