Clicks Foundation Bursary 2026

About the Provider

Clicks Holdings Limited is one of South Africa's most recognisable retail brands, operating over 795 stores across Southern Africa and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Founded by Jack Goldin in Cape Town in 1968, the company opened its first store in St Georges Street in the Cape Town CBD and has since grown into a leading group focused on health, beauty, lifestyle and music retail. Today, Clicks runs the largest retail pharmacy chain in the country, with more than 470 in-store pharmacies, alongside well-known brands such as The Body Shop, GNC, Musica and Claire's.

The Clicks Foundation is the corporate social investment arm of Clicks Holdings. Its work focuses on creating long-term opportunities for young South Africans through education, skills development and community programmes. Education is at the core of the Foundation's strategy because it directly responds to the country's high youth unemployment, the shortage of digital and technical skills, and the need to support learners who otherwise lack access to higher education.

Through its bursary programme, the Foundation channels investment directly into students pursuing in-demand qualifications. The current focus is on Computer Science and Information Technology because Clicks, like most large retailers, depends on robust digital infrastructure: e-commerce platforms, point-of-sale systems, supply chain software, customer data analytics, cybersecurity, mobile apps and cloud platforms. By funding the next generation of IT professionals, the Foundation supports both individual students and the wider digital economy.

Clicks operates with a strong sense of corporate citizenship, and the bursary forms part of a broader transformation strategy that includes employment equity, learnerships, internships, and supplier development. The Foundation gives preference to students living with disabilities and students from designated groups, in line with national transformation goals. By targeting students based in the Western Cape, the Foundation also strengthens its long-term talent pipeline in the region where many of its head-office and technology functions are based.

For learners with a real passion for technology and a strong academic record, the Clicks Foundation Bursary is a meaningful entry point into one of the country's largest and most respected retail groups. It does more than fund tuition; it places students within a corporate ecosystem that values learning, innovation and growth, and provides a clear pathway from study into early-career roles in IT and digital functions.

## About the Provider Clicks Holdings Limited is one of South Africa's most recognisable retail brands, operating over 795 stores across Southern Africa and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Founded by Jack Goldin in Cape Town in 1968, the company opened its first store in St Georges Street in the Cape Town CBD and has since grown into a leading group focused on health, beauty, lifestyle and music retail. Today, Clicks runs the largest retail pharmacy chain in the country, with more than 470 in-store pharmacies, alongside well-known brands such as The Body Shop, GNC, Musica and Claire's. The Clicks Foundation is the corporate social investment arm of Clicks Holdings. Its work focuses on creating long-term opportunities for young South Africans through education, skills development and community programmes. Education is at the core of the Foundation's strategy because it directly responds to the country's high youth unemployment, the shortage of digital and technical skills, and the need to support learners who otherwise lack access to higher education. Through its bursary programme, the Foundation channels investment directly into students pursuing in-demand qualifications. The current focus is on **Computer Science** and **Information Technology** because Clicks, like most large retailers, depends on robust digital infrastructure: e-commerce platforms, point-of-sale systems, supply chain software, customer data analytics, cybersecurity, mobile apps and cloud platforms. By funding the next generation of IT professionals, the Foundation supports both individual students and the wider digital economy. Clicks operates with a strong sense of corporate citizenship, and the bursary forms part of a broader transformation strategy that includes employment equity, learnerships, internships, and supplier development. The Foundation gives preference to students living with disabilities and students from designated groups, in line with national transformation goals. By targeting students based in the Western Cape, the Foundation also strengthens its long-term talent pipeline in the region where many of its head-office and technology functions are based. For learners with a real passion for technology and a strong academic record, the Clicks Foundation Bursary is a meaningful entry point into one of the country's largest and most respected retail groups. It does more than fund tuition; it places students within a corporate ecosystem that values learning, innovation and growth, and provides a clear pathway from study into early-career roles in IT and digital functions.

About the Program

The Clicks Foundation Bursary is offered for the 2026 academic year and supports a small number of high-potential students working towards undergraduate qualifications in Computer Science or Information Technology. The programme is targeted, regional and competitive, with a clear focus on Western Cape-based universities and on students who already have a track record of strong academic performance.

