SACBW Foundation Bursary: A Guide for Female Matric Learners

The journey to higher education can be challenging, especially for young women facing financial hurdles. For academically strong female matric learners in South Africa, the SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme offers a beacon of hope. This bursary aims to support those who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential but lack the financial means to pursue their tertiary dreams. The program is designed to foster future female professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who can contribute significantly to South Africa’s economic growth.

This guide provides a detailed look at the SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year, covering eligibility, application requirements, and what the bursary entails.

Understanding the SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme

The SACBW Foundation NPC is dedicated to empowering young women through education. The bursary program specifically targets female learners completing their Matric year who aspire to begin tertiary studies in 2027. It is intended for students who meet a minimum academic standard and demonstrate a clear financial need, ensuring that talent and ambition are not stifled by economic limitations. Beyond financial aid, successful recipients also gain recognition through the Youth Leader Award from the South African Council for Business Women, acknowledging their potential and commitment.

Key Details of the Bursary

• Bursary Provider: SACBW Foundation NPC
• Programme: SACBW Foundation Bursary 2027
• Target Group: Female Matric learners
• Age Requirement: Younger than 20 years old
• Minimum Academic Average: 70%
• Academic Year: 2027
• Closing Date: 31 August 2026
• Application Method: Email
• Application Email: [email protected]

Preferred Fields of Study

While the SACBW Foundation may consider other fields, preference is given to applicants intending to study in specific areas that align with the Foundation’s goals of economic development and entrepreneurship. These preferred fields include:

• Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Business Development Management
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing Management
• Practical Entrepreneurship

Pursuing studies in these areas demonstrates a clear alignment with the bursary’s purpose of cultivating future business leaders and professionals.

Purpose and Goals of the Bursary

The SACBW Foundation Bursary is more than just financial assistance; it’s an investment in the future of South Africa’s female talent. The program aims to support young women who:

• Exhibit strong academic performance.
• Are currently in their final year of Matric.
• Wish to pursue higher education.
• Face financial barriers to tertiary education.
• Show potential for leadership.
• Are interested in business or entrepreneurial ventures.
• Aspire to contribute to the nation’s economic development.

By supporting these individuals, the Foundation seeks to build a pipeline of skilled and motivated women ready to make a difference.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the SACBW Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet a comprehensive set of criteria. These requirements ensure that the bursary reaches those who are most deserving and aligned with the program’s objectives.

• 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 average of 70% in their Matric studies.
• Tertiary Intent: Must intend to study towards an eligible qualification in 2027.
• Financial Need: Must demonstrate a genuine financial need and be unable to afford tertiary studies independently.
• Application Submission: Must submit a complete application before the closing date of 31 August 2026.

Failure to meet any of these requirements may lead to disqualification.

Academic and Age Criteria

The bursary places a strong emphasis on academic achievement. Applicants must present certified June Matric results that clearly show a minimum overall average of 70%. This record should include the learner’s full name, school name, subjects, marks achieved, and overall performance, with an official school stamp or verification.

In addition to academic standing, the age requirement is strictly enforced. Applicants must be under 20 years old. A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document is required to verify their date of birth.

Demonstrating Financial Need

A core component of the bursary is supporting students who cannot fund their education themselves. Applicants must honestly detail their financial circumstances in their application and motivational essay. The Foundation will consider factors such as household income, the number of dependents, parents’ or guardians’ employment status, existing financial obligations, and any other funding received. A clear explanation of why tertiary education is unaffordable without assistance is essential.

What the Bursary Covers

The exact value and scope of the bursary funding are not explicitly detailed and will be paid directly to the tertiary institution. It is important for applicants not to assume that the bursary covers all expenses. While it aims to provide significant financial support, it may not automatically cover full tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, meals, transport, devices, or personal allowances. Applicants should confirm the specific coverage with the SACBW Foundation.

