Right now the Motsepe Foundation is opening its Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year, and it could be the help you need to study without worrying about money.
What the bursary is
The Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme gives financial support to South African students who have good grades and need money to study.
Who can apply – eligibility criteria
- Average mark higher than 70 % (Life Orientation and Home Language are not counted).
- You must show genuine financial need.
- Your chosen course must be in one of the approved fields of study.
- You must live in a supported area listed below.
What you will receive
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- University‑accredited accommodation
- Books and stationery
- Laptop
- Meal allowance
- Tutor allowance
- Mental‑wellness support
Fields of study that are supported
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Mathematics
- Humanities
- Music
- LLB / Law
Where you can apply – supported locations
Limpopo
- Sekhukhune
- Capricorn
- Vhembe
- Mopani
Free State
- Thabo Mofutsanyana
- Mangaung
KwaZulu‑Natal
- uMgungundlovu
- eThekwini
- King Cetshwayo
Eastern Cape
- OR Tambo
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Buffalo City
Mpumalanga
- Bushbuckridge
- Mbombela
- KwaMhlanga
North West
- Supported areas include:
Gauteng
- Tshwane
- Ekurhuleni
- Johannesburg
- Sedibeng
Western Cape
- Khayelitsha
- Mitchells Plain
Northern Cape
- John Taolo Gaetsewe area
- Frances Baard
Documents you must submit
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified ID copies of your parents or legal guardians.
- Certified copy of your latest academic transcript or result sheet.
- Proof of income for both parents or legal guardians.
- A testimonial letter from either your school principal, a religious leader, or a traditional leader.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Visit the official application page: Apply for Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027.
- Create an account or log in with your details.
- Enter your personal information and academic results (exclude Life Orientation and Home Language when calculating your average).
- Upload all required documents in clear, certified form.
- Confirm that your chosen course and home area are on the approved list.
- Submit the application before 16 October 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Re‑calculate your average without Life Orientation and Home Language; it must be above 70 %.
- Double‑check that your course is one of the supported fields.
- Make sure your home municipality appears in the supported locations.
- Gather certified IDs and income proof early to avoid last‑minute delays.
- Ask your school principal, religious leader or traditional leader for the testimonial letter as soon as possible.
- Upload legible, high‑quality scans of your transcript and other documents.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start preparing your documents today and submit the application before the deadline. This bursary could cover most of your university costs and help you focus on your studies.
