SACBW Foundation Bursary 2027: Financial Aid for Female Matric Learners

The SACBW Foundation is offering bursaries for academically strong female Matric learners who wish to pursue tertiary education in 2027. This opportunity aims to support young women who face financial barriers to higher education and are interested in business, accounting, or marketing fields.

Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Location: Accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Matric

About the SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme

The SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme provides financial assistance to female Matric learners in South Africa. The goal is to help deserving students who cannot afford to pay for their tertiary education. This bursary supports the development of future female professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. It aims to contribute to South Africa’s economic growth by empowering young women.

The programme focuses on supporting students who show academic promise and leadership potential. It is designed for those who are passionate about making a difference in fields like accounting, business development, digital marketing, marketing management, and practical entrepreneurship. While these fields are preferred, the Foundation may consider other areas of study.

Successful applicants will not only receive financial aid but may also be recognized with the Youth Leader Award from the South African Council for Business Women. This award acknowledges academic achievement, leadership skills, and commitment to personal and professional growth.

About the SACBW Foundation

The SACBW Foundation NPC is dedicated to supporting women in business and leadership. It focuses on empowering young women through education and development opportunities. The Foundation believes in fostering talent and providing the necessary resources for young women to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

Fields of Study Covered

The SACBW Foundation prioritizes applicants intending to study in the following areas:

• Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Business Development Management
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing Management
• Practical Entrepreneurship

Other fields of study might be considered by the SACBW Foundation NPC Board of Directors. However, preference will be given to those pursuing business, accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship programmes.

Purpose of the Bursary

The bursary aims to support young women who meet specific criteria:

• They must demonstrate strong academic ability.
• They must currently be in Matric.
• They must plan to pursue tertiary education in 2027.
• They must be unable to afford the cost of their studies.
• They should show leadership potential.
• They must be interested in business or entrepreneurship.
• They should aspire to contribute to South Africa’s economic development.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the SACBW Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet all the following conditions:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be female.
• Be younger than 20 years old.
• Be currently registered in Matric.
• Have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 70%.
• Intend to study towards an eligible qualification in 2027.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be unable to afford their tertiary studies.
• Submit a complete application before the closing date.

Academic Requirements

Applicants need to have achieved at least a 70% overall average in their Matric studies. The certified June Matric results must be submitted as part of the application. This academic record should clearly show the learner’s full name, school name, subjects completed, marks achieved, and overall performance. It should also include a school stamp or official verification.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be younger than 20 years old at the time of application. Candidates should ensure their certified identity document clearly confirms their date of birth to meet this requirement.

Financial Need Requirement

This bursary is intended for learners who cannot fund their studies independently. Applicants must honestly explain their financial circumstances in the application form and a motivational essay. The Foundation may consider factors like household income, number of dependants, parents’ or guardians’ employment status, existing financial responsibilities, and expected tertiary education expenses.

What the SACBW Foundation Bursary Covers

The exact bursary value and all covered expenses are not specified. Bursary funding will be paid directly to the successful student’s tertiary institution. Applicants should confirm with the SACBW Foundation what expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, or textbooks, are covered.

Youth Leader Award

Successful bursary recipients will also receive the Youth Leader Award from the South African Council for Business Women. This award recognizes academic achievement, leadership potential, commitment to personal development, interest in entrepreneurship, and potential contributions to business and society.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

• A completed SACBW Foundation Bursary Application Form.
• A certified copy of their identity document.
• A certified copy of their June Matric results.
• A 250-word motivational essay.
• A three-minute video covering the information in the essay.

Missing compulsory documents may lead to disqualification.

Motivational Essay Requirements

Applicants must write a motivational essay of approximately 250 words. The application form will provide exact instructions. The essay may cover the applicant’s background, academic achievements, financial circumstances, chosen field of study, career ambitions, leadership potential, and how the bursary will support their future goals and societal contributions.

Three-Minute Video Requirement

Applicants must submit a short video, about three minutes long, that covers the main points of their motivational essay. Applicants should introduce themselves clearly, speak confidently, explain their academic and career goals, describe their need for financial assistance, and discuss their leadership or entrepreneurial ambitions. The video should be recorded in a quiet, well-lit environment with clear audio.

Application Document Format

All written application documents must be combined into a single PDF file. This PDF should include the completed application form, certified ID, certified Matric results, and the motivational essay. The filename should use the applicant’s name and surname, for example, “Thandi_Mokoena_SACBW_Bursary_2027.pdf”. Applicants should ensure the file opens correctly, is readable, and is not password-protected.

Registration Fee Notice

The application form may mention a registration fee of R199. The SACBW Foundation has stated that applicants can still submit their applications, and the Foundation will assess if the fee can be waived. Applicants who cannot afford the fee should contact the Foundation directly for guidance.

How to Apply for the SACBW Foundation Bursary 2027

Applicants need to download and complete the official application form.
Click here to download the SACBW Foundation Bursary Application Form

Completed applications must be submitted by email to [email protected]. The email subject line should be “SACBW Foundation Bursary”. The email must include the single combined PDF application document and the three-minute video or a link to it.

Bursary Application Closing Date

Applications close on 31 August 2026. Applications received after this date will not be accepted. It is advisable to submit applications early to allow time to resolve any potential issues with documents or uploads.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility, academic performance, financial need, the quality of the motivational essay and video, leadership potential, career goals, and the completeness of the application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If applicants have not received feedback by “31 September 2026”, they should consider their application unsuccessful, though applicants should confirm this date with the Foundation as September has only 30 days.

Application Checklist

Before submitting, confirm the following:

• You are a South African citizen, female, and younger than 20.
• You are currently in Matric with at least a 70% overall average.
• You intend to study in 2027 in an eligible field and demonstrate financial need.
• The application form is complete, and your ID and Matric results are certified.
• Your motivational essay is approximately 250 words, and your three-minute video is ready.
• All written documents are in one PDF file named with your name and surname.
• The correct email subject line is used, and your application is submitted by 31 August 2026.

Bursary Enquiries

For questions about the bursary programme, eligible fields of study, application requirements, video submission, the registration fee, or funding coverage, please email: [email protected].

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