Hey future changemakers! Are you dreaming of a career that helps grow South Africa’s economy and create jobs? Then you absolutely need to hear about the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary! The IDC is a massive player in SA, empowering new businesses and industrial projects, and guess what? They want to invest in *you* too, for the 2026 academic year!
The Industrial Development Corporation, or IDC, is a big deal in South Africa. It’s a government-owned institution that provides financial and non-financial support to youth enterprises, helping to spark industrial growth, boost our economy, and create tons of jobs across South Africa and even Africa! They’re all about building a better future, and part of that commitment involves funding bright, young South Africans like you through their awesome bursary programme. This bursary isn’t just about paying for your studies; it’s about helping you become part of the next generation of leaders in critical fields like Engineering, Finance, Business, and Science.
Who Can Apply?
Alright, let’s see if you tick all the boxes for this fantastic opportunity! To be eligible for the IDC Bursary for the 2026 academic year, you need to meet these requirements:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must NOT be older than 26 years old.
- You must currently be in Matric or have already completed Matric.
- You must be studying or planning to study full-time for your FIRST undergraduate qualification in one of the fields listed below. (Sorry, no second qualifications funded here, unless it’s a specific postgraduate for Finance, Accounting, or Law!)
- You must be studying or planning to study at a recognized public University, University of Technology, or TVET College in South Africa. (Private colleges are unfortunately not funded.)
- If you’re in Matric: You need a minimum of 75% Admission Point Score (APS).
- If you’re already at tertiary level: You need a minimum of 65% APS.
- Your combined household income must NOT be more than R600 000 per annum.
- You must have excellent academic performance.
- You must be in financial need.
- You must be unemployed.
- Bonus points: Preference is given to students living with a disability.
- Extra bonus points: Preference is given to students who are studying or matriculated from Quintile 1, 2, and 3 public schools, schools from previously disadvantaged communities, and rural areas.
The IDC is looking to support students pursuing first undergraduate degrees in a wide range of fields, including:
Commercial Studies:
- BCom Accounting (CA)
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Econometrics Business Management
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Accounting or Engineering
- Financial Management
- Investment Management
- Information Systems (BCom)
- Information Technology
- Internal Audit
- Quantitative Finance
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Transport or Logistics Management
Engineering:
- Agricultural Studies
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Quantity Surveying
Applied Commercial Sciences:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural Studies
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
Law:
- BCom Law (Commercial Law)
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- Diploma Law Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma in Law (only for Law students)
What Does It Cover?
This isn’t just a small contribution; the IDC Bursary aims to give you comprehensive support! If you’re successful, the bursary will cover your:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport allowance
- And even a once-off laptop to help with your studies!
Since this bursary is designed to help students who truly need it, a thorough affordability assessment will be part of the selection process. So, make sure your financial need is clear!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Applying for the IDC Bursary is done online. Here’s how you can get started:
- Head over to the official IDC Bursary application portal: IDC Bursary Application 2026.
- You’ll need to register an account first, then you can log in and begin your application. (Just scroll down a bit on the page to find the registration link!)
When you apply, you’ll need to upload clear, certified copies of these essential documents. Don’t skip anything, as incomplete applications might be disqualified!
- Your ID document (certified copy – not older than 6 months).
- If you’re currently in Matric: Your Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (certified copies).
- If you’ve completed Matric: Your Matric certificate (certified copy).
- If you’re not studying this year: Your latest academic results (certified copy).
- If you’re currently studying: Your 2025 mid-year (first semester) results (certified copy).
- Proof of acceptance or provisional admission from a tertiary institution (must be on the institution’s letterhead).
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents (certified copies – not older than 6 months).
- Unabridged birth certificate (if your surname is different from your parent(s) – certified copy).
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income. This can be: latest payslips (if employed), an affidavit and 6 months’ bank statements (if unemployed), 3 months’ bank statement (if self-employed), SASSA Letter stating grants received (if applicable), a death certificate (if deceased), divorce certificate (if divorced), or a sworn statement (if separated). (All certified copies).
Make sure you get your application in on time!
The closing date for the IDC Bursary for the 2026 academic year is 30 September 2025. No late applications will be accepted, so mark your calendars and apply well before the deadline!
Got questions? If you need more info or have specific queries about the bursary, you can reach out directly to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC):
- Email: bursary@idc.co.za
- Tel: 011 269 3374
If the IDC Bursary sounds like the perfect fit for your academic journey and career goals, don’t hesitate – apply now and take a huge step towards funding your future! And remember, there are always more opportunities out there, so keep exploring other amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!