Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027: A Guide for South African Students

The Hollywood Foundation is offering the Future is Bright Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year, providing a valuable opportunity for South African students to secure funding for their tertiary education. This bursary aims to support full-time studies at DHET-registered institutions, helping to remove financial barriers and improve future employment prospects. If you are a South African student looking for financial aid to pursue higher education, understanding the details of this programme is essential.

The application closing date for the Future is Bright Bursary is 03 September 2026 at 12:00 midday. This bursary is available for students studying at DHET-registered tertiary institutions across South Africa. The programme is designed to fund approved study costs for qualifications lasting a minimum of 12 months.

About the Hollywood Foundation and the Future is Bright Bursary

The Hollywood Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of Hollywoodbets, dedicated to making a positive impact in South African communities. Through various initiatives, including educational support, the foundation invests in the development of young people. The Future is Bright Bursary Programme is a key part of this commitment, specifically targeting students pursuing undergraduate, Honours, Postgraduate, and Advanced Diploma qualifications.

This bursary focuses on selected fields that are identified as having strong career potential. By providing financial assistance for essential study-related expenses, the foundation enables students to concentrate on their academic journey without the added stress of financial limitations. It is important to note that this bursary is exclusively for full-time studies at institutions registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and does not cover studies at TVET colleges.

Available Fields of Study and Qualification Levels

The Future is Bright Bursary Programme supports a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, aiming to cater to diverse career aspirations. Students can apply if their chosen field falls within the following areas:

• Architectural Design
• Business Management
• Data Science
• Finance and Accounting
• BCom Law
• Graphic Design
• Human Resources Management
• Information Technology (including Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Systems and Network Administration)
• Marketing (including Digital Marketing)
• Communications and Media
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management and Logistics Management

The bursary covers qualifications such as Higher Certificates, National Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, Honours, and Advanced Diplomas. It is important to note that Master’s degrees and PhD studies are not included in this programme. The chosen qualification must have a duration of at least 12 months.

What the Bursary Covers

Successful applicants for the Future is Bright Bursary Programme can receive either full or partial funding for their studies. The financial aid is intended to cover a range of approved study-related expenses, which may include:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Other approved study materials
• Accommodation costs, where this has been approved as a necessary expense
• Living assistance, if deemed necessary and approved

The exact amount and type of funding provided will depend on the individual applicant’s needs, the specific course of study, and the overall allocation of the bursary fund.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary, applicants must meet a set of specific criteria. These are designed to ensure that the bursary reaches deserving students who are committed to their education and future careers. The key requirements include:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Current Academic Status: Applicants must either be currently in Matric or have successfully completed their Matriculation.
• Study Intent: Applicants must be studying or have a clear intention to study full-time in 2027.
• Field of Study: The chosen course must be within one of the approved fields of study listed by the foundation.
• Institution Type: Studies must be undertaken at a DHET-registered tertiary institution within South Africa. Enrolment at a TVET college is not eligible for this bursary.
• Qualification Duration: The chosen qualification must be a minimum of 12 months in length.
• Academic Performance: Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements for their current level of study.
• Other Bursaries: Applicants should not hold another bursary that requires them to work for a different organisation after graduation.
• Agreement: Applicants must agree to the terms and conditions associated with the bursary.

Academic Performance Criteria

The bursary programme places a strong emphasis on academic achievement. Applicants need to demonstrate a solid academic record to be considered. The specific academic requirements are as follows:

For students currently in Matric:
Applicants must achieve a minimum overall average of 65% in their mid-year or final Matric results. Additionally, they need to secure a minimum of 65% in each individual subject.

For students currently studying at a tertiary level:
Applicants who are already enrolled in higher education must achieve a minimum overall average of 60% in their most recent academic results. To remain eligible for continued funding in subsequent years, they must consistently maintain at least a 60% overall average.

Required Application Documents

Prospective applicants must gather and submit clear copies of several important documents to support their application. Accuracy and completeness are vital, as incomplete applications may lead to disqualification. The essential documents include:

• A certified copy of your South African Identity Document (ID).
• Your Matric certificate or statement of results if you have completed Matric.
• Your most recent academic results if you are currently studying at a tertiary institution.
• An acceptance letter or proof of application from the tertiary institution you plan to attend.
• Detailed information about the specific qualification you intend to pursue.
• The full name and address of the registered tertiary institution.
• A proforma invoice or an estimated cost breakdown from the institution, detailing all study-related expenses.
• Proof of the institution’s banking details.
• Proof of your residential address.
• A motivational letter explaining why you should be awarded the bursary and outlining your future aspirations.

How to Apply for the Bursary

Applications for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027 are processed online. Interested students must visit the official application portal. It is crucial for applicants to select the correct application route, whether it is for external or internal candidates, and to upload all the required supporting documents. Applicants should take care to fill out the application form accurately and ensure all necessary files are attached before final submission.

The online application link is: Click here to apply for Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027

Important Considerations for Applicants

When applying for the Future is Bright Bursary, it is important to be aware of several key details. These points can help ensure your application is complete and that you understand the programme’s expectations:

• South African citizenship is a mandatory requirement for all applicants.
• The bursary is strictly for full-time studies; part-time or distance learning is not covered.
• The chosen qualification must have a minimum duration of 12 months.
• Studies at TVET colleges are not eligible for funding under this programme.
• Master’s and PhD programmes are excluded from this bursary offering.
• Matric applicants require a minimum of a 65% overall average, while current tertiary students need at least a 60% average.
• Recipients must maintain a 60% academic average throughout their studies to continue receiving funding.
• Applicants cannot simultaneously hold other bursaries that obligate them to work for another company post-graduation.
• The foundation may require recipients to participate in vacation work.
• There might be a requirement for employment with the company after graduation, at the company’s discretion.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered for review.

Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027 is 03 September 2026 at 12:00 midday. It is strongly advised to submit your application well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues. Late applications will not be accepted.