General

PPS Foundation Bursary Programme

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)

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.

Amount
Comprehensive bursary covering full study costs (no fixed cash amount); approximately 50 to 70 recipients funded per year
Deadline
To be announced
Renewable
Yes

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

Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics (STEM)
Health sciences
Actuarial science
Information technology
Natural sciences
Law
Finance
Humanities

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. 1

    Visit the official PPS Foundation bursary page at pps.co.za/foundation/pps-bursary-programme when the 2027 round opens (the 2026 round opened in October 2025)

  2. 2

    Follow the link to the online application portal hosted on i-me.tech and register or log in

  3. 3

    Complete the online application form with your personal, household and academic details

  4. 4

    Certify all supporting documents within the last 3 months and upload them in PDF format

  5. 5

    Create your profile before the closing date and upload all supporting documents by the document deadline (for the 2026 round: profiles by 5 December 2025, documents by 20 December 2025)

  6. 6

    If shortlisted, provide your final transcripts when requested (by 16 January 2026 for the 2026 cycle)

  7. 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?
The 2027 round had not opened as of 12 October 2026 - the official page still showed the 2026 round. For the 2026 academic year, applications opened on 15 October 2025; profiles had to be created by the 5 December 2025 closing date and all supporting documents uploaded by 20 December 2025, with outcomes communicated by 31 January 2026. Watch the official PPS Foundation page for the 2027 dates.
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].

When do 2027 applications open?

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) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.

The PPS Foundation usually opens applications in October for the following academic year. The 2026 round closed on 5 December 2025 (profiles), with documents due by 20 December 2025 and outcomes by 31 January 2026. As of 12 October 2026 the official page had not yet announced the 2027 round.

Check 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 site

Need 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 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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