The IDC Bursary is currently open for 2027 applications and provides financial support to eligible South African students. Applicants must be students who are pursuing approved full-time qualifications at public universities and universities of technology. The bursary is offered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as part of its efforts to develop skills needed for South Africa’s economic and industrial development.
Applications for the IDC External Bursary opened on 1 June 2026 and will close on 30 September 2026. The programme is targetting unemployed South African citizens with financial need, with preference given to applicants from disadvantaged and rural backgrounds. Additionally, applicants living with disabilities and students with strong academic results are encouraged to apply.
| Closing date | 30 September 2026 |
| Provider | Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Application status | OPEN |
| Opening date | 1 June 2026 |
| Study level | Undergraduate and selected Honours studies |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Citizenship | South African citizens |
| Age limit | Not older than 26 years |
| Institution | South African public university or university of technology |
🟢 STATUS: IDC BURSARY 2027 OPEN
Opening date: 1 June 2026
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Study year: 2027
Application status: Open — applications currently being accepted
Looking for other bursaries you can apply for now? View Bursaries Still Open.
Important: If you meet the IDC Bursary 2027 requirements, do not wait until the closing date to apply. You will need to prepare certified documents, academic results and proof of household income before submitting your application.
Table of Contents
- Is the IDC Bursary 2027 Open?
- IDC Bursary 2027 – Quick Summary
- What Is the IDC Bursary?
- Fields of Study
- What Does the IDC Bursary Cover?
- IDC Bursary Requirements
- Documents Required
- How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Contact Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IDC Bursary 2027 Open?
Yes. The IDC Bursary 2027 is currently open for applications.
The Industrial Development Corporation opened applications for its External Bursary Scheme on 1 June 2026. Applications for the 2027 academic year will close on 30 September 2026.
The bursary is intended for eligible South African citizens who are unemployed, demonstrate financial need and are studying or intend to study full-time in one of the qualifications specifically listed by the IDC.
The current 2027 programme covers selected qualifications in finance and management, STEM, law and selected postgraduate Honours fields. Qualifications that do not appear on the IDC’s approved list will not be considered.
If you meet the requirements, you should use the current 2027 application process rather than an old IDC bursary application form from a previous year.
IDC Bursary 2027 – Quick Summary
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary provider | Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) |
| Programme | IDC External Bursary Scheme |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Application status | Open |
| Opening date | 1 June 2026 |
| Closing date | 30 September 2026 |
| Citizenship | South African citizens only |
| Age requirement | Not older than 26 years |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Institution | South African public university or university of technology |
| Household income | Up to R350,000 preferred; R350,000–R600,000 may be considered |
| Matric academic requirement | Minimum 75% APS |
| Tertiary academic requirement | Minimum 65% average on most recent results |
| Minimum GPA to maintain | 60% |
| Funding | Tuition, accommodation, laptop, meal allowance and transport allowance |
| Application method | Online |
What Is the IDC Bursary?
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a South African development finance institution that supports economic development, industrialisation, investment and job creation.
Through its External Bursary Scheme, the IDC provides financial assistance to selected students who are pursuing qualifications considered important to South Africa’s economic and industrial development.
The programme is aimed primarily at financially disadvantaged and academically deserving students. Preference is given to applicants from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 public schools, previously disadvantaged communities and rural areas. Applicants living with disabilities are also given first preference under the programme’s weighting system.
The IDC’s 2027 programme is not an unrestricted bursary. Applicants must choose a qualification from the specific list published by the IDC. A qualification that does not appear on the approved list will not be considered.
Which Fields of Study Does the IDC Bursary Cover?
The IDC Bursary 2027 supports a wide range of qualifications across finance and management, STEM, law and selected postgraduate studies.
Finance, Management and Other Courses
- Accounting (CA)
- Financial Management
- Internal Audit
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Investment Management
- Risk Management
- Transport or Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance Studies
- Economics
- Econometrics
- Business Management
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Engineering
STEM Courses
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Metallurgy Engineering
- Agricultural Studies
- Civil, Construction and Quantity Survey Engineering
- Geology
- Actuarial
- Data Science
- Environmental Science
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Physics
- Bachelor of Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Computer Science / Information Science
- BCom Information Systems
- Information Technology
Law Courses
- BCom Law (Commercial Law)
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- Diploma Law Studies
Postgraduate Honours Studies
- Postgraduate Law
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Actuarial Science
- Accounting CTA
Important: The IDC states that applications will only be considered for qualifications appearing on its approved list. If your qualification is not listed, you should not assume that it will qualify for funding.
What Does the IDC Bursary Cover?
The IDC Bursary 2027 provides comprehensive financial support for approved study-related expenses.
Full tuition fees
The bursary covers full tuition fees for successful beneficiaries, subject to the terms of the bursary programme.
University accommodation
Funding includes university accommodation as well as university-accredited off-campus accommodation.
Laptop
A once-off laptop is included as part of the bursary benefits.
Meal allowance
Successful bursary recipients receive a meal allowance as part of the funding package.
Transport allowance
The bursary also includes a transport allowance.
The IDC therefore offers support that goes beyond tuition alone, helping successful students with several of the major costs associated with full-time university study.
