PPS Foundation Bursary Programme
The PPS Foundation Bursary Programme is a comprehensive bursary run by the non-profit PPS Foundation, established in 2016 by the Professional Provident Society (PPS). It funds approximately 50 to 70 high-achieving, financially deserving South African students each year, covering tuition, textbooks, meals and university accommodation, with preference given to applicants pursuing STEM degrees. The bursary is renewable from first year through Honours level subject to ongoing academic performance.
Eligible Fields of Study
PPS Foundation (established by the Professional Provident Society (PPS); administered by the PPS Foundation, the non-profit founded in 2016, with applications submitted online via the PPS Foundation portal hosted on i-me.tech) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen with a valid South African ID
- ✓ In Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric
- ✓ Studying or enrolled to study full-time at a recognised public South African tertiary institution (University or University of Technology)
- ✓ Minimum academic average of 65%
- ✓ Demonstrated financial need: total combined household income of R1,000,000 or less per annum
- ✓ Proof of registration at a recognised public South African institution required
- ✓ Demonstrated academic excellence, with preference given to applicants pursuing STEM degrees
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees
- ✓ Prescribed textbooks
- ✓ Meals
- ✓ Accommodation at university residence
- ✓ Access to additional learning resources
- ✓ Renewable from first year through Honours level subject to academic performance
Work Commitment
No formal work-back obligation is specified.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your PPS Foundation (established by the Professional Provident Society (PPS); administered by the PPS Foundation, the non-profit founded in 2016, with applications submitted online via the PPS Foundation portal hosted on i-me.tech) bursary application
- 1
Visit the official PPS Foundation bursary page at pps.co.za/foundation/pps-bursary-programme when applications open (around mid-October for the following academic year)
- 2
Follow the link to the online application portal hosted on i-me.tech and register or log in
- 3
Complete the online application form with your personal, household and academic details
- 4
Certify all supporting documents within the last 3 months and upload them in PDF format
- 5
Submit your application and upload all supporting documentation before the closing date (20 December 2025 for the 2026 academic year)
- 6
If shortlisted, provide your final transcripts when requested (by 16 January 2026 for the 2026 cycle)
- 7
Await the outcome notification, which is sent to all applicants (by 31 January 2026 for the 2026 cycle)
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Matric or latest academic results on official institutional letterhead
- 📄 Proof of registration at a recognised public South African tertiary institution
- 📄 Parent or guardian payslips, or an affidavit of unemployment, or death certificate(s) where applicable
- 📄 Proof of total combined household income
- 📄 All documents certified within the last 3 months and uploaded in PDF format
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for the PPS Foundation Bursary?
- You must be a South African citizen with a valid SA ID, in Matric (Grade 12) or already have completed Matric, and studying or enrolled full-time at a recognised public South African university or university of technology. You need a minimum academic average of 65%, a total combined household income of R1,000,000 or less per annum, and the Foundation gives preference to applicants pursuing STEM degrees.
- What does the PPS Foundation Bursary cover?
- It is a comprehensive bursary rather than a fixed cash amount. It covers tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, meals, accommodation at a university residence and access to additional learning resources. The PPS Foundation funds roughly 50 to 70 recipients each year, and the bursary is renewable from first year through to Honours level subject to academic performance.
- When does the PPS Foundation Bursary close?
- For the 2026 academic year, applications opened on 15 October 2025 and all supporting documentation had to be uploaded by 20 December 2025 (applications after this date are unlikely to be considered). Shortlisted candidates' final transcripts were requested by 16 January 2026, with all applicants notified of the outcome by 31 January 2026. A new cycle is expected to open around October 2026 for the following academic year.
- How do I apply for the PPS Foundation Bursary?
- Applications are submitted online. Start at the official PPS Foundation page (pps.co.za/foundation/pps-bursary-programme), then follow the link to the application portal hosted on i-me.tech. Complete the form, upload your certified supporting documents in PDF (certified within the last 3 months) and submit before the deadline. For queries you can email [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 20 December 2025
Apply on PPS Foundation (established by the Professional Provident Society (PPS); administered by the PPS Foundation, the non-profit founded in 2016, with applications submitted online via the PPS Foundation portal hosted on i-me.tech)'s official siteNeed help? Contact PPS Foundation (established by the Professional Provident Society (PPS); administered by the PPS Foundation, the non-profit founded in 2016, with applications submitted online via the PPS Foundation portal hosted on i-me.tech):
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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