Free State Office of the Premier is accepting applications for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. The deadline is fast approaching – you have until 13 November 2026 at 16:00 to submit a complete, hand‑delivered application.
What the bursary offers
This is a full‑time bursary for degree or diploma studies in high‑need fields such as STEM, finance, economics, accounting, psychology, social sciences, aviation, public governance and developmental studies. It is aimed at students who will help fill critical skill gaps in the Free State.
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- South African citizen residing in the Free State province
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Currently completing Matric or already have a Matric certificate
- Household income below R600 000 per year
- Unemployed and not receiving any other government funding
- Accepted for full‑time study at a recognised South African university or university of technology
- Willing to work in the related sector after graduation
Preference is given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
What you will receive
If you are successful, the bursary may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and learning‑aid devices (where applicable)
- Meals and accommodation (where applicable)
- Transport (where applicable)
- A monthly living allowance (where applicable)
Exact funding depends on your personal circumstances and the conditions of the bursary.
Additional support for bursary students
Recipients can access the Student Liaison and Support Unit for academic and emotional help, and the Stakeholder Support Unit for coordination with the higher‑education institution.
How to apply – step by step
- Collect the official Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form from any of these locations:
- Office of the Premier – FSTDI
- OR Tambo Building
- Thusong Centres
- Central University of Technology
- University of the Free State
- Gather all required documents (see list below).
- Complete every section of the application form clearly and accurately.
- Have all copies of your ID, Matric results, parents’ IDs, etc., certified.
- Package the completed form with the supporting documents.
- Hand‑deliver the package to the Bursary Unit reception at:
FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene, Bloemfontein
9301 - Submit before the closing time of 16:00 on 13 November 2026.
Required documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of September Matric results (if still in Matric) or Matric certificate
- Proof of acceptance from a recognised higher‑education institution
- Proof of residence (not older than three months)
- Certified copies of parents’/guardians’ IDs
- Death certificates of parents/guardians (if applicable)
- Proof of household income (recent payslips, affidavit, SASSA grant proof, or pension statement)
Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every field on the form is filled in.
- Ensure all certificates and IDs are clearly legible and properly certified.
- Provide the most recent income proof – payslips must be no older than three months.
- Attach a concise cover letter explaining why you chose a scarce‑skill field and how you intend to give back to the Free State.
- Submit your application at least a few days before the deadline to avoid last‑minute issues.
Selection process
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, usually within four months after the deadline. If you have not heard back after that period, you should consider the application unsuccessful.
Contact information
For any questions, reach out to the Free State Office of the Premier:
- Phone: 065 742 5935 / 060 533 4702
- Email: bursariesfs@fspremier.gov.za
- Office hours: 07:30 – 16:00
- In‑person assistance at the Bursary Office, Brahman Building, 124 Nelson Mandela Street, Bloemfontein
- Postal address: Free State Office of the Premier, Bursary Section, Private Bag X20565, Bloemfontein, 9300
Quick overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bursary provider | Free State Office of the Premier |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Eligible age | 18–35 years |
| Province | Free State |
| Study level | Diploma and degree |
| Study mode | Full‑time |
| Institution type | University or university of technology |
| Household income limit | Less than R600 000 per annum |
| Employment status | Unemployed |
| Application method | Hand delivery |
| Closing date | 13 November 2026 at 16:00 |
Next steps
Start gathering your documents today. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this bursary could cover most of your study costs and give you a clear pathway into a scarce‑skill career in the Free State. Submit your application before the deadline and take the first step toward a brighter future.