Funding is restricted to 2nd or 3rd-year undergraduate students, which means it is best suited to learners who have already proven themselves at university level. This focus reflects the Foundation's preference for funding students with a credible chance of completing their qualifications and quickly entering the workforce. Although the bursary does not cover all years of study, it can be a critical lifeline for students approaching their final years who are facing rising fees, accommodation costs or family financial pressure.

Funded fields are deliberately narrow:

Computer Science
Information Technology (all specialities, such as software engineering, data science, networks, cybersecurity, business information systems and similar)

This specialisation aligns with the kind of skills Clicks itself needs internally and with broader scarce-skills demand in South Africa. Students working in any IT-related discipline at a recognised Western Cape university are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the academic and demographic criteria.

The Foundation gives preference to students living with disabilities and students from designated groups under employment equity definitions. This focus is a deliberate choice to widen access into the IT sector, which historically has not represented all South Africans equally. The bursary does not require recipients to commit to working at Clicks after graduation, but the company often considers strong bursars for vacation work, internships and graduate roles.

Applications are submitted via the Clicks careers portal under reference click_bur_022842, with the closing date fixed at 31 December 2025. Because the deadline falls in late 2025, students applying for funding for the 2026 academic year must move quickly. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

## About the Program The Clicks Foundation Bursary is offered for the **2026 academic year** and supports a small number of high-potential students working towards undergraduate qualifications in Computer Science or Information Technology. The programme is targeted, regional and competitive, with a clear focus on Western Cape-based universities and on students who already have a track record of strong academic performance. Funding is restricted to **2nd or 3rd-year undergraduate students**, which means it is best suited to learners who have already proven themselves at university level. This focus reflects the Foundation's preference for funding students with a credible chance of completing their qualifications and quickly entering the workforce. Although the bursary does not cover all years of study, it can be a critical lifeline for students approaching their final years who are facing rising fees, accommodation costs or family financial pressure. Funded fields are deliberately narrow: - **Computer Science** - **Information Technology** (all specialities, such as software engineering, data science, networks, cybersecurity, business information systems and similar) This specialisation aligns with the kind of skills Clicks itself needs internally and with broader scarce-skills demand in South Africa. Students working in any IT-related discipline at a recognised Western Cape university are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the academic and demographic criteria. The Foundation gives **preference to students living with disabilities** and students from designated groups under employment equity definitions. This focus is a deliberate choice to widen access into the IT sector, which historically has not represented all South Africans equally. The bursary does not require recipients to commit to working at Clicks after graduation, but the company often considers strong bursars for vacation work, internships and graduate roles. Applications are submitted via the Clicks careers portal under reference **click_bur_022842**, with the closing date fixed at **31 December 2025**. Because the deadline falls in late 2025, students applying for funding for the 2026 academic year must move quickly. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

Bursary Benefits

The Clicks Foundation Bursary covers core academic costs for selected IT students. Specific benefits include:

Registration fees for the 2026 academic year at a recognised university.
Tuition fees for the funded year.
Prescribed textbooks required for your modules, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs for study materials.
Study assistance and aids, where required, particularly relevant for students living with disabilities who may need software, hardware or other tools to support their learning.
Indirect benefits such as exposure to the Clicks Group, which can lead to vacation work, internships or graduate placements in the company's IT division.
Recognition as a Clicks Foundation bursar, which strengthens your CV when applying for future roles in retail, healthcare and technology.

It is important to note what the bursary does not cover. The award will not pay for outstanding fees from previous years. This means students who have unpaid balances must arrange settlement separately before they can register for the 2026 academic year. Living costs, accommodation and transport are also not part of the package, so applicants should plan to combine the bursary with NSFAS, family contributions or part-time work to meet their full cost of study.

