·Computer Science,Computer Engineering
## About the Provider
HP Inc. is one of the world's best-known information technology companies, famous for its personal computers, printers, related supplies, and 3D printing solutions. The company was formed in 2015 as the legal successor of the original Hewlett-Packard Company, which dated back to 1939. When Hewlett-Packard split its personal computer and printer divisions from its enterprise products and services divisions, HP Inc. retained the original stock price history and ticker symbol, while a new company, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, became a separate publicly traded business.
HP Inc. is a global technology brand with a presence in countries around the world. Its products are used in homes, schools, offices, and businesses everywhere, and the company continues to innovate across computing and printing technologies. Beyond making and selling technology, HP Inc. holds a strong belief that companies should do more than simply make a profit. The company aims to make the world a better place, and it pursues this through increased efforts in climate action, human rights, and digital equity.
In South Africa, HP Inc. has shown a clear commitment to investing in the country's future by supporting tertiary students through its bursary programme. The company recognises that South Africa faces a shortage of skills in fields that are essential to a modern, digital economy. By funding students in these scarce-skills areas, HP Inc. helps to build the talent the country needs while opening doors for young people who might otherwise be unable to afford higher education.
The bursary is aimed at students pursuing qualifications in computing and engineering, fields that are central to the technology industry. Students are selected based on academic achievement, reflecting the company's focus on supporting capable and dedicated learners. By rewarding strong performance, HP Inc. encourages excellence and helps to develop a generation of skilled professionals.
For learners with a passion for technology, the HP Inc. Bursary represents both financial support and a connection to a respected global brand. It is an opportunity to study at a recognised public university, gain a sought-after qualification, and step into a sector that shapes the way people live and work. Through this investment in education, HP Inc. demonstrates that its commitment to digital equity is not just a statement but a practical reality, helping to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds can pursue careers in technology.
This combination of corporate strength, social responsibility, and a genuine focus on developing local talent makes the HP Inc. Bursary a valuable opportunity for South African students who dream of building a career in the technology industry.
## About the Program
The HP Inc Bursary Programme provides funding for undergraduate degree studies for the 2027 academic year. It is focused on two closely related fields that are central to the technology sector: Computer Science and Computer Engineering. These areas were chosen because they reflect skills that are in short supply within the South African economy, and because they are essential to the company's own industry.
The programme is designed to support students throughout their undergraduate studies, helping them complete qualifications that are highly valued by employers. By concentrating on computing and engineering, HP Inc. ensures that its funding builds the kind of technical expertise that drives innovation and economic growth.
The bursary is administered by StudyTrust, an experienced organisation that manages the application process and supports students during their studies. This partnership gives applicants access to proper guidance and ensures that funds are managed responsibly and transparently.
Selection for the bursary is based on academic achievement. Applicants must have a strong academic record and must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in their most recent examinations. This focus on academic performance reflects the company's belief in rewarding and developing capable students who have shown dedication to their studies.
The programme requires that recipients study at recognised and accredited public tertiary institutions in South Africa. This ensures that the qualifications earned are credible and respected, and that students benefit from quality education at established universities.
In addition to academic potential, the bursary takes financial circumstances into account through the documents requested during the application process, including proof of household income. This helps the programme reach students who genuinely need financial assistance to pursue their studies.
By funding students in Computer Science and Computer Engineering, the HP Inc Bursary contributes to closing the digital skills gap in South Africa. It helps create a pipeline of skilled graduates who can contribute to the technology industry and the broader economy. For HP Inc., this is part of a wider commitment to digital equity, ensuring that talented young people have the chance to participate in and shape the digital future, regardless of their financial background.
For students, the programme offers more than money. It provides a path into a high-demand field, a connection to a global technology company, and the support needed to succeed at university.
## Bursary Benefits
The HP Inc Bursary provides financial support to help students cover the costs of studying towards a Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree at a recognised public university. The funding is intended to ease the financial burden on students and their families, allowing recipients to focus fully on their studies.
