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Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027

The Metacom Foundation Bursary is a university funding programme established to empower previously disadvantaged young women through education in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and related fields. The programme combines academic funding with mentorship and emotional and wellbeing support.

WHAT IS THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY?

The Metacom Foundation Bursary is offered through the Metacom Foundation, a non-profit education trust focused on increasing opportunities for young women in ICT and related disciplines.

The Foundation’s programme is designed to provide more than financial assistance. Alongside academic funding, it provides mentorship, tutoring, personal guidance and emotional and wellbeing support, including a “big sister” mentoring initiative involving previous programme participants.

The bursary is specifically linked to four universities in the Western Cape: the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Western Cape (UWC), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Stellenbosch University.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER?

The Metacom Foundation Bursary is intended for Bachelor’s Degree studies in ICT and related fields. The Foundation specifically gives Computer Science and Electrical/Electronic Engineering as examples of related fields.

  • INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
  • COMPUTER SCIENCE
  • ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
  • ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
  • OTHER RELATED ICT DISCIPLINES

Students should not assume that every technology, engineering or business qualification qualifies. The qualification must fall within ICT or a related field accepted by the Foundation.

WHAT ARE THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY REQUIREMENTS?

The Metacom Foundation has specific eligibility requirements. For the current programme, applicants must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be a woman of colour.
  • Be between 18 and 27 years old.
  • Be from a previously disadvantaged background.
  • Reside in the Western Cape.
  • Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
  • Be studying or intending to study towards a Bachelor’s Degree in ICT or a related field.
  • Be enrolled or intending to enrol at UCT, UWC, CPUT or Stellenbosch University.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Demonstrate academic potential and ambition.

The university requirement is particularly important. Being accepted to another university in South Africa does not automatically make an applicant eligible for this bursary.

WHAT DOES THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER?

The Metacom Foundation describes the programme as providing academic funding together with broader student support. Recent programme reporting indicates that the bursary can cover major study and living expenses, including:

  • Tuition fees
  • Books
  • Accommodation
  • Transport
  • Meal and living support
  • Laptop support
  • Mentorship
  • Personal guidance
  • Health and wellness support

The Foundation states that successful applicants receive academic funding for the duration of their studies, together with ongoing mentorship and emotional and wellbeing support. The exact financial benefits and conditions should be confirmed against the terms applicable to the relevant intake.

The programme also incorporates practical industry exposure through internships. Recent reporting on the Foundation describes paid internships during the academic year, allowing students to gain experience working on real projects.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY?

Applications are submitted directly to the Metacom Foundation Bursary Application 2027 official page.

  1. Check that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
  2. Confirm that your Bachelor’s Degree and university fall within the programme requirements.
  3. Prepare proof of enrolment and evidence of financial need.
  4. Complete the prescribed Metacom Foundation application form.
  5. Complete the online application.
  6. Upload the required supporting documents.
  7. Submit the application before the closing date.

The Foundation states that shortlisted applicants participate in an interview as part of the application process.

Use the Foundation’s current application instructions rather than an application form from an older intake.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY?

The Foundation’s current programme information specifically requires applicants to provide proof of enrolment and evidence of financial need. Current application listings also identify supporting documents such as:

  • Completed Metacom Foundation bursary application form.
  • Copy of South African ID.
  • Matric final results, where applicable.
  • Most recent university academic transcript, where applicable.
  • Proof of parent or guardian household income.
  • Recent payslips, where applicable.
  • Affidavit confirming unemployment, where applicable.
  • Proof of pension or social grant income, where applicable.

Applicants should use the document checklist supplied with the current application as the final authority, because supporting-document requirements can change between intakes.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY?

3 October 2026.

Late applications will be rejected, apply on time.

HOW DO I CONTACT METACOM ABOUT THE BURSARY?

For enquiries about the Metacom Foundation Bursary, contact the Foundation directly:

  • Email: foundation@metacom.net
  • Telephone: +27 21 531 9900

The Metacom Foundation’s head office is located at 6 Inyoni Street, Ndabeni, Cape Town, 7550, South Africa.

ABOUT THE METACOM FOUNDATION

The Metacom Foundation is a non-profit education trust established to empower previously disadvantaged women through education and skills development in ICT and related fields.

Its stated vision is to educate and inspire women in ICT so they can become innovative thought leaders and contribute positively to their communities. The Foundation therefore combines financial support with mentorship, practical exposure and wellbeing support.

The Foundation was launched in 2023 with a focus on expanding opportunities for young women of colour in South Africa’s ICT sector and related industries.

METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY FAQ

WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY?

The programme is aimed at South African women of colour aged 18 to 27 who are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, reside in the Western Cape, demonstrate financial need and academic potential, and study or intend to study a Bachelor’s Degree in ICT or a related field at one of the four participating universities.

WHICH UNIVERSITIES DOES THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY SUPPORT?

The Foundation currently identifies the University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Stellenbosch University.

DOES THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER TUITION?

Yes. The programme provides academic funding, and recent programme reporting describes full tuition support together with other study and living benefits. Applicants should confirm the exact benefits attached to their intake.

DOES THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY PROVIDE MENTORSHIP?

Yes. Mentorship is a central part of the programme. The Foundation also has a “big sister” initiative through which previous programme participants can support younger students.

WHEN DOES THE METACOM FOUNDATION BURSARY CLOSE?

The current 2027 application deadline is 3 October 2026.

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