## Bursary Benefits The Clicks Foundation Bursary covers core academic costs for selected IT students. Specific benefits include: - **Registration fees** for the 2026 academic year at a recognised university. - **Tuition fees** for the funded year. - **Prescribed textbooks** required for your modules, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs for study materials. - **Study assistance and aids**, where required, particularly relevant for students living with disabilities who may need software, hardware or other tools to support their learning. - Indirect benefits such as exposure to the Clicks Group, which can lead to vacation work, internships or graduate placements in the company's IT division. - Recognition as a Clicks Foundation bursar, which strengthens your CV when applying for future roles in retail, healthcare and technology. It is important to note what the bursary does **not** cover. The award will not pay for **outstanding fees from previous years**. This means students who have unpaid balances must arrange settlement separately before they can register for the 2026 academic year. Living costs, accommodation and transport are also not part of the package, so applicants should plan to combine the bursary with NSFAS, family contributions or part-time work to meet their full cost of study.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy every one of the following criteria. Failure to meet any one of them will result in disqualification.

You must be a South African citizen.
You must be between 19 and 35 years old.
You must have completed Matric.
You must be studying towards an undergraduate qualification in Computer Science or Information Technology (all specialities).
You must be entering your 2nd or 3rd year of study in 2026.
You must be studying at a recognised and accredited university in the Western Cape.
You must have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 60%.
You must NOT currently be receiving any other bursary award or financial aid.
Preference will be given to students living with disabilities and students from designated groups under employment equity guidelines.

These requirements are strict because the bursary targets a specific stage of study and a specific region. Students outside the Western Cape, or those in their first year, are unfortunately not eligible. Students living with disabilities should ensure they include valid medical documentation to support their preferential consideration.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must satisfy every one of the following criteria. Failure to meet any one of them will result in disqualification. - You must be a **South African citizen**. - You must be between **19 and 35 years old**. - You must have completed Matric. - You must be studying towards an undergraduate qualification in **Computer Science** or **Information Technology** (all specialities). - You must be entering your **2nd or 3rd year of study** in 2026. - You must be studying at a recognised and accredited **university in the Western Cape**. - You must have achieved a minimum overall academic average of **60%**. - You must NOT currently be receiving any other bursary award or financial aid. - Preference will be given to students living with disabilities and students from designated groups under employment equity guidelines. These requirements are strict because the bursary targets a specific stage of study and a specific region. Students outside the Western Cape, or those in their first year, are unfortunately not eligible. Students living with disabilities should ensure they include valid medical documentation to support their preferential consideration.

Required Documents

Submit clear, certified copies of all the documents listed below as part of your online application. Incomplete applications are typically rejected at screening.

Certified copy of your South African ID document.
Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
Full university academic record, including your latest results, on the institution's letterhead.
Proof of university registration for the 2026 academic year.
Proof of disability, if applicable, in the form of a letter from a registered medical doctor.

Make sure that all documents are recent (within three months for certifications), legible, and clearly named when uploaded. Combining multiple pages into a single PDF per document is recommended where possible.

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of all the documents listed below as part of your online application. Incomplete applications are typically rejected at screening. - Certified copy of your South African ID document. - Certified copy of your Matric certificate. - Full university academic record, including your latest results, on the institution's letterhead. - Proof of university registration for the 2026 academic year. - Proof of disability, if applicable, in the form of a letter from a registered medical doctor. Make sure that all documents are recent (within three months for certifications), legible, and clearly named when uploaded. Combining multiple pages into a single PDF per document is recommended where possible.

How to Apply

Confirm that you meet every eligibility requirement, especially the year of study, the Western Cape university requirement and the 60% academic average.
Visit the Clicks Group careers portal and locate the bursary application using the reference click_bur_022842.
Create an applicant profile if you do not already have one, using a working email address that you check often.
Complete the online bursary application form in full, ensuring that your contact details, ID number, university and qualification are accurate.
Indicate clearly whether you live with a disability and which IT specialisation you are studying.
Prepare scanned, certified copies of your ID, Matric certificate, full academic record, proof of registration and any disability documentation.
Upload each required document to the application portal, double-checking that all files are clear and the correct version.
Review your application carefully before clicking submit. Once submitted, applications generally cannot be edited.
Submit your application well before the closing date of 31 December 2025.
Check your email and the Clicks portal regularly for any follow-up requests or interview invitations. If you do not hear back, follow the Foundation's instructions on how to interpret feedback timelines.

