Want to study full‑time in South Africa but can’t afford the cost? The Free State Office of the Premier is offering a bursary for the 2026 academic year. This scholarship can cover your tuition, room, food, books, and even special gear if you need it. It’s aimed at students who live in the Free State, are between 18 and 35 years old, and are serious about getting a degree in a field that South Africa needs more of.
What subjects can you study?
The bursary supports a wide range of courses that help build skills in high demand. Here’s a quick look at the main areas:
Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Dietetics
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Radiography
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor in Radiography / Radiation Therapy
- Bachelor of Nuclear Medicine
- Diploma / Bachelor in Emergency Medical Care
- MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine)
Social Sciences & Community Development
- Bachelor of Community Development
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor / Honours of Psychology
- Masters in Clinical Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychometry
Accounting, Finance & Auditing
- Bachelor / Postgraduate Diploma / Honours in Accounting
- Bachelor of Data Science / Data Analytics / Financial Analytics / Investment Management / Business Analytics
- Bachelor of Risk Management / Fraud Investigation (Forensic Auditor) / Internal Auditing
- Diploma / Bachelor of Supply Chain Management / Finance
Engineering & Technical Fields
- Diploma / Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Mining, Nuclear, Architectural, Aerospace, Mechatronics, Structural, Quantity Surveying, Agricultural)
- Bachelor of Construction Management / Quantity Survey / Construction Project Management
Education
- Bachelor of Education in Accounting, Natural Sciences, Mathematics or Early Childhood Development
Economics & Development
- Bachelor of Economics / Econometrics / Developmental Studies
IT, Computer Science & Digital Fields
- Diploma / Bachelor of IT (Cyber Security, Information Security, Software/Network Systems, AI Techniques, Information Resource Management, Robotics)
Built Environment, Planning & Safety
- Diploma / Bachelor of Disaster Management
- Diploma / Bachelor of Town & Regional Planning / Property Valuation / Land & Property Administration / GIS / Occupational Health & Safety / Built Environment
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Diploma / Bachelor of Agriculture
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- Soil Science / Pasteur Science
Creative Arts & Publicity
- Diploma / Bachelor of Publicity & Marketing
- Diploma / Bachelor of General Arts Management or Fine Arts
- Diploma / Bachelor of Social Studies
Actuarial Science
- Bachelor / Honours of Actuarial Science
What the bursary pays for
The money from this bursary goes to a lot of different things. It can pay for:
- Registration fees each semester or year.
- Tuition fees for approved courses.
- Room and board if you live on campus.
- A daily food allowance.
- Books and study materials.
There are also extra help items if you need them:
- Special equipment required for your field.
- Assistive devices for students with disabilities.
All extra items must be requested and verified by the university you plan to attend.
When will you hear back?
After the application deadline, shortlisted applicants will be contacted within four months. If you haven’t heard anything after that time, your application was not accepted.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must meet every one of these rules:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Live in the Free State province.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Either be in your final year of high school (Matric) or have finished it.
- Have a family income below R600 000 a year.
- Not already receive a bursary or sponsorship.
- Plan to study full‑time in one of the listed fields.
- Have a place at a recognised and accredited South African university.
- Show strong academic results and financial need.
- Students with disabilities are welcome to apply.
Documents you need to send
Make sure you have clear copies of these items. Some of them need to be certified.
- Certified ID document.
- Matric September results if you’re still in high school.
- Matric certificate if you’ve finished.
- Proof that a university has accepted you.
- Proof that you live in the Free State (not older than 3 months).
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents, or a death certificate if they are not alive.
- Proof of family income such as:
- Latest certified payslips (no older than 3 months).
- An affidavit if your parents are unemployed.
- Evidence of a SASSA grant or pension, if that’s how you get money.
Missing any document could mean your application is rejected.
How to apply
You can download the application form from the official website. Click here to download the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form 2026 – it’s a simple PDF you’ll fill out and send back.
You can also pick up a paper copy at any of these locations:
- Office of the Premier (FSTDI and OR Tambo Building)
- Thusong Centres
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
When you’re ready, hand your completed application and all required documents to the Bursary Unit in the Reception Area at:
FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene, Bloemfontein 9301
Important dates
The deadline is 16 January 2026 at 16:00. After this time, no more applications will be accepted, so make sure you finish everything early.