FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary for 2027: Your Guide to STEM & Psychology Honours

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is offering a valuable opportunity for South African students pursuing further studies in STEM and Psychology. For the 2027 academic year, the FREF Bursary Programme aims to support students entering their first full-time Honours degree. This bursary is designed to assist those who meet specific academic and financial criteria, helping them to advance their education in critical fields.

Understanding the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme is specifically for students who will be undertaking their first Honours degree in 2027. This program focuses on supporting studies within Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Psychology. To be considered, applicants must be South African citizens, between 18 and 35 years old by December 31, 2027, and have a combined household income not exceeding R700,000 per year. The bursary is intended for a full-time, one-year Honours degree at a minimum NQF Level 8.

Eligible Fields of Study

The FREF Bursary supports a diverse range of disciplines within STEM and Psychology. Students applying for an Honours degree in the following areas may be eligible:

• Actuarial Science
• Agricultural Sciences
• BA Honours Arts (Psychology)
• Biosciences
• Climate Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Information Management
• Information Science
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Mathematical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Renewable Energy
• Risk
• Sciences
• Statistics

It is important for applicants to confirm that their chosen Honours qualification aligns with one of these listed fields.

What the Bursary Covers

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary provides financial assistance that can help cover several educational expenses. This may include:

• Tuition Fees: The core cost of your Honours program.
• Accommodation: Support for living expenses, with a cap of R65,000.
• Monthly Travel Stipends: Assistance with transportation costs.
• Food Vouchers: Help with daily living expenses.
• Airtime Vouchers: Support for communication needs.

In addition to financial aid, recipients may also benefit from extra student support and development services.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the FREF Bursary, applicants must meet a set of criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Race: Must be Black, as defined by the B-BBEE Act (African, Coloured, or Indian).
• Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old on December 31, 2027.
• Matriculation: Must have completed Matric.
• Mathematics: Must have achieved at least 60% in NSC Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy is not accepted).
• Academic Performance: A minimum overall average of 60% in your undergraduate degree is required.
• Study Level: Must be entering your first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027.
• Field of Study: Must be pursuing a qualification in one of the eligible fields.
• Institution: Must attend a recognized and accredited public university in South Africa.
• Household Income: Combined household income must not exceed R700,000 per annum.

Academic Standards

Meeting the academic requirements is key for this bursary. A strong performance in both high school and undergraduate studies is necessary. Specifically, applicants need at least 60% for NSC Mathematics and a minimum 60% overall average for their undergraduate degree. Furthermore, applicants must meet the specific admission requirements for their chosen Honours program at the university.

Required Documentation

A complete application requires several supporting documents. These must be clear copies, certified within the last six months:

• South African ID document.
• Matric certificate.
• Complete undergraduate academic record.
• Provisional or final Honours acceptance letter (if available).
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income.
• ID numbers for the applicant and all household members.
• Disability documentation, if applicable.

For applicants with disabilities, a completed EEA1 form and a valid doctor’s note are also needed.

Proof of Household Income

The type of proof required for household income depends on the parents’ or guardians’ employment status. This can include:

• Latest payslips for employed individuals.
• An affidavit for unemployed individuals.
• An affidavit confirming annual income for self-employed individuals.
• Recent audited financial statements or three months’ bank statements for business owners.
• A SASSA letter for grant recipients.

The total combined household income must not exceed R700,000 annually. All submitted documents must be in PDF format and not exceed 5MB each.

Selection Process and Application

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the first week of January 2027. If you do not hear back by then, your application should be considered unsuccessful. Applications are submitted online through the FREF bursary application platform. It is crucial to complete all sections accurately and upload all required documents in PDF format before the deadline.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is December 31, 2026. Ensure all application materials are submitted well before this date to avoid any issues.

Conclusion

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme for 2027 offers a significant opportunity for eligible South African students to pursue Honours degrees in STEM and Psychology. By meeting the academic, age, and financial requirements, and submitting all necessary documentation, students can gain valuable financial support and development services to further their academic and professional journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions