Firstrand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary 2027

🟢 FIRSTRAND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION BURSARY 2027: OPEN — Applications are open for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary for students entering their first undergraduate degree in 2027. Applications are administered by StudyTrust and close on 30 September 2026.

The bursary is aimed at eligible Black South African students with strong academic potential who will begin their first degree at a traditional public university in South Africa. The programme supports a wide range of fields, including Engineering, Accounting, Computer Science, Medicine, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Law and selected Arts and Social Sciences programmes.

Updated: 2 September 2026 – FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 information checked against the current StudyTrust bursary programme information and current supporting bursary listings.

Is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 Open or Closed?

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 is currently open.

The application period runs from 1 June to 30 September 2026. Applications are submitted online through the StudyTrust application platform, which administers the bursary on behalf of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, it is advisable to complete your application well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days. StudyTrust warns that its application platform can become busy as closing dates approach.

What Is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is an undergraduate funding programme established to help eligible students access higher education and pursue qualifications linked to critical skills and the Foundation’s social investment priorities.

The programme is specifically aimed at students entering their first undergraduate degree in 2027. StudyTrust administers the bursary on behalf of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation.

According to StudyTrust, the selection process considers academic potential as well as the applicant’s family financial circumstances. The programme is available to current Grade 12 learners and applicants who completed Grade 12 no more than three years ago, provided they meet the other requirements.

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation’s education programme aims to increase access to quality education and contribute towards addressing youth unemployment through education opportunities.

What Fields of Study Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Cover?

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 supports undergraduate degree programmes across a broad range of fields. The funded programmes are linked to critical skills needs, FirstRand’s priorities and its social investment focus areas.

Agricultural Sciences

• All Agricultural Sciences specialisations

Commercial Sciences

• Accounting
• Actuarial Science
• Economics
• Financial Management

Engineering

• All Engineering specialisations

Environmental Sciences

• Climate Sciences
• Renewable Energy

Information Sciences

• Business Information Systems
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Information Systems
• Information Management
• Information Technology

Mathematical Sciences

• Mathematics
• Risk
• Statistics

Natural Sciences

• Biosciences
• Electronics
• Physics

Social Sciences and Law

• Society and Sustainability
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Law

Arts

• Psychology
• Digital Arts
• Fine Arts
• Multimedia
• Architecture
• Art and Design

Health Sciences

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Public Health
• Pharmacy

StudyTrust is the best source to check against when determining whether your specific degree is covered, as the funded programmes can be updated for future application cycles.

What Are the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Requirements?

Applicants must meet the programme’s minimum selection criteria before applying for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027.

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be Black, as defined by the B-BBEE Act.
• You must not be older than 21 years in your first year of study.
• You must currently be in Grade 12, or have completed Grade 12 no more than three years ago.
• You must have achieved at least Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12.
• You must have a strong academic record.
• You must intend to study full-time.
• You must be entering your first undergraduate degree in 2027.
• You must have applied for and been provisionally admitted to a traditional public university in South Africa for 2027.
• Your family’s combined gross annual income must not exceed R700,000.
• Your chosen qualification must be one of the degree programmes funded by the bursary.

Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee funding. Applications are subject to the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation and StudyTrust’s selection process, including consideration of academic potential and financial circumstances.

Can Students Who Already Completed Matric Apply?

Yes. You do not necessarily have to be in Grade 12 during 2026. Applicants who completed Grade 12 within the previous three years may also be considered, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements and will begin their first degree in 2027.

Can Second-Year University Students Apply?

No. The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary is aimed at students entering their first undergraduate degree in 2027. It is therefore not a general bursary for students already progressing through later years of an undergraduate degree.

Can Students at Universities of Technology Apply?

The 2027 programme requires applicants to have applied for and been provisionally admitted to a traditional public university in South Africa. This means applicants should not assume that a university of technology or private institution qualifies for this particular bursary.

What Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Cover?

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary provides financial support for several of the major costs associated with university study.

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Learning resources
• Monthly stipend
• Computer for first-year students

This makes the bursary particularly useful for first-year students who need assistance not only with university tuition but also with accommodation, food, learning materials and other study-related costs.

StudyTrust does not publish a fixed rand value for the monthly stipend on the current programme page. Applicants should therefore not rely on allowance figures published by older or unofficial bursary pages.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Provide a Computer?

Yes. The current 2027 bursary information states that a computer is provided to first-year students.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Cover Accommodation?

Yes. Accommodation is included among the expenses covered by the bursary.

What Documents Are Needed to Apply?

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary online application. The current bursary information lists the following documents:

• A clear head-and-shoulders photograph.
• A certified copy of your South African ID.
• If you are currently in Matric: your Grade 11 final results and Matric June results.
• If you have already completed Matric: your Matric certificate.
• Proof of university acceptance or provisional acceptance for 2027.
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income.
• If parents or guardians are employed: their latest payslips.
• If unemployed: an appropriate affidavit confirming unemployment/income.
• If self-employed: an affidavit stating annual income.
• If a parent or guardian owns a business: the relevant audited financial statements or three months’ most recent bank statements, where applicable.
• If applicable: a SASSA letter showing grants received.
• If a parent is deceased: the relevant death certificate.
• If parents are divorced or separated: documentation showing the applicable child-support amount, such as a court letter or affidavit.

StudyTrust states that incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants should therefore make sure that all required information and supporting documents have been supplied before submitting the application.

How Do I Apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary application is completed online through StudyTrust, which administers the bursary on behalf of the Foundation.

