If you want to kick‑start a tech career without worrying about tuition, the CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa bursary is open right now and closes soon.
What the opportunity is
The CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 supports South African students who study technology‑related courses. It targets the “missing middle” – families earning between R350 000 and R600 000 a year. The bursary can help with tuition, registration, textbooks and other study costs.
Who can apply
- South African citizens only.
- Studying a recognised public or private higher‑education institution in South Africa.
- Enrolled in 2027 from first to fourth year, or Honours (NQF 8) or B Tech (NQF 7) programmes.
- Fields of study: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology.
- Household income between R350 000 and R600 000 per year (the missing middle).
- Preference given to equity candidates, financially needy, academically deserving and historically disadvantaged students.
What you gain
The bursary may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Registration costs
- Prescribed textbooks
- Other study‑related expenses
Funding amounts vary per student and depend on the institution’s guidelines.
How to apply – step by step
- Read the full bursary guidelines on the StudyTrust platform.
- Gather certified copies of:
- Your South African ID
- Latest academic results
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter
- Parent/guardian proof of income
- Any required affidavits
- Visit the official application page: CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2027.
- Complete the online form with accurate personal, academic and financial details.
- Upload all certified documents and double‑check for clarity.
- Submit before the deadline on 30 September 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Start early – give yourself at least two weeks to collect and certify documents.
- Proofread every entry; small errors can lead to disqualification.
- Highlight any academic awards or relevant projects in your personal statement.
- Make sure your income proof clearly shows the household total falls within R350 000–R600 000.
- Follow the exact file format and size requirements on StudyTrust.
- Submit well before the closing date to avoid last‑minute technical glitches.
Conclusion and next steps
This bursary offers a realistic way to fund your studies in Computer Science, Engineering, Software Development or IT. If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents now and apply before 30 September 2026. A well‑prepared application can bring you one step closer to a rewarding tech career.
