Free State Office of the Premier – 2026 Bursary for Students
If you’re a student who lives in the Free State and want to study something that helps people and the community, this is the chance you’ve been waiting for. The Free State Office of the Premier is offering a bursary for the 2026 academic year. The program is designed to cover all the costs that come with university life so that you can focus on your studies and on building a better future for the region and the whole country.
What the Bursary Covers
This bursary is a one‑stop solution for most of your expenses:
- Registration and tuition for every semester or year
- Room and board at your university
- Food money so you can eat well while you study
- Books and study materials that you’ll need for your courses
- Special equipment if your field of study requires it
- Assistive devices for students who need extra help
All of these will be paid directly to your higher‑education institution after you confirm your enrolment.
Fields of Study
The bursary is aimed at people who want to study in fields that are needed by the province and the nation. Below is a quick list of the majors you can pick from. If you see a name that matches what you want to do, you can apply for it.
Health Sciences – Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiography, Pharmacy, Nursing, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Emergency Medical Care, Medicine (MBChB)
Social Sciences & Community Development – Community Development, Social Work, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Applied Psychometry
Accounting, Finance & Auditing – Accounting, Data Science, Risk Management, Fraud Investigation, Supply Chain, Finance
Engineering & Technical Fields – Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Mining, Nuclear, Architectural, Aerospace, Mechatronics, Structural, Quantity Surveying, Agriculture, Construction Management, Project Management
Education – Teaching in Accounting, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, or Early Childhood Development
Economics & Development – Economics, Econometrics, Development Studies
IT & Digital – Cyber Security, Information Security, Software & Network Systems, AI, Robotics, Information Resource Management
Built Environment & Planning – Disaster Management, Town & Regional Planning, Property Valuation, Land Administration, GIS, Occupational Health & Safety
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences – Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Soil Science, Pasteur Science
Creative Arts & Publicity – Publicity & Marketing, General Arts Management, Fine Arts, Social Studies
Actuarial Science – Actuarial Science
If you see a course that you’re interested in, keep reading. This bursary is meant for students who can get into a university that’s recognized in South Africa.
Who Can Apply?
You need to check a few boxes before you start the application:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Live in the Free State.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Either still in high school (Matric) or have finished Matric.
- Your family’s yearly income must be below R600 000.
- You must not already be receiving a bursary or other scholarship.
- Plan to study full‑time in one of the listed subjects.
- Be accepted at a recognized university in South Africa.
- Show that you have strong academic potential and that you need financial help.
- Students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
Documents You’ll Need
When you send in your application, make sure you attach clear copies (certified if required) of the following:
- ID document
- Matric September results (if still in high school) or matric certificate
- Proof of university acceptance
- Proof that you live in the Free State (a document not older than three months)
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID or death certificates
- Proof of household income – the latest three months’ payslips, an affidavit if you’re unemployed, or proof of SASSA grant or pension
Missing any of these may cause your application to be turned down, so double‑check everything before you send it.
How to Apply
Download the application form from the Free State Office of the Premier website.
Apply for the 2026 Bursary nowYou can also pick up a paper copy at:
- Office of the Premier (FSTDI, OR Tambo Building)
- Thusong Centres
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
Put your finished application in the hand‑delivery box at the FSTDI Brahman Building, 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301. The bursary team will check the paperwork and let you know if you’re in the shortlist within four months after the deadline.
Deadline
The last day to send in your application is 16 January 2026 at 16:00. If your file is late, it will not be considered, so get it in early and keep it safe.
Why This Matters
The Free State Office of the Premier’s bursary is a chance to study a field that is really needed in the province, and it helps you do so without the weight of financial stress. If you meet the eligibility rules and your application is strong, you could receive full support for tuition, housing, food, books, and any special equipment you might need. This makes it possible for smart students with limited means to chase their dreams and give back to the community.
Don’t wait. Check the list of subjects, gather the documents, and click the link above to get started. Your future could start right here in the Free State with the help of this bursary.
