This guide will walk you through the process of applying for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary for the 2027 academic year. This process is for South African students residing in the Free State province who are between 18 and 35 years old, unemployed, and seeking financial assistance for full-time degree or diploma studies in critical and scarce-skills areas. By following these steps, you can ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly before the deadline. Prerequisites include gathering all necessary documents and understanding the eligibility criteria.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before you start, make sure you meet all the requirements for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary. This step is crucial to avoid wasting time on an application you won’t qualify for.
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
- Residency: Must reside within the Free State province.
- Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Education: Must be currently completing Matric or have already completed it.
- Household Income: Total household income must be less than R600,000 per year. Be prepared to provide proof.
- Study Plan: Must be studying or intending to study full-time towards an eligible degree or diploma.
- Institution: Must be accepted at a recognised and accredited South African university or university of technology.
- Funding: Must not be receiving other government funding.
- Employment: Must be unemployed.
- Commitment: Must be willing to work within related service sectors after graduation.
Mistake to Avoid: Assuming you qualify without checking every point. Pay close attention to the household income limit and residency requirement, as these are common disqualifiers.
Step 2: Identify Your Field of Study
Ensure your chosen course of study aligns with the bursary’s focus on critical and scarce skills. This will help you confirm if your academic goals are supported by the program.
- STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- Finance, Economics, and Accounting.
- Psychology-related studies.
- Social Sciences.
- Aviation Studies.
- Public Governance.
- Developmental Studies.
- Various Bachelor of Administration programmes.
Mistake to Avoid: Applying for a field of study that is not listed. Double-check that your intended qualification falls within one of these advertised areas.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Collect all the necessary supporting documents. Having these ready will make filling out the application form much smoother and prevent delays.
- Identification: Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Matric Results: Certified copy of your September Matric results (if currently in Matric) or your Matric certificate (if already completed).
- Proof of Acceptance: Proof of acceptance from a registered Higher Education Institution.
- Proof of Residence: Proof of residence in the Free State, not older than three months.
- Parent/Guardian Documents: Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
- Death Certificates: Parents’ or guardians’ death certificates, where applicable.
- Proof of Household Income: Documents proving your parents’ or guardians’ household income (e.g., recent payslips, affidavit if unemployed, SASSA grant proof, pension income proof). Payslips should not be older than three months.
Mistake to Avoid: Submitting uncertified copies or outdated proof of residence. Ensure all certifications are valid and documents are current, as incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Step 4: Obtain the Application Form
Download or collect the official Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form. This is the primary document you need to complete.
- Online: Download from the official bursary website (if available).
- In Person: Collect from:
- Office of the Premier – FSTDI, OR Tambo Building.
- Thusong Centres.
- Central University of Technology.
- University of the Free State.
Mistake to Avoid: Using an outdated or incorrect application form. Always ensure you have the official form for the 2027 academic year.
Step 5: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application form accurately and completely. Double-check all sections to ensure no details are missed.
- Personal Details: Accurately enter your name, contact information, and address.
- Academic Information: Provide details about your current or previous schooling and your intended course of study.
- Household Information: Fill in details about your parents or guardians and their income.
- Referral Section: When asked how you heard about the bursary, you can enter www.zabursaries.co.za.
- Declaration: Read and sign the declaration, confirming the truthfulness of your information.
Mistake to Avoid: Leaving any section blank or providing incorrect information. This can lead to your application being rejected. Ensure all details match the supporting documents you will submit.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Hand-deliver your completed application form along with all required supporting documents to the specified address. This is the final step in submitting your application.
- Delivery Address:
- FSTDI Brahman Building
- 124 Nelson Mandela Drive
- Westdene
- Bloemfontein
- 9301
- Location within Office: Bursary Unit at the reception area.
- Submission Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted before 13 November 2026 at 16:00.
Mistake to Avoid: Submitting your application late or via a method other than hand delivery. Late applications will not be accepted. Keep a copy of your submitted application and all documents for your records.
Step 7: Follow Up and Await Notification
After submitting your application, understand the timeline for the selection process and how you will be notified.
- Selection Timeline: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Notification Period: Shortlisted applicants should be contacted within four months after the closing date (i.e., by approximately March 2027).
- Unsuccessful Applications: If you have not received feedback within four months, consider your application unsuccessful.
Mistake to Avoid: Contacting the office repeatedly before the four-month notification period has passed. Be patient and wait for the official communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary?
To be eligible, you must be a South African citizen residing in the Free State, between 18 and 35 years old, unemployed, have a household income below R600,000 annually, and be accepted into a full-time degree or diploma in a scarce skills field.
What fields of study are covered by this bursary?
The bursary focuses on critical and scarce skills, including STEM, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Psychology, Social Sciences, Aviation, Public Governance, Developmental Studies, and various Bachelor of Administration programs.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You need a certified ID, Matric results or certificate, proof of acceptance from an institution, proof of Free State residence, parents’/guardians’ IDs and death certificates if applicable, and proof of household income.
How and when should I submit my application?
Applications must be hand-delivered to the FSTDI Brahman Building at 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301, by 16:00 on November 13, 2026.
