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Monocle Foundation Bursary South Africa 2026

The Monocle Foundation Bursary supports previously disadvantaged Black female students who have limited to no funding for their tertiary studies. The 2027 programme is open to South African students who are already in their second year of study or higher and supports both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 1 November 2026.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER?

The Monocle Foundation accepts applications for a range of tertiary fields. The Foundation states that accepted courses include, but are not limited to:

  • Accounting
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine

The published list is not necessarily exhaustive because the Foundation states that these fields are examples of the courses it considers.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION BURSARY?

To be considered for the Monocle Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. Applicants must be:

  • South African citizens;
  • Black females from a previously disadvantaged background;
  • Currently studying at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa;
  • Entering their second year of study or higher;
  • Studying towards an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate qualification; and
  • Students with limited to no funding for their studies.

First-year students are not eligible because the programme is intended for students who are already in their second year of study or higher.

The current 2027 programme information does not publish a specific household-income threshold or minimum academic percentage. Applicants should therefore rely on the eligibility requirements published by the Foundation rather than assuming that an unpublished income or mark requirement applies.

The 2027 programme also indicates that applicants should not have alternative bursary funding available for their studies, as the Foundation is intended to support students with limited to no funding.

WHAT DOES THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER?

The Monocle Foundation provides financial and educational support to successful bursary recipients. The published benefits include:

  • Tuition fees;
  • Accommodation fees;
  • A laptop;
  • Book and study material allowance;
  • Subsistence allowance;
  • Career counselling; and
  • A free MS Office course.

The bursary therefore provides support towards both the direct costs of tertiary education and additional resources that can assist students with their studies and career development.

Successful beneficiaries are not required to repay the bursary or work back the funding after completing their studies. However, beneficiaries are expected to provide regular updates on their studies and submit their final academic results to the Foundation.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION BURSARY?

Applicants should prepare their application letter and supporting documents before submitting their application to the Monocle Foundation.

The application letter should be addressed to the Trustees of The Monocle Foundation Trust. It should introduce the applicant, explain the field of study, outline career ambitions and provide a motivation for applying for the bursary.

The Foundation’s application process includes screening and interviews. Applicants may first undergo a telephonic screening with the Trust Administrator, followed by a personal meeting and an interview with a Trustee.

For the 2027 programme, shortlisted candidates are expected to be contacted during November 2026, while successful applicants are expected to be selected before mid-December 2026.

Applicants should make sure that the information provided in their application is accurate and that the required supporting documents are included before submission.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION BURSARY?

The Monocle Foundation requires applicants to provide supporting documentation with their application. These documents include:

  • A letter addressed to the Trustees of The Monocle Foundation Trust explaining the applicant’s background, field of study, career ambitions and motivation;
  • Latest CV;
  • Certified copy of South African ID;
  • Up-to-date academic record stamped by the university;
  • Grade 12 certificate;
  • Graduate degree certificate, where applicable for postgraduate applicants; and
  • A breakdown of the funds required for 2027, including tuition fees, study support and books, accommodation and subsistence.

Applicants should ensure that their academic record is current and has been stamped by their university before submitting it.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION BURSARY?

The closing date for the Monocle Foundation Bursary for the 2027 academic year is 1 November 2026.

Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and avoid leaving the submission until the final day in case they encounter problems with their application or supporting documents.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION ABOUT THE BURSARY?

Applicants who need clarification about the bursary programme can contact Monocle Solutions using the South African contact details published by the company.

  • Johannesburg: 8th Floor, The MARC Tower 1, 129 Rivonia Road, Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Telephone: +27 11 263 5600
  • Email: info.za@monoclesolutions.com

Monocle also lists a Cape Town office at Ratanga Precinct, 10 Elephant Lane, Century City, Western Cape, with telephone number +27 21 007 5979.

WHAT DOES THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION DO?

The Monocle Foundation is a philanthropic educational trust established in 2014. It aims to expand access to tertiary education for previously disadvantaged Black females in South Africa.

The Foundation focuses on supporting women through education, financial assistance, personal development and access to resources that can assist them during their tertiary studies.

Its bursary programme is specifically aimed at women of colour who have limited to no funding and provides support that extends beyond tuition fees.

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