First Rand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2026
Are you a high-potential Grade 12 learner or recent matriculant eager to study at a South African public university but facing financial challenges? The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is offering a prestigious undergraduate bursary to academically strong students from low-income households, with a focus on supporting the country’s critical skills needs.
This life-changing bursary is administered by StudyTrust and aims to help South African youth overcome financial barriers and gain access to quality higher education. First Rand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2026
Fields Funded
The First Rand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2026 covers first undergraduate degrees in priority fields aligned with South Africa’s development and employment needs, including:
Science & Technology
- Agricultural Sciences (All specialisations)
- Environmental Sciences – Climate Sciences, Renewable Energy
- Natural Sciences – Physics, Electronics, Biosciences
- Mathematical Sciences – Mathematics, Risk, Statistics
- Information Sciences – Computer Science, IT, Business Information Systems, Data Science, Information Management
Engineering
- All engineering disciplines
Commerce & Law
- Commercial Sciences – Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Financial Management
- Social Sciences & Law – Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Society and Sustainability, Law
Arts
- Psychology
📘 Postgraduate support: For degree programmes that require a postgraduate qualification (e.g., Accounting, Actuarial Science), funding for an Honours or PGD may also be considered.
Who Should Apply?
The First Rand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2026 is for Black South African citizens with strong academic records and financial need.
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a Black South African citizen as defined by the BBBEE Act
- Currently in Grade 12 or completed Matric not more than 3 years ago
- Under the age of 21 in your first year of study
- Minimum level 5 in Mathematics in Grade 12
- Must be provisionally accepted to study full-time at a traditional South African public university in 2026
- Family’s combined annual gross income must not exceed R700,000
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary provides full financial support, including:
- 📚 Tuition fees
- 🏡 University accommodation
- 🍽️ Meals
- 🖥️ A new computer for first-year students
- 📖 Learning resources
- 💰 Monthly stipend
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official StudyTrust Bursary Application Portal.
🕒 Application Period: 01 May – 30 September 2025
⏳ Closing Date: 30 September 2025
🚨 Important: Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Be sure to review the full application instructions and ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly.
