Free State Provincial Government Bursaries 2027: Apply for Funding in Critical Skills

The Free State Office of the Premier is inviting qualifying South African students from the Free State province to apply for its Provincial Government Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary aims to support students pursuing studies in scarce and critical skills areas essential for the province’s development.

Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
Location: Free State Province, South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (may include living allowance)
Minimum Qualification: Matric or equivalent, pursuing Diploma or Degree

About the Free State Provincial Government Bursary

The Provincial Government Bursary Programme is designed to build the future workforce of the Free State. It focuses on supporting students who wish to study in fields identified as having critical skills shortages within the province. By investing in these students, the programme aims to boost economic growth and enhance skills development across various sectors.

The bursary supports full-time studies towards a Diploma or Degree at recognised South African Universities or Universities of Technology. It is intended for individuals committed to contributing to the province’s development after completing their studies.

About the Free State Provincial Government

The Free State Provincial Government is the executive branch of the provincial administration in the Free State province of South Africa. It is responsible for implementing provincial legislation and government policy. The Office of the Premier leads the provincial government and coordinates various departments to serve the citizens of the Free State.

The government focuses on key areas such as economic development, education, health, and social services, aiming to improve the quality of life for all residents. Initiatives like this bursary programme are part of their strategy to address skills gaps and foster a skilled labour force.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries are available for studies in the following important fields:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Finance
• Economics
• Accounting
• Psychology-related studies
• Social Sciences
• Aviation Studies
• Public Administration
• Public Governance
• Development Studies
• Other related BAdmin qualifications

What the Bursary Offers

Successful bursary recipients can expect financial support that may cover:

• Tuition fees.
• Prescribed textbooks.
• Learning aid devices, where applicable.
• Meals.
• Accommodation, where applicable.
• Transport, where applicable.
• A monthly living allowance, where applicable.

In addition to financial aid, the programme offers student support through a dedicated Student Liaison and Support Unit. This unit provides academic and emotional support. A Stakeholder Support Unit also assists in coordinating between students and their tertiary institutions.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is intended for the 2027 academic year. The specific duration of the bursary will depend on the length of the chosen Diploma or Degree programme. All supported studies must be undertaken at a recognised and accredited South African University or University of Technology. The programme is specifically for students residing within the Free State Province.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Reside within the Free State province.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
• Have a total household income of less than R600,000 per year.
• Be studying or planning to study full-time.
• Be pursuing a Diploma or Degree in one of the approved fields of study.
• Have been accepted at a recognised and accredited South African University or University of Technology.
• Not be receiving funding from another government source.
• Be unemployed.
• Be willing to work within relevant service sectors in the province after graduation.

Preference may be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as competencies, the bursary programme implicitly seeks individuals who are:

• Motivated to study in critical skills fields.
• Committed to academic success.
• Willing to contribute to the Free State’s development.
• Able to manage their studies and personal finances responsibly.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for unemployed South African youth residing in the Free State who are currently in Matric or have completed it. It is suited for individuals who aim to pursue higher education in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Finance, or Public Administration, and whose household income is below R600,000 per year. If you are passionate about developing your career in these critical areas and contributing to the province, this bursary can provide the financial support you need.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

• A certified copy of your South African ID.
• Certified Matric September results if you are currently in Matric.
• A certified Matric certificate if you have already completed Matric.
• Proof of acceptance from a registered Higher Education Institution.
• Proof of residence, not older than three months.
• Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Death certificates, if parents or guardians are deceased.
• Proof of household income.

Proof of household income can include:

• Latest payslips (not older than three months).
• An affidavit if unemployed.
• Proof of SASSA grant.
• Proof of pension income.

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the official Free State Office of the Premier bursary application form. You can download the form by clicking here: Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form.

Application forms can also be collected from various locations, including the Free State Office of the Premier, FSTDI, OR Tambo Building, Thusong Centres, Central University of Technology, and the University of the Free State.

Completed applications must be hand-delivered to:
FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301

Ensure your application is delivered to the Bursary Unit at the Reception area.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Applicants must ensure they meet all minimum requirements before applying.
• Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
• Ensure all submitted documents are certified copies.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme 2027 is 13 November 2026 at 16:00. Applications submitted after this time will not be accepted.

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