Free State Provincial Government Full-Time Bursary Programme
The Free State Provincial Government, through the Office of the Premier, offers a comprehensive full-cost bursary to financially needy Free State residents who excel academically and study full-time at accredited South African institutions. It covers registration, tuition, residence and meals, books and approved special equipment across a wide range of priority fields. Applications are administered by the Free State Training and Development Institute (FSTDI) in Bloemfontein and submitted by hand using the official PDF form.
Eligible Fields of Study
Free State Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (applications administered via the Free State Training and Development Institute (FSTDI), Bloemfontein) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen residing in the Free State province
- ✓ Aged between 18 and 35
- ✓ Currently in Grade 12 (Matric) or already accepted/enrolled at an accredited South African higher education institution
- ✓ Combined household income less than R600 000 per annum (financial need)
- ✓ Must register and study full-time at an accredited South African institution
- ✓ Not in receipt of any other bursary or sponsorship
- ✓ Preference given to financially needy students with strong academic results
- ✓ Application must be complete with all certified supporting documents (incomplete or late applications are rejected)
What's Included
- ✓ Registration fee per semester/year
- ✓ Registered module/tuition fees per year
- ✓ Residence and meal fees
- ✓ Books and/or study materials
- ✓ Approved special equipment for specific study fields, including disability-support equipment for students with disabilities
Work Commitment
No service obligation is published for this programme. Confirm any conditions of the award directly with the FSTDI Bursary Unit.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Free State Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (applications administered via the Free State Training and Development Institute (FSTDI), Bloemfontein) bursary application
- 1
Confirm the application window is open (the 2026 cycle ran from around 1 December 2025 to 16 January 2026)
- 2
Download the official PDF application form from the Free State Online portal (or scan the QR code on the official poster)
- 3
Complete the form in full and gather all required certified supporting documents
- 4
Hand-deliver the completed form and certified documents to the FSTDI Bursary Unit reception, Brahman Building, 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301
- 5
Submit before the closing date and time (incomplete or late applications are rejected); there is no verified online submission portal
- 6
Wait for the Office of the Premier / FSTDI to assess applications and contact successful candidates
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified Matric (Grade 12) certificate or latest results
- 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at an accredited South African institution
- 📄 Proof of residence in the Free State province
- 📄 Proof of combined household income
- 📄 Completed official Free State Provincial Government bursary application form
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Free State Provincial Government bursary?
- South African citizens aged 18 to 35 who reside in the Free State, are in Grade 12 or already accepted/enrolled at an accredited South African institution, have a household income below R600 000 per year, will study full-time, and are not receiving any other bursary.
- What does the bursary cover?
- It is a comprehensive full-cost bursary covering registration fees, tuition/module fees, residence and meals, books and study materials, and approved special equipment (including disability-support equipment). A specific rand value is not published.
- How do I apply and what is the deadline?
- Download the official PDF application form from the Free State Online portal (or via the poster QR code), complete it with certified documents, and hand-deliver it to the FSTDI Bursary Unit in Bloemfontein. The 2026 cycle opened around 1 December 2025 and closed on 16 January 2026 at 16:00.
- Is there an online application portal?
- No verified online submission portal exists. Applications are made on the official PDF form and hand-delivered with certified supporting documents to the FSTDI Bursary Unit in Bloemfontein. This is an annual programme, so the next cycle is expected to open in late 2026.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 16 January 2026
Apply on Free State Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (applications administered via the Free State Training and Development Institute (FSTDI), Bloemfontein)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Free State Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (applications administered via the Free State Training and Development Institute (FSTDI), Bloemfontein):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: Mr ME Makhetha 065 742 5935; Ms NB Thekiso 060 533 4702; Ms MC Motaung 065 742 6737 (Office of the Premier general line: 051 405 5977)
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other Government bursaries
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