Apply for the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026 – A Chance to Study STEM in South Africa
If you’re a South African teen or young adult who wants to study Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) but you’re worried about the cost, the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026 might be the ticket you’ve been looking for. This scholarship gives students from low‑income households, those who are the first in their family to go to university, or who are orphaned or otherwise vulnerable the chance to pay for tuition and to get extra help that goes beyond money. It’s a full support package that also includes mentoring, workshops and emotional care, all aimed at helping you succeed at university and beyond.
What the Tomorrow Trust Does
The Tomorrow Trust is a well‑known nonprofit in South Africa that works with kids and teens from primary school all the way into jobs. Their main goal is to help young people grow academically, emotionally, and socially. Here are some of the programmes they run:
- Holiday & Saturday School – Extra study time for Grades 1‑12.
- Tertiary Programme – Bursaries and academic support for university.
- Shift Programme – Skills training for jobs in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- I Am Little Wings – Psychological and social support for vulnerable youth.
- Stepping Stones Career Programme – Career planning and job search help.
- Alumni Programme – Networking and empowerment for graduates.
Through these programmes, the Trust builds a solid foundation for students so they can thrive in every area of life.
Details of the 2026 Bursary
The Tomorrow Trust is now inviting applications for the 2026 bursary cycle. The scholarship focuses on students who want to study a full‑time STEM degree at a public university in South Africa. Masters programmes are not covered, but under‑graduate and other postgraduate courses are eligible.
What the Bursary Covers
- Tuition fees for the chosen STEM course.
- Mentoring from experienced professionals in your field.
- Workshops that cover study skills, career options and future job markets.
- Psychosocial support to keep you mentally and emotionally healthy.
The aim is to fill the gap for people who can’t pay for their studies alone and to grow a stronger STEM talent pool in the country.
Deadline
- Application close: 10 December 2025.
Eligibility
| Condition | What it means |
|---|---|
| Citizen | You must be a South African citizen. |
| Age | Between 18 and 31 years old. |
| Education | Either you’re still in Matric 2025 or you have finished it. |
| Degree | Must be studying or planning to study a full‑time STEM degree (undergraduate or other postgraduate). |
| First qualification | This is your first university qualification. |
| University | You must be at a public university in South Africa. |
| First‑generation | Your parents do not hold a university degree, unless one of the exceptions below applies: |
| • One parent attended but didn’t finish. | |
| • Parents completed short courses or diplomas funded by employers. | |
| • Household income ≤ R350 000 per year. | |
| • Parents receive SASSA benefits (proof required). | |
| • Parents are self‑employed (affidavit + 3 months bank statements). | |
| Funding rules | • You can’t have a full‑time job. |
| • You can’t get full funding from NSFAS or another bursary. Partial or merit‑based aid is allowed. | |
| • Household income must be below R350 000 per year. |
If you meet these requirements, the bursary could become a major step toward a bright future.
How to Apply
To get started, click the link below. It takes you straight to the application portal, where you’ll need to fill out a short form, upload supporting documents and submit your application before the deadline.
Apply for the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026
Why This Matters
Studying a STEM subject can open many doors, from engineering and technology to research and science. Yet the cost of university is a huge hurdle for many talented students in South Africa. The Tomorrow Trust’s bursary is more than just money – it gives students a safety net of guidance, workshops and emotional support that can help them stay on track and finish their studies.
If you’re a 15‑year‑old or a young adult who is passionate about science, tech, engineering or maths and you’re looking for a way to make university affordable, keep reading, check the eligibility and get the application started before the deadline. This could be the first step that changes your life for the better.