Many South African students need funding to start university, and the Hollywood Foundation is offering a timely chance to do just that.
What the Future is Bright Bursary 2027 Offers
The Hollywood Foundation’s Future is Bright Bursary Programme supports South African learners who will study full‑time in 2027. It can cover either full or partial costs, depending on your chosen field and academic record.
Who Can Apply
You are eligible if you meet all of the following:
- South African citizen
- Currently in Matric or have already passed Matric
- Planning to study full‑time in 2027 at a DHET‑registered university or higher‑education institution (TVET colleges are excluded)
- Enrolled in one of the approved fields of study (see list below)
- Meeting the minimum academic results (65% overall and per subject for Matric; 60% overall for current tertiary students)
- Not holding another bursary that obliges you to work for a different organisation after graduation
- Willing to accept the bursary terms, including possible vacation work and post‑graduation employment
Approved Fields of Study
- Architectural Design
- Business Management
- Data Science
- Finance and Accounting
- BCom Law
- Graphic Design
- Human Resources Management
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Information Systems
- Software Engineering
- Systems and Network Administration
- Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Communications
- Media and Communications
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics Management
Study Levels That May Be Funded
- Higher Certificates
- National Certificates
- Diplomas
- Degrees
- Honours
- Advanced Diplomas
- Other approved postgraduate courses (excluding Masters and PhDs)
What the Bursary Covers
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- Approved accommodation
- Approved living assistance
Funding will be full or partial, based on the bursary allocation and your personal circumstances.
What Is Not Covered
- Supplementary exam fees
- Non‑prescribed study materials
- Personal or unrelated expenses
- Any costs not approved by the bursary committee
Potential Work Requirements
The bursary may require you to do vacation work for at least half of the holiday period. A transport stipend will be provided. After you graduate, the foundation may ask you to work for the company for a period equal to the time you were funded.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to:
- Complete assessments
- Attend interviews
- Take part in additional selection activities
Final decisions will be communicated by the end of December 2026.
Required Application Documents
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric certificate or official results statement
- Latest tertiary results (if applicable)
- Acceptance letter or proof of application from your chosen institution
- Detailed information about the qualification you intend to study
- Name and address of the registered institution
- Proforma or estimated invoice from the institution, broken down into registration, tuition, textbooks, accommodation and living assistance
- Proof of the institution’s banking details
- Proof of residential address
- Motivational letter (max 2,000 words)
Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Motivational Letter Guidance
Write the letter in your own words. Explain why you are applying, why you deserve the bursary, how it will help your studies, and how the qualification fits into your future plans.
Internal vs. External Applications
Two routes exist:
- External route – for applicants who are not employees of Hollywoodbets and have no close relatives working for the group.
- Internal route – for Hollywood Group employees and their immediate family members.
Choose the correct route when you start the online form.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the official application portal: Apply for Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027
- Select the correct internal or external application option.
- Create an account and fill in your personal details.
- Upload all required documents in clear, legible PDFs.
- Enter your proforma invoice details exactly as received from the institution.
- Write and attach your motivational letter (max 2,000 words).
- Review everything, then submit before 12:00 midday on 03 September 2026.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Double‑check that every document is certified and legible.
- Ensure your Matric or tertiary results meet the minimum percentages.
- Tailor the motivational letter to the specific field you chose.
- Proofread for spelling and grammar – a tidy letter shows attention to detail.
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute technical glitches.
- If you are eligible for both routes, apply through the external route (the internal route is only for employees and their families).
Next Steps
If you meet the criteria, start gathering your documents now. The deadline is fast approaching, so aim to complete the online form early. Good preparation can boost your chances of receiving this valuable support.
Bursary Enquiries
For any questions, email the Hollywood Foundation Bursaries Team at bursaries@hollywoodfoundation.co.za. Use this address only for bursary‑related queries.
