Who qualifies for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme?

Academically strong, financially disadvantaged South African learners who are currently in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric, with a minimum 70% average in core subjects. You must pursue an undergraduate degree (not a diploma, bridging programme or postgraduate study) at a recognised South African tertiary institution, with preference given to learners completing Matric in the current year.

What fields of study does the bursary support?

The foundation places strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields as part of its Higher Education focus area, supporting undergraduate study at recognised South African institutions.

How and when do I apply?

Applications are submitted online through a Microsoft Forms portal linked from the official Motsepe Foundation website during an annual window. The 2026 applications page displayed a 6 June closing date, so confirm the exact current-cycle deadline on the official page before applying.

What documents will I need to provide?

Shortlisted candidates are typically asked for a certified copy of their ID, their Matric results or certificate, academic records, proof of household or parents' income, and a university acceptance letter.

General

Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme

Motsepe Foundation (self-administered via its official website)

The Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme, run by the foundation established by Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, supports academically strong but financially disadvantaged South African learners to pursue an undergraduate degree at a recognised SA tertiary institution. Higher Education is one of the foundation's core focus areas, with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Applications are submitted online through the official Motsepe Foundation website during an annual window that typically closes in early June.

Amount: Not publicly disclosed on the official page; funding awarded toward an undergraduate degree at a recognised South African tertiary institution.
Deadline: To be announced
Renewable: Yes

2027 applications not yet open

Visit official site

Eligible Fields of Study

Motsepe Foundation (self-administered via its official website) supports students in the following disciplines

Science

Technology

Engineering

Mathematics (STEM fields)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen studying at a recognised tertiary institution within South Africa
✓ Currently in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric (preference for learners completing Matric in the current year)
✓ Minimum 70% average for core subjects
✓ Demonstrated financial need (from a financially disadvantaged background)
✓ Must pursue an undergraduate degree (not diplomas, extended/bridging programmes, or postgraduate study)
✓ Must be registered or accepted to study an undergraduate degree at a recognised South African institution

What's Included

✓ Bursary funding toward an undergraduate degree at a recognised South African tertiary institution
✓ Support aligned with the foundation's Higher Education focus area, with emphasis on STEM fields

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Motsepe Foundation (self-administered via its official website) bursary application

1
Visit the official Motsepe Foundation website and open the current-year bursary applications page (e.g. the 2026 bursary applications page)
2
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria, including the 70% core-subject average and financial-need requirements
3
Complete the online application via the Microsoft Forms portal linked from the official website
4
Submit your application before the annual closing date (around 6 June for the 2026 cycle)
5
If shortlisted, provide the requested supporting documents for verification
6
Beware of scams: verify all information only on the official Motsepe Foundation website and ignore accounts falsely claiming to represent the foundation

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Matric results / Matric certificate
📄 Academic records (latest results)
📄 Proof of household / parents' income
📄 University acceptance letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme?: Academically strong, financially disadvantaged South African learners who are currently in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric, with a minimum 70% average in core subjects. You must pursue an undergraduate degree (not a diploma, bridging programme or postgraduate study) at a recognised South African tertiary institution, with preference given to learners completing Matric in the current year.
What fields of study does the bursary support?: The foundation places strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields as part of its Higher Education focus area, supporting undergraduate study at recognised South African institutions.
How and when do I apply?: Applications are submitted online through a Microsoft Forms portal linked from the official Motsepe Foundation website during an annual window. The 2026 applications page displayed a 6 June closing date, so confirm the exact current-cycle deadline on the official page before applying.
What documents will I need to provide?: Shortlisted candidates are typically asked for a certified copy of their ID, their Matric results or certificate, academic records, proof of household or parents' income, and a university acceptance letter.

When do 2027 applications open?

Motsepe Foundation (self-administered via its official website) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.

The last recorded window closed on 6 June 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Motsepe Foundation (self-administered via its official website) before you rely on them.

Check Motsepe Foundation (self-administered via its official website)'s official site

Need help? Contact Motsepe Foundation (self-administered via its official website):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 11 324 1500

Information verified 2026-06-06. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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