SACBW Foundation Bursary 2027: Financial Aid for Female Matric Learners

The SACBW Foundation is offering a valuable opportunity for academically strong female Matric learners in South Africa. If you are a young woman facing financial challenges in pursuing higher education and have a passion for business, accounting, or marketing, this bursary could be for you. The program aims to support future leaders and entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance for tertiary studies in 2027.

The application deadline is August 31, 2026. This bursary is specifically for female students who are currently in Matric and plan to attend an accredited tertiary institution in South Africa. It’s designed to help bridge the financial gap for those who show academic promise and leadership potential, particularly in fields that contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.

About the SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme

The SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme is dedicated to empowering young women in South Africa by offering financial aid for their tertiary education. The program seeks to support students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities but lack the financial means to pursue their educational goals. By investing in these young women, the Foundation aims to cultivate the next generation of female professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.

This initiative focuses on students who are driven and have a clear vision for their future. While the primary focus is on fields like accounting, business development, digital marketing, marketing management, and practical entrepreneurship, the Foundation may consider other areas of study. Beyond financial support, successful applicants may also be recognized with the Youth Leader Award, acknowledging their achievements and commitment to growth.

About the SACBW Foundation

The South African Council for Business Women (SACBW) Foundation NPC is committed to advancing women in business and leadership roles. Their core mission involves empowering young women through educational and developmental programs. The Foundation believes in nurturing talent and providing the essential resources needed for young women to thrive in both their academic and professional lives.

Fields of Study Supported

The SACBW Foundation gives preference to applicants who plan to study in the following business-related fields:

• Accounting and Bookkeeping: Essential for financial management and business operations.
• Business Development Management: Focuses on strategic growth and market expansion.
• Digital Marketing: Covers online promotion and brand building in the digital space.
• Marketing Management: Involves planning and executing marketing strategies.
• Practical Entrepreneurship: Encourages the development of new businesses and innovative ideas.

While these areas are preferred, the SACBW Foundation NPC Board of Directors may consider other fields of study. However, the strongest consideration will be given to those pursuing programs directly related to business, accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Purpose of the Bursary

The SACBW Foundation Bursary is designed to assist young women who meet a specific set of criteria. The program aims to support those who:

• Exhibit strong academic performance.
• Are currently completing their Matric year.
• Plan to enroll in tertiary education in 2027.
• Are unable to afford the costs associated with higher education.
• Show potential for leadership.
• Are interested in pursuing careers in business or entrepreneurship.
• Aspire to contribute positively to South Africa’s economic development.

Eligibility Requirements

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

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Gender: Must be female.
• Age: Must be younger than 20 years old at the time of application.
• Current Education: Must be currently registered in Matric.
• Academic Performance: Must have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 70% in their Matric studies.
• Future Study Plans: Must intend to study towards an eligible qualification in 2027.
• Financial Need: Must demonstrate a genuine financial need and be unable to fund their tertiary studies independently.
• Application Submission: Must submit a complete application before the closing date.

Academic Requirements

A strong academic record is essential for this bursary. Applicants must have achieved at least a 70% overall average in their Matric studies. The certified June Matric results are required as part of the application. This document should clearly display the learner’s full name, school name, subjects taken, marks obtained, and overall performance, and must include an official school stamp or verification.

Age Requirement

A strict age limit is in place for this bursary. Applicants must be under 20 years old when they submit their application. It is important to ensure that your certified identity document clearly shows your date of birth to verify that you meet this age requirement.

Financial Need Requirement

This bursary specifically targets students who face financial barriers to higher education. Applicants must provide a clear and honest explanation of their financial situation in the application form and a motivational essay. The Foundation will consider factors such as household income, the number of dependents in the family, the employment status of parents or guardians, existing financial obligations, and the anticipated costs of tertiary education.

What the SACBW Foundation Bursary Covers

The specific value of the bursary and the exact expenses it covers are not detailed. However, any awarded bursary funding will be paid directly to the successful student’s chosen tertiary institution. It is recommended that applicants confirm with the SACBW Foundation what specific costs, such as tuition fees, accommodation, or study materials, are included in the bursary coverage.

Youth Leader Award

In addition to financial assistance, successful bursary recipients will also be honored with the Youth Leader Award from the South African Council for Business Women. This award serves to recognize outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated leadership potential, a strong commitment to personal development, a keen interest in entrepreneurship, and the potential for significant contributions to business and society.

Required Supporting Documents

To ensure your application is considered, you must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Completed Application Form: The official SACBW Foundation Bursary Application Form.
• Certified ID Copy: A certified copy of your South African identity document.
• Certified Matric Results: A certified copy of your June Matric results.
• Motivational Essay: A written essay of approximately 250 words.
• Three-Minute Video: A video covering the key points of your motivational essay.

Failure to include any of these compulsory documents may result in your application being disqualified.

Motivational Essay Requirements

Your motivational essay should be around 250 words and provide detailed instructions will be available on the application form. This essay is your chance to share your background, highlight your academic achievements, explain your financial circumstances, discuss your chosen field of study, outline your career ambitions, demonstrate your leadership potential, and explain how this bursary will help you achieve your future goals and make a difference in society.

Three-Minute Video Requirement

You are also required to submit a short video, approximately three minutes long, that summarizes the main points of your motivational essay. In the video, clearly introduce yourself, speak with confidence, articulate your academic and career aspirations, describe your need for financial assistance, and discuss your leadership or entrepreneurial ambitions. Ensure the video is recorded in a quiet, well-lit space with clear audio.

Application Document Format

All written application materials must be combined into a single PDF file. This PDF should include the completed application form, your certified ID, your certified Matric results, and your motivational essay. The file should be named using your full name and surname, for example, “Thandi_Mokoena_SACBW_Bursary_2027.pdf”. Please verify that the PDF 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 indicated that applicants can still submit their applications even if they cannot afford this fee. The Foundation will assess if the fee can be waived. If you are unable to pay the fee, you should contact the Foundation directly for guidance on how to proceed.

How to Apply for the SACBW Foundation Bursary 2027

To apply, you must first download and complete the official application form.
Download the SACBW Foundation Bursary Application Form

Once completed, submit your application via email to [email protected] . The subject line of your email must be “SACBW Foundation Bursary”. Your email should contain the single combined PDF application document and either the three-minute video or a link to where it can be accessed.

Bursary Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications is August 31, 2026. Any applications received after this date will not be considered. It is highly recommended to submit your application well in advance of the closing date to allow time to address any potential issues with your documents or uploads.

Selection Process

Applications will be carefully reviewed based on several factors, including eligibility, academic merit, demonstrated financial need, the quality of your motivational essay and video, your leadership potential, your stated career goals, and the overall completeness of your application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. If you do not receive any feedback by September 31, 2026, you should assume that your application was not successful.

Application Checklist

Before you submit your application, please confirm that you have completed the following:

• You are a South African citizen, female, and under 20 years old.
• You are currently in Matric with an overall average of at least 70%.
• You plan to study in 2027 in an eligible field and can demonstrate financial need.
• Your application form is fully completed, and your ID and Matric results are certified copies.
• Your motivational essay is approximately 250 words, and your three-minute video is ready.
• All written application documents are combined into one PDF file, named correctly with your name and surname.
• Your email uses the correct subject line, and your application is submitted by August 31, 2026.

Bursary Enquiries

If you have any questions regarding the bursary program, eligible fields of study, application requirements, video submission guidelines, the registration fee, or what expenses the funding covers, please send an email to: [email protected] .