You do not need to submit your application to Grads24 or directly to a FirstRand branch. Use the StudyTrust application platform for the 2027 programme.

Step 1: Check the Requirements

Before starting the application, confirm that you meet the citizenship, B-BBEE, age, Mathematics, academic, university admission and household-income requirements.

Step 2: Apply to a Public Traditional University

Apply for your chosen funded degree at a South African traditional public university and obtain proof of provisional admission or acceptance for 2027.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather your certified ID, academic results, university admission information and household-income documents. Make sure your documents are clear and readable.

Step 4: Complete the StudyTrust Online Application

Register or log in to the StudyTrust application platform and complete the required sections of the application. Provide accurate information about your academic history, household circumstances and intended qualification.

Step 5: Upload Your Supporting Documents

Upload all documents requested during the application process. StudyTrust states that you cannot submit the application until all required information has been completed and the necessary supporting documents have been uploaded.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Review your application carefully before submitting it. Check your personal details, academic results, university information and household-income information for errors.

Step 7: Apply Before the Closing Date

Submit your completed application before 30 September 2026. StudyTrust recommends applying early because its platform can become busy as the deadline approaches.

View the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 information on StudyTrust

What Is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Closing Date?

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 closing date is 30 September 2026.

The 2027 application season opened on 1 June 2026 and runs until 30 September 2026.

Do not wait until the final day to apply. StudyTrust specifically warns that its online application platform may become busy and experience slowdowns as closing dates approach.

How Can I Contact the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?

StudyTrust administers the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary and is the appropriate contact for application-related enquiries.

• Administrator: StudyTrust
• Telephone: 011 403 1632
• Email: apply@studytrust.org.za

Applicants should use the contact details provided by StudyTrust for questions about the application process, supporting documents or the online application platform.

Visit the official StudyTrust FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary page

What Happens After You Apply?

Submitting the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary application does not guarantee that you will receive funding. Applications are assessed according to the programme’s selection criteria, including academic potential and financial circumstances.

StudyTrust manages the application and bursary administration process on behalf of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation. Applicants should therefore monitor the contact details supplied in their application and respond if additional information is requested.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary

Is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 open?

Yes. Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary 2027 are currently open. The application period runs from 1 June to 30 September 2026.

What is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary closing date?

The closing date for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026.

Who qualifies for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?

The bursary is for Black South African citizens who will be no older than 21 in their first year of study, are currently in Grade 12 or completed Grade 12 within the previous three years, achieved at least Level 5 for Mathematics, have strong academic potential, have provisional admission to a traditional public university and come from a family with a combined gross annual income of no more than R700,000.

What is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary income threshold?

The combined gross annual income of the applicant’s family must not exceed R700,000.

What is the minimum Mathematics requirement?

Applicants must have achieved at least Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary fund Engineering?

Yes. All Engineering specialisations are listed among the funded degree programmes for the 2027 intake.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary fund Medicine?

Yes. Health Sciences funded by the programme include Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Public Health and Pharmacy.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary fund Computer Science?

Yes. Computer Science is included under Information Sciences, together with Data Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Business Information Systems and Information Management.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary cover accommodation?

Yes. Accommodation is included in the bursary funding package.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary provide a laptop?

The current programme information states that a computer is provided to first-year students.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary provide a monthly allowance?

Yes. The bursary covers a monthly stipend. However, StudyTrust does not state a fixed rand amount for the stipend on its current programme page.

How do I apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary online?

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary online application 2027 is completed through StudyTrust’s online application platform. Applicants should first review the eligibility criteria, prepare their supporting documents, complete the online application and submit it before the closing date.

What documents are needed for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?

Required supporting documents include a clear photograph, certified South African ID, academic results or Matric certificate, proof of university acceptance or provisional acceptance and proof of household income. Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s family circumstances, such as death certificates, child-support documentation or SASSA proof.

Can I apply if I completed Matric already?

Yes. Applicants who completed Grade 12 within the previous three years may be considered, provided they meet the other requirements and will enter their first undergraduate degree in 2027.

Can I apply if my family earns more than R700,000?

No. The current selection criteria state that applicants must come from families with a combined gross annual income of up to R700,000.

Can I apply without university admission?

The programme requires applicants to have applied for and been provisionally admitted to a traditional public university in South Africa for full-time study in one of the funded degree programmes.

Does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary have a work-back requirement?

The current StudyTrust programme information does not state a work-back or employment obligation as part of the undergraduate bursary’s selection criteria.

Apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 is currently open to eligible applicants who will begin their first undergraduate degree at a traditional public university in South Africa.

The programme stands out because it provides support beyond tuition, including accommodation, meals, learning resources, a monthly stipend and a computer for first-year students.

If you meet the requirements, do not wait until the closing date. Prepare your academic, university admission and household-income documents and complete the StudyTrust application as early as possible.

Apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 via StudyTrust

Related Bursaries on Grads24

• General Bursaries South Africa — find more bursaries currently available for South African students.
• Engineering Bursaries South Africa — explore funding opportunities for Engineering degrees.
• IT Bursaries South Africa — find bursaries for Computer Science, Information Technology and related qualifications.
• Accounting Bursaries South Africa — explore bursaries for Accounting, Finance and related degrees.

Grads24 monitors bursary opportunities and updates application information as new funding cycles are announced. Always verify the final eligibility requirements, supporting documents, application instructions and closing date with the bursary administrator before submitting your application.