The Youth Leader Award

Beyond financial aid, successful bursary recipients are honored with the Youth Leader Award from the South African Council for Business Women. This award recognizes the recipient’s academic achievements, leadership potential, dedication to personal growth, and interest in entrepreneurship. It serves as a valuable addition to their profile, highlighting their potential contributions to business and society.

Required Supporting Documents

A complete application requires several supporting documents to be submitted. These are crucial for assessing the applicant’s eligibility and suitability for the bursary.

• Completed Application Form: The official SACBW Foundation Bursary Application Form must be filled out entirely.
• Certified ID Copy: A certified copy of the applicant’s South African identity document.
• Certified June Matric Results: Certified copies of the applicant’s June Matric results, showing the required 70% average.
• Motivational Essay: A written essay of approximately 250 words, detailing personal background, academic achievements, financial situation, career aspirations, and leadership potential.
• Three-Minute Video: A short video presentation covering the key points of the motivational essay.

Any missing compulsory documents can lead to the application being disqualified.

Motivational Essay and Video Requirements

The motivational essay is a critical part of the application, allowing applicants to express their personality, drive, and vision. It should be personal, clear, and written in the applicant’s own words, addressing their background, academic successes, financial challenges, chosen field of study, career ambitions, leadership qualities, and how the bursary will help them achieve their goals and contribute to society.

The three-minute video serves as a dynamic complement to the essay. Applicants should introduce themselves confidently, discuss their academic and career goals, explain their need for financial assistance, and highlight their leadership or entrepreneurial ambitions. The video should be recorded in a quiet, well-lit environment with clear audio, staying within the time limit.

Application Document Formatting

All written application documents must be consolidated into a single PDF file. This file should include the completed application form, certified ID, certified June Matric results, and the motivational essay. The filename should be clear and professional, using the applicant’s full name, for example, “Thandi_Mokoena_SACBW_Bursary_2027.pdf”. Applicants must ensure the PDF opens correctly, is readable, and is not password-protected before submission.

Registration Fee Information

The application form may mention a R199 registration fee. The SACBW Foundation has stated that applicants who cannot afford this fee should still submit their applications and contact the Foundation directly. The Foundation will assess whether the fee can be waived. Applicants should not assume a waiver and should keep records of any official communication regarding the fee.

How to Submit Your Application

To apply, applicants must first download and complete the official SACBW Foundation Bursary Application Form. Once completed, the application, along with the supporting documents, should be submitted via email to [email protected]. The email subject line should be “SACBW Foundation Bursary.” The email must contain the single combined PDF document and the three-minute video or a link to it, along with the applicant’s full name and contact details.

Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting all application materials is 31 August 2026. Late applications will not be considered. It is advisable to submit applications well before the closing date to allow time for resolving any technical issues with submissions or documents.

The Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including eligibility, academic performance, demonstrated financial need, the quality of the motivational essay and video, leadership potential, career aspirations, and the overall completeness of the application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not receive feedback by “31 September 2026” (note: September has 30 days, so confirmation with the Foundation is advised) should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Final Application Checklist

Before submitting, review this checklist to ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements:

• Are you a South African citizen, female, and under 20?
• Are you currently in Matric with a 70% average?
• Do you intend to study in 2027 in an eligible field?
• Have you clearly demonstrated financial need?
• Is the application form fully completed?
• Are your ID and June Matric results certified copies?
• Is your motivational essay around 250 words?
• Is your three-minute video ready?
• Are all written documents combined into one PDF?
• Is the PDF filename correct?
• Is the email subject line accurate?
• Have you submitted by 31 August 2026?

Bursary Enquiries

For any questions regarding the bursary programme, including eligible fields of study, application requirements, video submission, the registration fee, or funding coverage, applicants can contact the SACBW Foundation via email at [email protected].

Conclusion

The SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme represents a significant opportunity for academically gifted and financially needy female matric learners in South Africa. By carefully meeting all eligibility criteria, preparing a compelling application, and submitting all required documents by the deadline, aspiring students can take a crucial step towards achieving their higher education goals and contributing to the nation’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions