Helping Bright Minds Study Without Worry
Introduction
Are you currently in Grade 12 or have you finished school within the last three years? Do you dream of studying at a university in 2026 but need financial support? The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme might be exactly what you need. This bursary helps talented young South Africans from low-income families get a fully funded university education.
About FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is part of the FirstRand group. They believe in building a better future by investing in young South Africans. Through this bursary, they aim to support first-year university students who have strong academic potential but cannot afford the costs of studying.
StudyTrust, a well-known bursary administrator, runs this bursary programme on behalf of the Foundation. The bursary focuses on fields that are in high demand in South Africa, especially in science, technology, and social development.
Fields Covered
The bursary supports undergraduate degrees in the following areas:
Agricultural Sciences
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All specialisations
Commercial Sciences
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Accounting
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Actuarial Science
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Economics
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Financial Management
Engineering
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All specialisations
Environmental Sciences
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Climate Sciences
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Renewable Energy
Information Sciences
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Business Information Systems
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Computer Science
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Data Science
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Information Systems
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Information Management
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Information Technology
Mathematical Sciences
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Mathematics
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Risk
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Statistics
Natural Sciences
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Biosciences
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Electronics
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Physics
Social Sciences and Law
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Society and Sustainability
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Indigenous Knowledge Systems
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Law
Arts
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Psychology
Requirements
To apply, you must meet all of the following criteria:
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✅ Citizenship: Only Black South African citizens (as defined by the BBBEE Act) may apply.
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✅ Age: You must be 21 years or younger in your first year of study.
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✅ School Grade: You must be in Grade 12 now or have completed it within the last 3 years.
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✅ Mathematics: You need at least Level 5 (60–69%) in Grade 12 Mathematics.
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✅ University Admission: You must have applied and been provisionally accepted into a public traditional university in South Africa for one of the listed degree programmes.
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✅ Study Level: The bursary is for your first undergraduate degree only. However, in cases like accounting or actuarial science, postgraduate funding may be included.
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✅ Income: Your family must earn R700,000 or less per year (combined gross income).
Required Documents
When applying, prepare and upload the following:
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✅ Certified copy of your ID
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✅ Certified copy of your Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 latest results (or final certificate if out of school)
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✅ Proof of university application and provisional acceptance
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✅ Certified copies of parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents
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✅ Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit, or social grant statement)
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✅ A short motivational letter or essay (if required on the platform)
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully:
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Go to the official StudyTrust online application platform:
👉 https://studytrust.org.za/bursary-applications/ -
Register for an account and complete the application form.
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Upload all required documents.
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Double-check that your application is complete before submitting.
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Only online applications will be accepted.
📌 Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Important Dates
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🟢 Applications Open: 01 May 2025
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🔴 Applications Close: 30 September 2025
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🕑 Selection Process: October–December 2025
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📢 Results Communication: Successful applicants will be contacted by early 2026
Contact Information
If you need help or have questions:
StudyTrust – Bursary Administrator
📧 Email: apply@studytrust.org.za
🌐 Website: https://studytrust.org.za
Closing Statement
This is a life-changing opportunity for young students who are passionate about their future but need financial support. If you qualify, don’t wait—start your application early and make sure all your documents are in order. The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary could be your first step to a brighter tomorrow.
🎓 Apply now and take control of your future!
