FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary 2027

## About the Provider The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, often referred to as FREF, was founded in 2005 as part of FirstRand Limited's broad-based black economic empowerment initiative. The foundation is committed to reducing poverty and inequality in South Africa by supporting public benefit activities that are aligned with empowerment principles. Its leadership consists primarily of individuals classified as black under the Financial Sector Charter, reflecting its strong focus on transformation. The foundation envisions a South Africa where all citizens have fair and equitable access to economic opportunities, helping to foster inclusive growth. Its work centres on empowering communities to participate actively in the national economy, and it has identified several key strategic areas to drive this mission forward. Education is one of the most powerful tools for achieving these goals, which is why the foundation invests in students through its bursary programme. FirstRand is one of South Africa's largest financial services groups, and the empowerment foundation channels some of that strength into developing the country's young people. By funding students in critical-skills fields, the foundation helps to address the shortage of qualified professionals in areas that are essential to economic growth and social development. The bursary programme is designed to support talented students from financially constrained backgrounds who might otherwise be unable to attend university. It reflects the foundation's belief that talent should not go to waste simply because of a lack of money. By removing financial barriers, the programme gives capable young people the chance to pursue their studies and build careers that can transform their own lives and the lives of their families and communities. What makes this programme particularly valuable is its comprehensive nature. Rather than covering only tuition, it provides a full package of support, including learning resources, accommodation, meals, a stipend, and even a computer for first-year students. This holistic approach recognises that financial barriers to education go beyond just fees and that students need broader support to succeed. For learners who dream of becoming engineers, doctors, accountants, scientists, or professionals in many other fields, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary represents a genuine opportunity. It is not only a source of funding but also part of a wider movement to build a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa. Through this programme, the foundation invests in the people who will help shape the country's future, ensuring that economic opportunity reaches those who have the ability and determination to succeed.

## About the Program The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme funds undergraduate degree studies for the 2027 academic year, with a focus on critical skills programmes. The foundation has identified a wide range of fields that are essential to South Africa's development, and it funds first-time undergraduate students who wish to study in these areas. The funded fields are organised into broad groups. They include Agricultural Sciences across all specialisations; Arts subjects such as Psychology, Digital Arts, Fine Arts, Multimedia, Architecture, and Art and Design; Commercial Sciences including Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, and Financial Management; Engineering across all specialisations; and Environmental Sciences such as Climate Sciences and Renewable Energy. The programme also covers Health Sciences including Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Public Health, and Pharmacy. Further fields include Information Sciences such as Business Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Management, and Information Technology; Mathematical Sciences including Mathematics, Risk, and Statistics; Natural Sciences such as Biosciences, Electronics, and Physics; and Social Sciences and Law, including subjects focused on society and sustainability, indigenous knowledge systems, and law. This broad scope shows that the foundation supports a comprehensive range of careers that are important to the economy and society. The bursary is comprehensive, covering tuition fees, learning resources, a computer for first-year students, accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend. This level of support means recipients can focus fully on their studies without the constant worry of how to cover their costs. The programme is administered by StudyTrust, an experienced bursary administrator that manages applications and supports students throughout their studies. Funding is aimed primarily at students entering their first year of study in 2027, although postgraduate funding may be considered in special circumstances where a postgraduate qualification is essential to access employment opportunities. The programme places a strong emphasis on transformation and empowerment, reflecting the foundation's roots in broad-based black economic empowerment. It is aimed at black students, as defined by the relevant legislation, who are no older than twenty-one in their first year of study and who come from families with a combined gross income of not more than R700 000 per year. By funding a comprehensive package of support across so many critical fields, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary helps to develop skilled graduates who can contribute to the country's growth and to a more inclusive economy.

## Bursary Benefits The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is a comprehensive award, structured to cover a wide range of study-related expenses. This makes it one of the more complete bursary packages available, removing much of the financial pressure on students and their families. - **Tuition fees** covered in full - **Learning resources** to support academic work - A **computer** for first-year students, which is essential for modern study - **Accommodation** to support students who need to live away from home - **Meals** to cover daily living needs - A **monthly stipend** to help with other personal and study-related costs The inclusion of a computer for first-year students is particularly valuable, as access to a reliable device is increasingly essential for university study. By covering accommodation, meals, and a stipend as well, the bursary ensures that students can focus on their studies rather than worrying about how to meet their living costs. Beyond the financial support, recipients benefit from being part of a programme run by an experienced administrator and backed by a respected foundation. This comprehensive support gives students a strong foundation for academic success.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered. - You must be a **South African citizen** - You must be **Black, as defined by the relevant legislation** - You must **not be older than 21 years** in your first year of study - You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric within the last three years (applicants who completed Matric more than three years ago may not apply) - You must have achieved a minimum of **level 5 for Mathematics** in Matric - You must have a **strong academic record** - You must intend to study full-time towards a first undergraduate degree in one of the listed fields - You must be entering your **first year of study in 2027** (postgraduate funding may be considered only in special circumstances where it is essential to access employment) - You must have applied for and been provisionally admitted to study at a **public university** in South Africa in 2027 - You must have a combined gross family income of **not more than R700 000 per year**

## Required Documents Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with your application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin. - A clear **photograph** (head and shoulders) - A certified copy of your **South African ID document** - **Grade 11 final results and Matric mid-year results**, if currently in Matric - **Matric certificate**, if you have completed Matric - **Proof of university acceptance** or provisional acceptance for 2027 - **Proof of household income** for your parents or guardians (payslips if employed, an affidavit if unemployed or self-employed, financial statements or bank statements if they own a business, or a SASSA letter if grants are received) - **Death certificates** for parents, if deceased - A court letter or affidavit regarding **child support**, if parents are divorced or separated

## How to Apply Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary must be submitted online through the administrator's website. Follow these steps to apply successfully: 1. Gather all your required documents and save clear, certified copies so you can upload them easily. 2. Read the bursary administrator's application instructions page carefully before you begin, as it explains the process in detail. 3. Visit the online application portal for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary. 4. Create an account or log in as required, then complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details. 5. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested on the form. 6. Upload all your supporting documents, making sure each file is clear and complete, including proof of university acceptance for 2027. 7. Review your entire application to confirm there are no errors or missing information. 8. Submit your application before the closing date. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so it is wise to apply well in advance. Because the bursary is aimed at first-year students, make sure your proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance is included. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

## Tips for Success A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary. - **Confirm you meet the age and Matric timing rules.** You must be no older than 21 in your first year and must have completed Matric within the last three years. Check these carefully before applying. - **Check your Mathematics result.** You need at least level 5 for Mathematics in Matric. Make sure you meet this requirement. - **Secure proof of university acceptance.** Because the bursary is for first-year students, your proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance is essential. Apply to universities early so you have this ready. - **Prepare proof of income carefully.** Your family income must not exceed R700 000 per year. Make sure payslips, affidavits, or bank statements are recent and clear. - **Apply early.** Online systems can become busy near the deadline. Submitting early helps you avoid last-minute technical problems. - **Get documents certified in advance.** Certified copies take time to arrange, so plan a visit to a police station, post office, or Commissioner of Oaths ahead of time. - **Read the administrator's instructions.** The bursary administrator provides a guide that explains the process. Reading it carefully helps you avoid common mistakes. - **Choose your field wisely.** Make sure your intended degree falls within one of the funded critical-skills fields. - **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing fields create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask someone to check it for you. - **Be truthful.** Provide only accurate information. Dishonesty can lead to disqualification and damage your reputation. Taking the time to prepare a complete and accurate application shows commitment and helps you stand out among many other candidates competing for limited funding.

## Career Prospects Because the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary funds such a wide range of fields, graduates can move into careers across almost every important sector of the economy. The programme deliberately focuses on critical skills, meaning recipients are well placed to find meaningful and in-demand work. Graduates in **Commercial Sciences and Mathematical Sciences** can become accountants, actuaries, economists, financial managers, statisticians, and risk analysts. These professionals are essential to banks, businesses, and government, and their skills are consistently in high demand. Those who study **Engineering** across its many specialisations can pursue careers as civil, mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineers, among others. Engineers build and maintain the infrastructure and systems that society depends on, from roads and buildings to power and water supply. Graduates in **Health Sciences** can become doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and public health professionals. These careers are vital to the wellbeing of communities and offer stable, respected, and rewarding work. Those in **Information Sciences and Natural Sciences** can work as software developers, data scientists, IT specialists, physicists, and electronics experts. As the world becomes more digital and technology-driven, these skills are increasingly valuable across all industries. Graduates in **Environmental Sciences** can pursue careers focused on climate, renewable energy, and sustainability, areas that are becoming ever more important as the world responds to environmental challenges. Those who study **Arts, Social Sciences, and Law** can become psychologists, architects, designers, lawyers, and professionals working in society and sustainability. These fields shape culture, justice, and community development. Beyond the specific careers, the bursary connects students to a respected foundation with strong links to the financial sector and the broader economy. This association, combined with a strong qualification, can open doors when seeking employment. The programme's focus on empowerment also means that recipients become part of a wider effort to build a more inclusive economy. For talented young people from financially constrained backgrounds, the bursary offers a path into careers that can transform their own futures and contribute to the development of the country. The breadth of fields funded means that almost any ambitious student with a passion for a critical-skills career can find a place within the programme.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary? South African citizens who are Black as defined by the relevant legislation, no older than 21 in their first year, with at least level 5 for Mathematics, who are entering first year at a public university in 2027, and whose family income is not more than R700 000 per year, may apply. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers a wide range of critical-skills fields, including Agricultural Sciences, Arts, Commercial Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, Information Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and Law. ## What expenses does the bursary cover? The bursary covers tuition fees, learning resources, a computer for first-year students, accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend. ## What marks do I need? You need at least level 5 for Mathematics in Matric and a strong overall academic record. ## What is the income requirement? Your combined gross family income must not be more than R700 000 per year. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **30 September 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## How do I apply? Applications are submitted online through the administrator's website. You will need to complete the form and upload your supporting documents, including proof of university acceptance. ## Is this bursary for first-year students only? Yes, primarily. It is aimed at students entering their first year of study in 2027, though postgraduate funding may be considered in special circumstances. ## Who administers the bursary? The bursary is administered by StudyTrust, which manages the application process and supports recipients throughout their studies.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.

About the Organization

StudyTrust (bursary administrator) Tel: 011 403 1632 Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za