IDC External Bursary Scheme
The IDC External Bursary Scheme is a comprehensive, full-cost bursary from the Industrial Development Corporation, a government-owned national development finance institution. It funds unemployed South African students with financial need who are studying full-time at public universities or universities of technology in finance and commerce, STEM, law and selected postgraduate qualifications. Preference is given to applicants living with a disability and students from previously disadvantaged communities, rural areas and Quintile 1-3 schools.
Eligible Fields of Study
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Not older than 26 years of age
- ✓ Unemployed with demonstrated financial need
- ✓ Minimum 75% average for matriculants; minimum 65% average for current tertiary students (and must maintain roughly a 60% GPA once funded)
- ✓ Combined household income up to R350,000 per year (cases between R350,000 and R600,000 per year may also be considered)
- ✓ Admitted to study full-time at a South African public university or university of technology (private institutions are not covered)
- ✓ Preference is given to applicants living with a disability and students from Quintile 1-3 public schools, previously disadvantaged communities and rural areas
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees
- ✓ University accommodation and accredited off-campus accommodation
- ✓ Once-off laptop
- ✓ Meal allowance
- ✓ Transport allowance
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) bursary application
- 1
Check the official IDC Bursary Portal (protected.idc.co.za/BursaryPortal) for the current cycle's opening and closing dates
- 2
Register and create a profile on the IDC Bursary Portal
- 3
Complete the online External Bursary application form
- 4
Upload all required supporting documents
- 5
Submit your application before the closing date
- 6
Wait for screening, shortlisting and outcome communication from the IDC bursary team
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID
- 📄 Matric certificate or latest available matric results
- 📄 Most recent academic record or tertiary transcript
- 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at a public university or university of technology
- 📄 Proof of household income (or affidavit where unemployed)
- 📄 Motivational letter
- 📄 Proof of disability where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the IDC External Bursary?
- Unemployed South African citizens aged 26 or younger who can demonstrate financial need, are admitted to study full-time at a public university or university of technology, and meet the academic minimums (75% average for matriculants or 65% for current tertiary students). Preference is given to applicants living with a disability and students from Quintile 1-3 schools, previously disadvantaged communities and rural areas.
- What does the IDC bursary cover?
- It is a full-cost bursary covering tuition fees, university or accredited off-campus accommodation, a meal allowance, a transport allowance and a once-off laptop.
- Which fields of study does the IDC fund?
- Finance, management and commerce qualifications (such as BCom Accounting, Economics and Financial Management), STEM fields (engineering, Computer Science, Data Science and Actuarial Science), law (BCom Law, LLB and law diplomas) and a limited list of postgraduate qualifications.
- When do IDC External Bursary applications open and close?
- Applications run on an annual cycle. For the 2026 academic year they opened on 1 June 2025 and closed on 30 September 2025. The 2027 academic-year cycle is expected to open around June 2026 - confirm the exact dates on the official IDC Bursary Portal.
- Does my household income affect my eligibility?
- Yes. The scheme targets households with a combined income of up to R350,000 per year, although applications from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 per year may also be considered.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2025
Apply on Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Industrial Development Corporation (IDC):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 011 269 3374
Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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