Who is eligible for the Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary?

You must be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 34, from a previously disadvantaged group (Black, Coloured or Indian) as defined by the SA government, financially needy and unemployed. New applicants need a minimum 70% Matric average, while students already registered full-time need a minimum 65% average. A commitment to community upliftment and valid references are also required.

What does the Tiso Foundation bursary cover?

It is a comprehensive bursary covering tuition fees, accommodation, books and study materials, and a monthly stipend. Recipients also benefit from academic support, mentorship, life-skills and leadership development, and networking with corporate and institutional partners after graduation. The specific Rand value is not published.

When can I apply for the Tiso Foundation bursary?

Applications for 2026 funding are currently closed. The Foundation runs the programme on a recurring annual cycle and announces reopening dates via its website and social media channels, so prospective applicants should monitor these for the next intake.

Does the Tiso Foundation offer other funding programmes?

Yes. In addition to this undergraduate (tertiary) bursary, the Tiso Foundation runs separate Masters, PhD Scholarship and Apprenticeship Bursary programmes as well as a Tiso Skills Fund. These are distinct schemes with their own criteria, not part of the undergraduate programme.

General

Tiso Foundation Undergraduate (Tertiary) Bursary Programme

Tiso Foundation (self-administered, Bayport House, Sandton)

The Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary Programme is a comprehensive bursary for financially needy South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds studying towards an undergraduate degree or national diploma at an accredited institution. Since inception the Foundation has invested over R100 million in 50+ students and aims to support around 20 students per year. Beyond funding, recipients receive academic support, mentorship, life-skills and leadership development, and networking with corporate partners.

Amount: Comprehensive bursary covering tuition fees, accommodation, books and a monthly stipend (specific Rand value not published). Since inception over R100 million has been invested in 50+ students, with the programme aiming to support around 20 students per year.
Deadline: 30 September 2026
Renewable: Yes

Apply now

Eligible Fields of Study

Tiso Foundation (self-administered, Bayport House, Sandton) supports students in the following disciplines

Undergraduate degrees at accredited South African universities

National diplomas at accredited institutions (broad range of fields)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Aged between 18 and 34
✓ From a previously disadvantaged group as defined by SA government (Black, Coloured or Indian)
✓ Minimum 70% Matric average for new applicants, or minimum 65% average if already a full-time registered student
✓ Financially needy and unemployed
✓ Demonstrated commitment to community upliftment / positive attitude
✓ Accepted or registered as a full-time student at an accredited South African university or college
✓ Valid academic or character references

What's Included

✓ Tuition fees
✓ Accommodation
✓ Books / study materials
✓ Monthly stipend / living allowance
✓ Academic support and mentorship
✓ Life skills training and leadership development
✓ Networking with corporate and institutional partners post-graduation

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Tiso Foundation (self-administered, Bayport House, Sandton) bursary application

1
Monitor the Tiso Foundation website and social media channels for the next intake, as applications open on a recurring annual cycle
2
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (citizenship, age, academic average and financial need)
3
Complete the bursary application form on the Tiso Foundation apply-now page when applications are open
4
Attach all required supporting documents, including certified results and references
5
Submit your complete application before the closing date
6
Attend an interview or assessment if shortlisted
7
Receive notification of the funding outcome from the Foundation

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Certified latest academic results (Matric certificate, Grade 12 results or university/college transcript)
📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at an accredited institution
📄 Proof of household income or financial need (payslips, affidavit or SASSA letter where applicable)
📄 Academic or character references
📄 Curriculum vitae (CV)
📄 Motivational letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary?: You must be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 34, from a previously disadvantaged group (Black, Coloured or Indian) as defined by the SA government, financially needy and unemployed. New applicants need a minimum 70% Matric average, while students already registered full-time need a minimum 65% average. A commitment to community upliftment and valid references are also required.
What does the Tiso Foundation bursary cover?: It is a comprehensive bursary covering tuition fees, accommodation, books and study materials, and a monthly stipend. Recipients also benefit from academic support, mentorship, life-skills and leadership development, and networking with corporate and institutional partners after graduation. The specific Rand value is not published.
When can I apply for the Tiso Foundation bursary?: Applications for 2026 funding are currently closed. The Foundation runs the programme on a recurring annual cycle and announces reopening dates via its website and social media channels, so prospective applicants should monitor these for the next intake.
Does the Tiso Foundation offer other funding programmes?: Yes. In addition to this undergraduate (tertiary) bursary, the Tiso Foundation runs separate Masters, PhD Scholarship and Apprenticeship Bursary programmes as well as a Tiso Skills Fund. These are distinct schemes with their own criteria, not part of the undergraduate programme.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 September 2026

Apply on Tiso Foundation (self-administered, Bayport House, Sandton)'s official site

Need help? Contact Tiso Foundation (self-administered, Bayport House, Sandton):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 011 784 4111

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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