## How to Apply 1. Confirm that you meet every eligibility requirement, especially the year of study, the Western Cape university requirement and the 60% academic average. 2. Visit the Clicks Group careers portal and locate the bursary application using the reference **click_bur_022842**. 3. Create an applicant profile if you do not already have one, using a working email address that you check often. 4. Complete the online bursary application form in full, ensuring that your contact details, ID number, university and qualification are accurate. 5. Indicate clearly whether you live with a disability and which IT specialisation you are studying. 6. Prepare scanned, certified copies of your ID, Matric certificate, full academic record, proof of registration and any disability documentation. 7. Upload each required document to the application portal, double-checking that all files are clear and the correct version. 8. Review your application carefully before clicking submit. Once submitted, applications generally cannot be edited. 9. Submit your application well before the **closing date of 31 December 2025**. 10. Check your email and the Clicks portal regularly for any follow-up requests or interview invitations. If you do not hear back, follow the Foundation's instructions on how to interpret feedback timelines.

Tips for Success

The Clicks Foundation Bursary is competitive, regional and very specific in scope. To give yourself the best chance, follow these practical tips:

Apply only if you genuinely qualify. Wasting an application slot when you don't meet the year-of-study, region or average requirements only weakens your overall track record. Read the criteria twice before starting your application.
Confirm your university qualifies. The bursary is restricted to recognised Western Cape institutions. If you are based elsewhere, focus on other IT bursaries available nationally.
Strengthen your academic record. A 60% average is the minimum, but the Foundation typically funds students well above this threshold. Where possible, take supplementary or improvement opportunities to lift weaker module results before applying.
Be specific about your IT specialisation. Whether you are studying software development, data science, cybersecurity, networks or business IT, mention your focus area clearly. It helps the Foundation see how your skills could one day fit into the Clicks digital ecosystem.
Plan your funding holistically. The bursary does not cover accommodation, food or transport. Combine it with NSFAS, family contributions, part-time work or other corporate bursaries.
If you live with a disability, include up-to-date medical documentation. A clear letter from a registered medical doctor strengthens your case for preferential consideration and may unlock additional support such as adapted study aids.
Avoid double funding. The bursary explicitly excludes students currently receiving another bursary. If you are on NSFAS, you may need to weigh which option provides the best overall package and switch only if it is clearly better for your situation.
Use a professional email address. A simple firstname.surname-style email looks far more credible than informal nicknames. Check your inbox, spam and promotions folders during the review period.
Submit well before the deadline. Many universities are closed during late December, and online portals can be slow due to high traffic. Aim to submit by mid-December at the latest.
Keep proof of submission. Save a screenshot of your confirmation page and email any reference numbers to yourself for safekeeping. This makes it easier to follow up if there is any uncertainty about whether your application was received.
Maintain your performance. Even after you apply, keep working hard. Final-year results matter for retention if your bursary is renewed and for graduate-job applications later.

## Tips for Success The Clicks Foundation Bursary is competitive, regional and very specific in scope. To give yourself the best chance, follow these practical tips: - **Apply only if you genuinely qualify.** Wasting an application slot when you don't meet the year-of-study, region or average requirements only weakens your overall track record. Read the criteria twice before starting your application. - **Confirm your university qualifies.** The bursary is restricted to recognised Western Cape institutions. If you are based elsewhere, focus on other IT bursaries available nationally. - **Strengthen your academic record.** A 60% average is the minimum, but the Foundation typically funds students well above this threshold. Where possible, take supplementary or improvement opportunities to lift weaker module results before applying. - **Be specific about your IT specialisation.** Whether you are studying software development, data science, cybersecurity, networks or business IT, mention your focus area clearly. It helps the Foundation see how your skills could one day fit into the Clicks digital ecosystem. - **Plan your funding holistically.** The bursary does not cover accommodation, food or transport. Combine it with NSFAS, family contributions, part-time work or other corporate bursaries. - **If you live with a disability, include up-to-date medical documentation.** A clear letter from a registered medical doctor strengthens your case for preferential consideration and may unlock additional support such as adapted study aids. - **Avoid double funding.** The bursary explicitly excludes students currently receiving another bursary. If you are on NSFAS, you may need to weigh which option provides the best overall package and switch only if it is clearly better for your situation. - **Use a professional email address.** A simple firstname.surname-style email looks far more credible than informal nicknames. Check your inbox, spam and promotions folders during the review period. - **Submit well before the deadline.** Many universities are closed during late December, and online portals can be slow due to high traffic. Aim to submit by mid-December at the latest. - **Keep proof of submission.** Save a screenshot of your confirmation page and email any reference numbers to yourself for safekeeping. This makes it easier to follow up if there is any uncertainty about whether your application was received. - **Maintain your performance.** Even after you apply, keep working hard. Final-year results matter for retention if your bursary is renewed and for graduate-job applications later.

