FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary funds first-time undergraduates from low-income South African households who show academic potential in information sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences and law - including FNB-related career paths.
Eligible Fields of Study
FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (administered by StudyTrust) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Currently in Grade 12, or completed Grade 12 not more than 3 years ago
- ✓ Provisional admission to a South African public traditional university for full-time study
- ✓ Starting a first undergraduate degree in 2027
- ✓ Combined household gross annual income of R700,000 or less
- ✓ Proven academic potential in the applied-for field of study
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees
- ✓ Accommodation and meals (at official residence)
- ✓ Prescribed books and study materials
- ✓ Laptop where required
- ✓ Mentorship and academic support through StudyTrust
- ✓ Funding continuation for required postgraduate qualifications (e.g. accounting, actuarial science)
How to Apply
Steps to complete your FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (administered by StudyTrust) bursary application
- 1
Visit the StudyTrust FirstRand Empowerment Foundation bursary portal (applications open in October)
- 2
Register a profile and complete the online application form
- 3
Upload supporting documents - ID, results, proof of household income, university acceptance
- 4
Submit before mid-February deadline
- 5
Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews between March and May
- 6
Final results announced by June
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Latest academic results / Grade 11 final or matric results
- 📄 Proof of provisional acceptance at a South African public university
- 📄 Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, grant proof)
- 📄 CV
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?
- South African citizens currently in Grade 12 (or who completed Grade 12 within the last 3 years) starting their first undergraduate degree at a public South African university, from households with a combined gross annual income of R700,000 or less.
- When do FirstRand bursary applications open and close?
- Applications typically open in October and close by mid-February of the following year. Shortlisting and interviews take place between March and May, with final results announced by June.
- Which fields of study does the FirstRand bursary cover?
- Information Sciences (Computer Science, Data Science, IT), Mathematical Sciences (Mathematics, Statistics, Risk), Natural Sciences (Biosciences, Physics, Electronics) and Social Sciences and Law.
- Does the FirstRand bursary cover postgraduate study?
- The bursary primarily covers undergraduate degrees. Where a postgraduate qualification is essential to employment (e.g. accounting, actuarial science), funding for the postgraduate qualification will be accommodated.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 15 February 2026
Apply on FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (administered by StudyTrust)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-05-14. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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