Act now – the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is opening its External Bursary Programme for 2027, and the deadline is only a few weeks away.
What is the IDC External Bursary Programme 2027?
The IDC is offering a full‑study bursary to South African students who need financial help and wish to study in fields that support the country’s economic growth. The funding is mainly for a first undergraduate degree, although a limited number of postgraduate places may be considered in specific areas.
Who can apply?
You must meet all of the following:
- South African citizen with a valid ID (certified, not older than three months)
- Unemployed and not older than 26 years
- Enrolled, or planning to enroll, full‑time at a public university or university of technology
- Household income ≤ R350 000 per year (applications from households earning up to R600 000 are still considered after an affordability assessment)
- Academic performance:
- Matric learners (2026) – Grade 11 final results and June 2026 Grade 12 results; APS of at least 75 %
- Current university students – latest average of at least 65 %; must maintain a minimum 60 % GPA while funded
- Enrolled in an eligible field of study (see list below)
Eligible fields of study
The bursary supports qualifications in the following areas:
Engineering
- Industrial, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Mining, Metallurgy, Civil, Construction Engineering
- Quantity Surveying
Science & Technology
- Analytical Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Geology, Environmental Science
- Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Science, Information Technology
- BCom Information Systems, Bachelor of Science programmes
Agriculture
- Agricultural Studies and related qualifications
Finance & Commerce
- Accounting (CA stream), Financial Management, Internal Audit, Cost & Management Accounting
- Investment Management, Risk Management, Finance Studies, Economics, Econometrics, Financial Accounting, Financial Engineering
- Business Management, Entrepreneurship
Supply Chain & Logistics
- Transport Management, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management
Law
- BCom Law – Commercial Law, LLB, Diploma in Law, selected postgraduate law qualifications
Quantitative Disciplines
- Actuarial Science, Quantitative Risk Management, Mathematics, Statistics
What does the bursary cover?
- Registration and tuition fees
- Examination fees (where applicable)
- University residence or approved off‑campus accommodation
- Meal and transport allowances
- One‑off laptop allocation
How to apply – step by step
- Visit the official IDC portal: Apply for IDC Bursary Programme 2027.
- Create an account and fill in the online application form.
- Answer the interview questionnaire honestly.
- Upload all required supporting documents (see list below).
- Review your personal and academic details for accuracy.
- Submit the application no later than 30 September 2026.
Required supporting documents
- Certified South African ID (≤ 3 months old)
- Certified proof of residence
- Latest academic results (including June 2026 Matric results for 2026 learners)
- Matric certificate (if already obtained)
- Grade 11 final results (for current Matric learners)
- Financial documentation – recent payslips, three months’ bank statements, SASSA grant letter, or other proof of household income as applicable
- Additional parental documents where needed (IDs, death certificates, divorce or separation affidavits, etc.)
Tips to strengthen your application
- Ensure every document is clear, legible, and dated within the required period.
- Highlight any disability, rural background, or attendance at a Quintile 1‑3 school – these factors receive extra consideration.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 60 % throughout your studies; mention this commitment in your questionnaire.
- Proofread all sections for spelling and numerical errors before submission.
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
Contact for queries
For any questions about the programme, you can reach:
- Noluthando Baepi – Phone: 011 269 3374
- Email: noluthandob@idc.co.za
- General bursary enquiries – Email: ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za
Next steps
This bursary could remove the financial barrier to a degree that matters to South Africa’s future. Review the eligibility list, gather your documents, and submit your application before 30 September 2026. Even if you face stiff competition, a well‑prepared application gives you the best possible chance.