Career Prospects

Graduates with Computer Science or Information Technology qualifications enjoy some of the strongest career outcomes in the South African economy. Demand for IT skills continues to outstrip supply, and Clicks Foundation bursars are well placed to take advantage of this trend.

Within the retail and healthcare industries, IT graduates are critical to running point-of-sale systems, e-commerce platforms, loyalty programmes, supply chain software, pharmacy systems and customer analytics platforms. Bursars who join Clicks itself, or similar large groups, often start as software developers, business analysts, data analysts, network engineers or IT support specialists. With experience, many move into senior roles such as solution architects, engineering managers, data scientists or product managers.

The broader IT industry offers extensive opportunities. Banking and financial services rely heavily on software engineers, cybersecurity specialists and cloud engineers to run mobile banking, payments, fintech and risk systems. Telecommunications, insurance, energy and government agencies all maintain large IT teams. The mining and logistics sectors increasingly need data scientists, automation specialists and Internet of Things developers to manage complex operations.

For entrepreneurial graduates, IT skills open the door to start-ups in fintech, edtech, agritech, healthtech and software-as-a-service. The Western Cape, in particular, has a strong start-up ecosystem in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with venture capital, accelerators and incubators actively looking for technical co-founders. Many bursars use their first few years of work experience to learn the industry, then either move into senior corporate roles or launch their own ventures.

Global opportunities are also very real. Skills in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, data engineering and artificial intelligence are in high international demand. South African IT graduates frequently move into remote-first roles for global companies or relocate temporarily to gain international exposure before returning home with new skills and networks.

Long term, IT-trained graduates are well placed to lead digital transformation initiatives, take up CIO and CTO roles, build start-ups, conduct postgraduate research, or move into adjacent fields such as data-driven strategy, product management and innovation consulting. The Clicks Foundation Bursary helps remove a key financial barrier for students who can later play these roles, both within the Group and across the wider economy.

## Career Prospects Graduates with Computer Science or Information Technology qualifications enjoy some of the strongest career outcomes in the South African economy. Demand for IT skills continues to outstrip supply, and Clicks Foundation bursars are well placed to take advantage of this trend. Within the retail and healthcare industries, IT graduates are critical to running point-of-sale systems, e-commerce platforms, loyalty programmes, supply chain software, pharmacy systems and customer analytics platforms. Bursars who join Clicks itself, or similar large groups, often start as software developers, business analysts, data analysts, network engineers or IT support specialists. With experience, many move into senior roles such as solution architects, engineering managers, data scientists or product managers. The broader IT industry offers extensive opportunities. Banking and financial services rely heavily on software engineers, cybersecurity specialists and cloud engineers to run mobile banking, payments, fintech and risk systems. Telecommunications, insurance, energy and government agencies all maintain large IT teams. The mining and logistics sectors increasingly need data scientists, automation specialists and Internet of Things developers to manage complex operations. For entrepreneurial graduates, IT skills open the door to start-ups in fintech, edtech, agritech, healthtech and software-as-a-service. The Western Cape, in particular, has a strong start-up ecosystem in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with venture capital, accelerators and incubators actively looking for technical co-founders. Many bursars use their first few years of work experience to learn the industry, then either move into senior corporate roles or launch their own ventures. Global opportunities are also very real. Skills in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, data engineering and artificial intelligence are in high international demand. South African IT graduates frequently move into remote-first roles for global companies or relocate temporarily to gain international exposure before returning home with new skills and networks. Long term, IT-trained graduates are well placed to lead digital transformation initiatives, take up CIO and CTO roles, build start-ups, conduct postgraduate research, or move into adjacent fields such as data-driven strategy, product management and innovation consulting. The Clicks Foundation Bursary helps remove a key financial barrier for students who can later play these roles, both within the Group and across the wider economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Clicks Foundation Bursary?

