FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursaries 2027: Honours Funding for STEM and Psychology Students

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students pursuing Honours degrees in specific STEM and Psychology fields. This opportunity is for individuals aged 18 to 35 who have completed their undergraduate studies and meet academic and income requirements. The bursary aims to support students in public universities across South Africa.

Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: 1 year
Stipend: Not specified (covers tuition, accommodation, travel, food, and airtime)
Minimum Qualification: Honours degree (NQF Level 8)

About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

This bursary program is designed to assist students who are entering their first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027. It focuses on supporting studies in selected Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Psychology fields. The FREF bursary is open to Black South African students (African, Coloured, or Indian) who meet specific age and income criteria.

The foundation aims to empower students by providing financial aid and additional support services. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to their chosen field of study. The bursary is specifically for studies at recognised and accredited public universities within South Africa.

About FirstRand Empowerment Foundation

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is committed to social upliftment and economic empowerment in South Africa. It focuses on initiatives that create sustainable change and provide opportunities for individuals to improve their lives. The foundation supports various programs, including education, health, and enterprise development, with a particular emphasis on youth development.

FREF’s work in education aims to address critical skills shortages and promote access to higher education. By funding students in vital fields, the foundation contributes to building a more skilled and capable workforce for the country. Their initiatives often involve partnerships with educational institutions and other organisations to maximise impact.

Fields of Study Covered

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary will fund first Honours degrees in a range of critical fields. These include Actuarial Science, Agricultural Sciences, Biosciences, Climate Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronics, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. The bursary also supports studies in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Information Management, Information Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology.

Additionally, students pursuing Mathematical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Renewable Energy, Risk, Sciences, and Statistics are encouraged to apply. Applicants should confirm that their chosen Honours qualification aligns with one of these specified study areas.

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary can expect comprehensive financial support. This includes funding for tuition fees, which is a primary component of the bursary. The program also provides financial assistance for accommodation, up to a maximum of R65,000.

Furthermore, recipients will receive monthly travelling stipends to help with transportation costs. Food and airtime vouchers are also included to support students’ daily needs. Beyond financial aid, the bursary offers valuable student support and development services to help recipients succeed academically and professionally.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is specifically for a full-time, one-year Honours degree programme. The duration aligns with the standard academic period for Honours qualifications. The programme is open to students studying at any recognised and accredited public university located within South Africa.

While the bursary is national, applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen university and specific Honours programme. The focus is on supporting students pursuing higher education within the South African public university system.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet several key criteria. They must be South African citizens and identify as Black (African, Coloured, or Indian) according to the B-BBEE Act. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old as of 31 December 2027.

A completed Matric qualification is essential, with a minimum of 60% required for NSC Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy is not accepted). Applicants must also have achieved an average of at least 60% in their undergraduate degree. The combined household income must not exceed R700,000 per annum.

Academic Requirements

Strong academic performance is a critical factor for this bursary. Applicants need to have secured at least 60% in Mathematics at the National Senior Certificate (NSC) level. This requirement specifically excludes Mathematical Literacy.

At the undergraduate level, a minimum overall average of 60% is mandatory. Applicants must also satisfy the specific admission criteria set by the public university for their intended Honours degree programme. Meeting these academic benchmarks is crucial for a successful application.

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare and submit clear copies of several supporting documents. These include a certified copy of your South African ID, with certification not older than six months. A certified copy of your Matric certificate is also required.

You will need to provide a certified complete undergraduate academic record. If available, a provisional or final Honours acceptance letter should be included. Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income is essential, along with the ID numbers of the applicant and all household members. Applicants with disabilities must submit a completed EEA1 form and a valid doctor’s note.

Proof of Household Income

The documentation for proof of household income varies based on the employment status of parents or guardians. If employed, the latest payslips are required. If unemployed, an affidavit confirming this status is needed.

For those who are self-employed, an affidavit confirming their annual income is necessary. Business owners should provide their most recent audited financial statements or three months of bank statements. If receiving government grants, a SASSA letter confirming these payments should be submitted. The total combined household income must not exceed R700,000 annually.

Supporting Document Format

All supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format. Each individual document should not exceed 5MB in size. It is important for applicants to ensure that all uploaded documents are clear and easily readable. Failure to provide missing compulsory documents may lead to an application not being considered.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary can expect to be contacted by the first week of January 2027. This timeline allows for the review of applications and selection of potential recipients. Applicants who do not receive any communication by this date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.

How to Apply

Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary must be submitted online. Interested students can access the FREF bursary application platform via the provided link. Applicants are instructed to complete all sections of the online form accurately and upload all compulsory supporting documents in PDF format.

Click here to apply for FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

The application guidance suggests that applicants may enter www.zabursaries.co.za in the field asking how they heard about the bursary. It is crucial to submit all information and documents before the closing date.

FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Closing Date

The application deadline for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is 31 December 2026. Applicants must ensure that their applications and all required supporting documents are submitted online before this date. Late submissions will not be considered.

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