FirstRand Empowerment Foundation
FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary
Closes
30 September 2026
Value
Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, laptop, stipend
Level
Undergraduate
For
Black SA citizens up to 21 years old
Sector
Critical Skills
Type
Full-cost bursary
About this bursary
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary offers comprehensive financial support to Black South African students entering public universities for undergraduate studies in 2027. Administered through StudyTrust, this bursary covers tuition fees, university housing, meals, textbooks, a personal computer for first-year students, and a monthly stipend.
The scheme focuses on critical skill areas needed in the South African economy, spanning engineering, science, business, health, and law. It aims to support young people with strong academic talent who face financial constraints, making tertiary education accessible to deserving school leavers.
Applicants must meet strict household income limits and hold provisional admission to a public university. While primarily intended for first-time undergraduate degrees, postgraduate funding for Honours or Postgraduate Diplomas may be considered in rare cases where essential for workplace entry.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must be South African citizens classified as Black under BBBEE rules.
- Candidates must be 21 years old or younger during their first year of university.
- You need to be currently in Matric or have completed Matric within the past three years.
- A minimum score of Level 5 (60%) for Mathematics in Matric is compulsory.
- Your total combined gross family income must not exceed R700 000 per year.
- You must hold provisional admission to study full time for an eligible undergraduate degree at a South African public university in 2027.
You do not qualify if
- Students older than 21 during their first year of study.
- Applicants who completed Matric more than three years ago.
- Non-South African citizens.
- Students with a combined gross household income exceeding R700 000 per year.
- Applicants with less than Level 5 for Matric Mathematics.
Documents you need to submit
- Recent clear head-and-shoulders photograph
- Certified copy of South African identity document
- Grade 11 final results and June Matric results for current matriculants
- Official Matric certificate for post-matric applicants
- Proof of application or provisional university admission for 2027
- Proof of household income (latest payslips, SASSA letters, affidavits, or three months' bank statements)
- Death certificates of deceased parents where applicable
- Divorce agreement or court affidavit stating child support payments where applicable
Submit certified copies of all official records.
How to apply
- 1Read the StudyTrust application guidelines before starting your application.
- 2Go to the official StudyTrust online application page for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation bursary.
- 3Fill out the online application form with your personal and academic details.
- 4Select 'www.zabursaries.co.za' when asked where you heard about this opportunity.
- 5Upload clear scanned copies of all compulsory supporting documentation.
- 6Submit your completed application online before the closing date.
Applications submitted after 30 September 2026 will not be considered.