South African citizens between 19 and 35 years old, who are entering their 2nd or 3rd year of an undergraduate Computer Science or IT qualification at a recognised Western Cape university, with at least a 60% academic average and no current bursary support.

Which fields of study are funded?

Only Computer Science and Information Technology (all specialities) for the 2026 academic year.

Does the bursary cover accommodation and living costs?

No. The bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees and prescribed textbooks only. Accommodation, food and transport must be covered through other means such as NSFAS or family support.

Will outstanding tuition from previous years be covered?

No. The Clicks Foundation Bursary explicitly excludes outstanding fees from prior years. You must arrange settlement of any past balances separately before registering for 2026.

Can I apply if I am studying outside the Western Cape?

No. The bursary is restricted to recognised universities in the Western Cape province.

Do I need to work for Clicks after I graduate?

The bursary does not impose a strict work-back obligation, but strong performers are often considered for vacation work, internships and graduate roles in the Clicks Group.

I am a 1st-year student. Can I apply?

No. The bursary is targeted at 2nd and 3rd-year students for the 2026 academic year. First-year students should explore other corporate or institutional bursaries.

When do applications close?

Applications close on 31 December 2025. Apply well before this date.

How will I know if I have been shortlisted?

The Foundation will contact shortlisted candidates directly. Make sure your contact details on the application portal are accurate, and check your email and Clicks careers portal regularly for updates.

What if I live with a disability?

Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply and are given preferential consideration. Submit a clear letter from a registered medical doctor confirming your disability along with the standard documents.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Clicks Foundation Bursary? South African citizens between 19 and 35 years old, who are entering their 2nd or 3rd year of an undergraduate Computer Science or IT qualification at a recognised Western Cape university, with at least a 60% academic average and no current bursary support. ## Which fields of study are funded? Only Computer Science and Information Technology (all specialities) for the 2026 academic year. ## Does the bursary cover accommodation and living costs? No. The bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees and prescribed textbooks only. Accommodation, food and transport must be covered through other means such as NSFAS or family support. ## Will outstanding tuition from previous years be covered? No. The Clicks Foundation Bursary explicitly excludes outstanding fees from prior years. You must arrange settlement of any past balances separately before registering for 2026. ## Can I apply if I am studying outside the Western Cape? No. The bursary is restricted to recognised universities in the Western Cape province. ## Do I need to work for Clicks after I graduate? The bursary does not impose a strict work-back obligation, but strong performers are often considered for vacation work, internships and graduate roles in the Clicks Group. ## I am a 1st-year student. Can I apply? No. The bursary is targeted at 2nd and 3rd-year students for the 2026 academic year. First-year students should explore other corporate or institutional bursaries. ## When do applications close? Applications close on **31 December 2025**. Apply well before this date. ## How will I know if I have been shortlisted? The Foundation will contact shortlisted candidates directly. Make sure your contact details on the application portal are accurate, and check your email and Clicks careers portal regularly for updates. ## What if I live with a disability? Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply and are given preferential consideration. Submit a clear letter from a registered medical doctor confirming your disability along with the standard documents.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 31 December 2025. Apply early, especially over the festive period, to avoid technical issues and missed deadlines.

## Applications Closing Applications close on **31 December 2025**. Apply early, especially over the festive period, to avoid technical issues and missed deadlines.

About the Organization

Clicks Foundation Email: Bursaryadministrator@clicksgroup.co.za Clicks Foundation Support: clickssupport@pnet.co.za Tel: 010 140 3099

## About the Organization Clicks Foundation Email: Bursaryadministrator@clicksgroup.co.za Clicks Foundation Support: clickssupport@pnet.co.za Tel: 010 140 3099