Now is the perfect time to secure funding for your 2027 university studies – the Industrial Development Corporation is accepting applications for its External Bursary Scheme, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What is the IDC External Bursary Scheme 2027?
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) offers a bursary to South African students who need financial help and plan to study full‑time at a public university or university of technology. The scheme covers a range of undergraduate programmes in finance, management, engineering, IT, science, law and other approved fields, plus limited Honours courses.
Who can apply?
- South African citizen
- 26 years old or younger
- Unemployed and in genuine financial need
- Enrolled or intending to enrol full‑time at a South African public university or university of technology
- Applying for a qualification that appears on the IDC approved list (see below)
- Household income up to R350 000 per year (applications from households earning R350 000–R600 000 are considered after an affordability assessment)
- Meeting the academic entry requirements for the chosen programme
What does the bursary cover?
If you are selected, the bursary may pay for the following approved expenses:
- Full tuition fees
- On‑campus or accredited off‑campus accommodation
- One‑off laptop
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
- Other study‑related costs approved in the bursary agreement
Fields of study that are funded
Finance, Management and Business
- Accounting (leading to Chartered Accountancy)
- Financial Management
- Internal Auditing
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Investment Management
- Risk Management
- Transport Management
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Economics
- Econometrics
- Business Management
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Engineering
Engineering, Science and Technology
- Industrial, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Mining, Civil, Construction Engineering
- Quantity Surveying, Metallurgical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry, Geology, Actuarial Science, Data Science, Environmental Science, Quantitative Risk Management, Physics
- Bachelor of Science programmes, Biotechnology, Agricultural Studies, Mathematics, Statistics
- Computer Science, Information Science, BCom Information Systems, Information Technology
Law and Education
- BCom Law (Commercial Law)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Diploma in Law Studies
- Education (any recognised qualification)
Honours programmes (limited places)
- Postgraduate Law qualifications
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Actuarial Science
- Accounting CTA
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Visit the official IDC portal: IDC Bursary Application
- Register a new applicant profile.
- Enter personal details and accurate household‑income information.
- Select the exact qualification you intend to study (it must be on the approved list).
- Upload all required supporting documents (see list below).
- Complete the interview questionnaire.
- Review every field for accuracy.
- Submit before the closing date – 30 September 2026.
- Save a copy of the confirmation screen or email as proof of submission.
Documents you must provide
- Certified South African ID (both you and your parents/guardians).
- Proof of residence (recently certified).
- Matric certificate or Grade 11 and June 2026 results (for current Matrics).
- Latest university or first‑semester 2026 results (for tertiary students).
- Proof of admission or a conditional offer from an eligible institution.
- Household‑income proof – recent payslips, bank statements, SASSA grant letters, or sworn affidavits as appropriate.
- Any other documents required by the portal.
All certified copies must be dated within the last three months. Ensure the certification stamp, commissioner’s details and date are clearly visible.
Tips to improve your chances
- Gather all income documents early – the affordability assessment looks closely at household earnings.
- Check that your chosen qualification appears exactly on the IDC approved list before you start the application.
- Maintain a minimum academic average of 75 % for Matric learners and 65 % for current university students.
- If you have a disability, come from a Quintile 1‑3 school, a disadvantaged community or a rural area, highlight this – the IDC gives weighting to transformation criteria.
- Proofread the interview questionnaire and all uploaded files; any missing or illegible document can lead to disqualification.
- Keep a backup of every file you upload, in case the portal experiences a technical glitch.
Useful contacts
If you have questions about the bursary, you may contact Noluthando Baepi:
- Phone: 011 269 3374
- Email: noluthandob@idc.co.za
- Alternative email: ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za
All applications must still be submitted online through the portal.
Next steps
Take a moment today to verify that you meet the eligibility criteria, collect the required documents, and start the online registration. The closer you get to the 30 September 2026 deadline, the less time you will have to resolve any issues.
About the Industrial Development Corporation
The IDC is a South African development finance institution. It funds projects that create jobs, boost industrial growth and drive economic development. Through its External Bursary Scheme, the IDC invests in the next generation of professionals needed in finance, engineering, technology and other critical sectors.
