FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursaries: Funding for STEM and Psychology Honours Degrees
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is offering a valuable opportunity for South African students pursuing Honours degrees in specific Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as Psychology. This bursary program aims to support students aged 18 to 35 who have completed their undergraduate studies and meet academic and financial requirements. The funding is available for studies at public universities across South Africa for the 2027 academic year.
The application closing date for this bursary is December 31, 2026. This initiative provides a full year of financial support, covering essential study-related expenses. It is a significant opportunity for Black South African students looking to advance their education in critical fields.
About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary
The FREF bursary program is specifically designed for students entering their first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027. The focus is on critical areas within STEM and Psychology, fields that are vital for South Africa’s development. To be eligible, applicants must be Black South African citizens (African, Coloured, or Indian) and fall within the specified age range.
This bursary is more than just financial aid; it includes additional support services to help students succeed. Applicants need to demonstrate strong academic performance and a clear commitment to their chosen field. The bursary is exclusively for studies at recognized and accredited public universities within South Africa.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation’s Mission
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is dedicated to driving social upliftment and economic empowerment throughout South Africa. The foundation supports initiatives that aim to create lasting change and provide individuals with opportunities to improve their lives. Their work spans various sectors, including education, health, and enterprise development, with a strong emphasis on youth development.
In education, FREF works to address shortages in critical skills and promote access to higher education. By funding students in essential fields, the foundation helps build a more skilled workforce for the nation. These efforts often involve collaborations with educational institutions and other organizations to maximize their impact.
Covered Fields of Study
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary supports Honours degrees in a range of important fields. These include Actuarial Science, Agricultural Sciences, Biosciences, Climate Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronics, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. The bursary also extends to studies in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Information Management, Information Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology.
Students pursuing Mathematical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Renewable Energy, Risk, Sciences, and Statistics are also encouraged to apply. It is important for applicants to confirm that their chosen Honours qualification falls within these specified areas.
What the Bursary Provides
Successful applicants for the FREF bursary will receive comprehensive financial support. This includes funding for tuition fees, which is a primary aspect of the bursary. The program also offers financial assistance for accommodation, with a maximum limit of R65,000.
Recipients will also receive monthly stipends for travel expenses. Additionally, food and airtime vouchers are provided to help cover daily needs. Beyond financial assistance, the bursary includes valuable student support and development services designed to help recipients excel academically and professionally.
Programme Details: Duration and Location
This bursary is intended for a full-time, one-year Honours degree program, aligning with the standard academic duration for such qualifications. The program is open to students enrolled at any recognized and accredited public university in South Africa.
While the bursary is national in scope, applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen university and specific Honours program. The program’s focus is on supporting students pursuing higher education within South Africa’s public university system.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To be considered 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 December 31, 2027.
A completed Matric qualification is required, with a minimum of 60% in 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 of the applicant’s family must not exceed R700,000 per year.
Academic Requirements
Strong academic performance is essential for this bursary. Applicants need to have obtained at least 60% in Mathematics at the National Senior Certificate (NSC) level. This specific requirement means Mathematical Literacy will not be considered.
At the undergraduate level, a minimum overall average of 60% is mandatory. Applicants must also meet the specific admission criteria set by the public university for their intended Honours degree program. Fulfilling these academic benchmarks is critical for a successful application.
Required Documentation
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 necessary.
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 required for proof of household income differs based on the employment status of parents or guardians. If employed, the most recent payslips are needed. If unemployed, an affidavit confirming this status is required.
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 bank statements from the past three months. 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. Applicants must ensure that all uploaded documents are clear and easily readable. Failure to provide missing compulsory documents may result in an application not being considered.
Selection Process Overview
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 thorough review of applications and the selection of potential recipients. Applicants who do not receive any communication by this date should assume their application was not successful.
How to Submit Your Application
Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary must be submitted online. Interested students can access the FREF bursary application platform through 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 essential to submit all information and documents before the closing date.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is December 31, 2026. Applicants must ensure that their applications and all required supporting documents are submitted online before this date. Late submissions will not be considered.
Conclusion
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary offers a significant opportunity for Black South African students pursuing Honours degrees in STEM and Psychology. By covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and providing living stipends, FREF aims to remove financial barriers to higher education. Meeting the academic and income requirements, along with submitting all necessary documentation by the December 31, 2026 deadline, is key to a successful application. This bursary represents a commitment to developing critical skills and empowering the next generation of leaders in South Africa.