- **Financial support** towards the costs of an undergraduate qualification in a scarce-skills field
- Funding aimed at studies at **recognised and accredited public tertiary institutions** in South Africa
- Support administered by an experienced bursary administrator, providing structure and guidance throughout your studies
- A connection to a respected **global technology company** committed to digital equity
Because the bursary is focused on high-demand fields, recipients gain qualifications that are valued by employers across many industries. The link to a major technology brand can also be valuable for students as they build their academic and professional profiles. By removing financial barriers, the bursary gives capable students the opportunity to complete their studies and move into rewarding technology careers.
## 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 have **completed Matric**
- You must be studying towards an **undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering**
- You must be studying at a **recognised and accredited public tertiary institution** in South Africa
- You must have a **strong academic record**
- You must have achieved a **minimum overall average of 65%** in your most recent examinations
These criteria reflect the programme's focus on academic excellence in scarce-skills fields. Applicants should confirm that they meet all the requirements before applying, as incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered. Financial circumstances are also taken into account through the supporting documents requested during the application process.
## Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with your online 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**
- Your **Matric certificate**
- Your **full academic record** and latest available results
- **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
Make sure all copies are clear, legible, and properly certified where required. Having a complete digital set ready will make the online application process faster and smoother.
## How to Apply
Applications for the HP Inc 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 HP Inc 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.
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. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records, and follow up with the administrator only if necessary.
## 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 HP Inc Bursary.
- **Check your academic average.** You need a minimum overall average of 65% in your most recent examinations. Confirm your results meet this before applying.
- **Make sure your field qualifies.** The bursary is only for Computer Science and Computer Engineering. Applications for other fields will not be considered.
- **Prepare proof of income carefully.** Financial need is assessed through your household income documents, so 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.
- **Keep your academic record up to date.** Make sure your transcripts reflect your most recent results and are on official letterheads where required.
- **Present a professional photo.** A simple head-and-shoulders photo with a plain background creates the right impression.
- **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
The fields funded by the HP Inc Bursary lead to careers that are in high demand both in South Africa and internationally. Graduates are well positioned to enter a digital economy where computing and engineering skills are highly valued.
Graduates in **Computer Science** can pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and IT consultants. The skills learned in this field are central to almost every industry, from banking and retail to healthcare, government, and entertainment. As organisations continue to digitise their operations, the demand for skilled computer scientists keeps growing, making this one of the most secure and rewarding career paths available.
Graduates in **Computer Engineering** combine knowledge of both hardware and software. This opens doors to careers in systems design, embedded systems, network engineering, hardware development, and product design. Computer engineers build and maintain the technology infrastructure that modern organisations depend on, and their skills are essential to companies that design and manufacture computing devices, much like HP Inc. itself.
Both fields offer strong prospects for advancement and specialisation. Professionals can move into senior technical roles, project management, or leadership positions over time. The skills are also highly portable, meaning graduates can pursue opportunities not only across South Africa but around the world. Many technology professionals also use their skills to start their own businesses, developing software, apps, or hardware solutions.
Beyond the specific job titles, being supported by a respected global technology company can add value to a graduate's profile. It signals that the student has been recognised for their academic ability and potential, which can be helpful when seeking employment after graduation.
The technology sector is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic parts of the modern economy. By choosing to study Computer Science or Computer Engineering, students place themselves at the centre of innovation and change. They gain the ability to solve real problems, build new products, and contribute to the digital systems that shape everyday life. For ambitious young people, these fields offer not only stable and well-paid careers but also the chance to be part of an industry that is constantly evolving and full of opportunity.
## Frequently Asked Questions
## Who can apply for the HP Inc Bursary?
South African citizens who have completed Matric and are studying towards an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering at a recognised public university, with a minimum overall average of 65%, may apply.
## What fields of study does the bursary cover?
The bursary covers Computer Science and Computer Engineering only.
## What academic average do I need?
You need a strong academic record with a minimum overall average of 65% in your most recent examinations.
## 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.
## What documents do I need?
You need a photograph, a certified copy of your ID, your Matric certificate, your full academic record, and proof of your household income, along with other supporting documents where applicable.
## Who administers the bursary?
The bursary is administered by StudyTrust, which manages the application process and supports recipients throughout their studies.
## Is financial need considered?
Yes. Although selection is based on academic achievement, proof of household income is requested, and financial circumstances are taken into account.
## Does the bursary cover postgraduate study?
No. The bursary is for undergraduate degree studies in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
Applications Closing
Applications close on 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.