FirstRand Foundation Bursary 2027 – STEM & Psych Honours – 31 Dec 2026

Time is short – the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is opening its 2027 Honours bursary, and the deadline closes on 31 December 2026. If you are ready to start a one‑year Honours degree in a STEM or Psychology field, this could fund your studies right now.

What the opportunity is

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme supports South African students who are entering their first full‑time Honours qualification (minimum NQF Level 8) in 2027. It covers a range of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Psychology subjects at any recognised public university in the country.

Who can apply (requirements/eligibility)

• South African citizen.
• Black under B‑BBEE (African, Coloured or Indian).
• Age 18–35 on 31 December 2027.
• Matric completed with at least 60 % in NSC Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy does not qualify).
• Mathematics taken at school – not Mathematical Literacy.
• Undergraduate degree completed with a minimum overall average of 60 %.
• Entering your first full‑time, one‑year Honours degree in 2027.
• Studying one of the eligible fields listed below.
• Enrolled at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa.
• Meets the university’s admission requirements for the chosen Honours programme.
• Combined household income does not exceed R700 000 per year.

Eligible fields of study

• Actuarial Science
• Agricultural Sciences
• BA Honours Arts (Psychology)
• Biosciences
• Climate Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Information Management
• Information Science
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Mathematical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Renewable Energy
• Risk
• Sciences
• Statistics

What you gain (benefits)

• Tuition fee coverage.
• Accommodation allowance up to R65 000.
• Monthly travel stipend.
• Food vouchers.
• Airtime vouchers.
• Access to additional student support and development services.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Visit the official application portal: FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary – apply now.
2. Create an account and fill in all required personal and academic fields.
3. Upload the supporting documents in PDF format (max 5 MB each):
   • Certified copy of your ID (no older than six months).
   • Certified Matric certificate.
   • Certified full undergraduate transcript.
   • Provisional or final Honours acceptance letter (if available).
   • Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, audited statements, SASSA letter, etc.).
   • ID numbers of all household members.
   • EEA1 form and doctor’s note if you have a disability.
4. Check that every document is clear and legible before submitting.
5. Submit the application before the closing date.

Tips to improve your chances

• Double‑check the age and income limits; they are strict.
• Ensure your NSC Mathematics result is at least 60 % and that you studied Mathematics, not Literacy.
• Maintain a 60 % or higher average in your undergraduate degree – most applications are rejected for lower marks.
• Upload high‑resolution PDFs; blurry files often lead to disqualification.
• Provide complete income proof – an incomplete affidavit can cost you the bursary.
• Follow the university’s Honours admission criteria precisely.
• Submit early to avoid last‑minute technical issues.

Conclusion – next steps

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation bursary can remove the financial barrier to a Honours degree in a high‑demand field. Gather your documents, verify you meet every eligibility point, and apply online before 31 December 2026. Good luck – your future could start this year.

Quick overview