Free State Office of the Premier is inviting qualified South African students who live in the Free State to apply for the Provincial Government Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. The closing date is 13 November 2026 at 16:00, so act quickly.
What the bursary is
The Free State Provincial Government Bursary aims to support learners who want to study in scarce or critical skill areas needed by the province. It helps build the future workforce and contributes to economic and skills development.
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- South African citizen
- Resident of the Free State province
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Currently in Matric or have already completed Matric
- Household income below R600 000 per year
- Planning to study full‑time
- Enrolling for a Diploma or Degree in an approved field (see below)
- Accepted at a recognised South African university or university of technology
- Not receiving any other government funding
- Unemployed at the time of application
- Willing to work in a relevant service sector after graduation
Preference may be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Fields of study covered
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Finance
- Economics
- Accounting
- Psychology‑related studies
- Social Sciences
- Aviation Studies
- Public Administration
- Public Governance
- Development Studies
- Other related BAdmin qualifications
What the bursary pays for
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Learning aid devices (where applicable)
- Meals
- Accommodation (where applicable)
- Transport (where applicable)
- Monthly living allowance (where applicable)
Additional student support
- Student Liaison and Support Unit – help with academic and emotional issues
- Stakeholder Support Unit – coordination between you and the tertiary institution
Documents you will need
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified Matric September results (if you are still in Matric) or Matric certificate (if already completed)
- Proof of acceptance from a registered higher‑education institution
- Proof of residence dated within the last three months
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs (or death certificates if they are deceased)
- Proof of household income (latest payslips, unemployment affidavit, SASSA grant letter, or pension statement)
How to apply – step by step
- Download the official application form: Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form.
- If you prefer, pick up a printed form at any of these locations:
- Free State Office of the Premier
- FSTDI
- OR Tambo Building
- Thusong Centres
- Central University of Technology
- University of the Free State
- Complete the form in black ink and attach all required documents.
- Hand‑deliver the completed application to the Bursary Unit at the reception of the FSTDI Brahman Building, 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every document is certified and up to date.
- Make sure your proof of income is clear and matches the R600 000 threshold.
- Write a brief personal statement explaining why you chose a critical‑skill field and how you will give back to the province.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute issues.
- Follow up with the bursary office if you do not hear back within four months; silence usually means the application was not successful.
What happens after you apply
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four months after the closing date. If you do not receive any communication by then, you should assume your application was not successful.
Contact details for enquiries
If you have questions, you can reach the Free State Office of the Premier:
Telephone: 065 742 5935 / 060 533 4702
Email: bursariesfs@fspremier.gov.za
Office hours: 07:30 – 16:00
You may also visit the Bursary Office in person at:
Bursary Office
Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Street
Bloemfontein
Postal address:
Free State Office of the Premier
Bursary Section
Private Bag X20565
Bloemfontein
9300
Closing date
13 November 2026 at 16:00. Applications received after this time will not be accepted.
