Who can apply for the PIC Bursary?

South African citizens aged 25 or younger who were born in and reside in one of the nine provinces, are currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and intend to study (or are studying) full-time towards a first undergraduate qualification at a public South African institution. You must have at least a 60% overall average, be unemployed and come from a financially disadvantaged background.

Which fields of study does the PIC Bursary cover?

The PIC funds qualifications aligned to its investment mandate, including Accounting (CA stream), Actuarial Science, Economics, Applied Development Economics, Finance and Financial Management, Investment Management, Risk Management, Mathematical Science, Computer Science / IT / Information Systems, Human Resources Management and Law (LLB).

When do PIC Bursary applications open and close?

The programme runs annually, with applications typically opening around September/October. The most recently advertised closing date was 31 October 2025 for the 2026 academic year. Always check pic.gov.za for the current cycle's exact dates.

How do I apply for the PIC Bursary?

Apply via the online Microsoft Forms link advertised on the PIC bursaries page, or download the PDF application form and email it with your certified supporting documents to bursaryapplications@pic.gov.za.

Finance & Banking

PIC Bursary Programme

Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC)

The PIC Bursary Programme is a full-cost bursary from the Public Investment Corporation, South Africa's government-owned asset manager, for academically strong, financially disadvantaged students in finance, accounting, actuarial science, economics, IT and related fields. It targets young South Africans aged 25 or under from across all nine provinces, with a strong focus on rural and township learners. Outstanding students may also gain access to the PIC graduate programme.

Amount: Full-cost bursary covering tuition, accommodation, books and study-related expenses based on financial need
Deadline: To be announced
Renewable: Yes

2027 applications not yet open

Visit official site

Eligible Fields of Study

Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC) supports students in the following disciplines

Accounting / Accounting Science (CA stream)

Actuarial Science

Applied Development Economics

Economics

Finance / Financial Management

Investment Management

Risk Management

Mathematical Science

Computer Science / Information Technology / Information Systems

Human Resources Management

Law (LLB)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Not older than 25 years of age
✓ Born in and residing in one of the nine South African provinces (Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape)
✓ Currently in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric
✓ Studying or intending to study full-time towards a first undergraduate qualification at a public accredited higher learning institution in South Africa
✓ Minimum 60% overall average (Matric mid-year results, or most recent results if already studying)
✓ Unemployed and from a financially disadvantaged background (financial need)
✓ Demonstrate excellent academic performance

What's Included

✓ Tuition fees
✓ Accommodation
✓ Prescribed books and study materials
✓ Other study-related expenses based on financial need
✓ Mentoring and academic support
✓ Possible access to the PIC graduate programme for outstanding students

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC) bursary application

1
Visit the PIC bursaries page (pic.gov.za) when applications open, typically around September/October each year
2
Complete the online application via the advertised Microsoft Forms link, or download and complete the PDF application form
3
Gather and certify your supporting documents
4
If using the PDF form, email your completed form and certified documents to [email protected]; otherwise upload them via the online form
5
Submit your application before the closing date (most recently 31 October 2025 for the 2026 academic year)
6
Wait for shortlisting; selected candidates are contacted directly by the PIC

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Matric certificate, Matric mid-year results, or latest tertiary academic transcript
📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at a public South African higher learning institution
📄 Proof of household income or affidavit confirming financial need
📄 Curriculum vitae (CV)
📄 Motivational letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the PIC Bursary?: South African citizens aged 25 or younger who were born in and reside in one of the nine provinces, are currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and intend to study (or are studying) full-time towards a first undergraduate qualification at a public South African institution. You must have at least a 60% overall average, be unemployed and come from a financially disadvantaged background.
Which fields of study does the PIC Bursary cover?: The PIC funds qualifications aligned to its investment mandate, including Accounting (CA stream), Actuarial Science, Economics, Applied Development Economics, Finance and Financial Management, Investment Management, Risk Management, Mathematical Science, Computer Science / IT / Information Systems, Human Resources Management and Law (LLB).
When do PIC Bursary applications open and close?: The programme runs annually, with applications typically opening around September/October. The most recently advertised closing date was 31 October 2025 for the 2026 academic year. Always check pic.gov.za for the current cycle's exact dates.
How do I apply for the PIC Bursary?: Apply via the online Microsoft Forms link advertised on the PIC bursaries page, or download the PDF application form and email it with your certified supporting documents to [email protected].

When do 2027 applications open?

Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.

The last recorded window closed on 31 October 2025. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC) before you rely on them.

Check Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC)'s official site

Need help? Contact Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC):

Email: [email protected]

Information verified 2025-10-31. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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