What Are the IDC Bursary Requirements?
To be considered for the IDC Bursary 2027, applicants must meet the programme’s citizenship, age, academic, financial and study requirements.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be not older than 26 years.
- Be unemployed.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be studying or intend to study full-time.
- Be pursuing a qualification that appears on the IDC’s approved list.
- Be studying or intend to study at a South African public university or university of technology.
- For undergraduate funding, be studying towards your first qualification.
- Matriculants must have a minimum 75% APS.
- Current tertiary students must have a minimum 65% average on their most recent results.
- Successful students must maintain a minimum 60% GPA for the duration of their studies.
- Applicants must meet the relevant household-income requirements.
Household Income Requirement
The IDC External Bursary is primarily aimed at applicants whose parents have a combined household income of up to R350,000 per year.
Applicants whose parents have a combined household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per year may also be considered. These applications are subject to an affordability assessment as part of the selection process.
Preference Given to Disadvantaged Applicants
The IDC uses a weighting system when assessing applicants. Preference is given to applicants living with disabilities, students from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 public schools, applicants from previously disadvantaged communities and students from rural areas.
Can Honours Students Apply?
Yes, but only in selected fields. The IDC states that postgraduate Honours funding will only be granted to applicants studying Law, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics or Statistics.
This means that the IDC Bursary should not be treated as a general postgraduate bursary. Students applying for Honours funding must be studying in one of the specifically approved fields.
What Documents Are Required for the IDC Bursary?
Applicants must submit clear copies of the compulsory supporting documents. The IDC states that documents requiring certification must have been certified within the previous 3 months.
- Recently certified South African ID document, not older than 3 months.
- 2026 mid-year first-semester results, or the latest results if you are not studying in 2026.
- Matric certificate, if you have completed Matric.
- If you are a 2026 Matriculant, your Grade 11 results and June 2026 results.
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ household income.
- Recently certified copies of latest payslips if a parent or guardian is employed.
- Three months’ bank statements for both parents if employed.
- An affidavit stating annual income if a parent or guardian is unemployed.
- Six months’ bank statements if a parent or guardian is unemployed and self-employed.
- SASSA letter showing grants received, where applicable.
- Death certificates if a parent or parents are deceased.
- Recently certified ID copies of both parents.
- Divorce certificate if parents are divorced.
- A sworn statement from one parent if the parents are separated.
- Recently certified proof of residence.
Important: Make sure your documents are clear, current and readable before uploading them. Incomplete supporting documentation can affect the assessment of your application.
How to Apply for the IDC Bursary 2027?
Applications for the IDC External Bursary 2027 must be completed online. Applicants must submit the required supporting documents and complete the interview questionnaire as part of the application process.
Apply for the IDC Bursary 2027 Online
Step 1: Check whether your qualification is funded
Before beginning your application, check the IDC’s approved fields of study. The IDC states that qualifications not appearing on the approved list will not be considered.
Step 2: Check the eligibility requirements
Make sure you meet the citizenship, age, academic, financial and institution requirements before applying.
Step 3: Prepare your supporting documents
Gather your certified ID, academic results, Matric documents and the required proof of household income. Remember that the IDC requires certification to be no older than 3 months.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Complete the IDC External Bursary application form online and provide accurate information. Check every section carefully before proceeding.
Step 5: Upload your documents
Upload clear copies of all mandatory supporting documents requested by the application system.
Step 6: Complete the interview questionnaire
The current IDC application instructions require applicants to complete the interview questionnaire. Make sure this step is completed before submitting your application.
Step 7: Submit before 30 September 2026
Submit your IDC Bursary 2027 application before 30 September 2026. Do not wait until the final day, particularly if you still need to obtain certified documents or household-income information.
Apply Online for the IDC Bursary 2027
IDC Bursary Closing Date
The closing date for the IDC Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026.
Applications opened on 1 June 2026 and will close on 30 September 2026. The IDC has confirmed that the 2027 bursary application window is currently open.
If you qualify for the bursary, submit your application as early as possible. You should allow enough time to obtain the required certified documents and household-income information before the deadline.
Closing date: 30 September 2026
IDC Bursary Contact Details
If you have questions about the IDC External Bursary, you can contact the bursary team using the details below.
- Contact person: Noluthando Baepi
- Telephone: 011 269 3374
- Email: noluthandob@idc.co.za
- Bursary enquiries: ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za
- Application portal: IDC Bursary Application Portal
Frequently Asked Questions About the IDC Bursary 2027
Is the IDC Bursary 2027 open?
Yes. The IDC Bursary 2027 is currently open for applications. Applications opened on 1 June 2026 and close on 30 September 2026.
What is the IDC Bursary 2027 closing date?
The closing date for the IDC Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026.
When did IDC Bursary 2027 applications open?
Applications for the IDC External Bursary 2027 opened on 1 June 2026.
Who can apply for the IDC Bursary?
The bursary is available to eligible South African citizens who are not older than 26 years, are unemployed, demonstrate financial need and are studying or intend to study full-time in an approved qualification at a South African public university or university of technology.
What average is required for the IDC Bursary?
Matriculants require a minimum 75% APS. Applicants already studying at tertiary level require a minimum 65% average on their most recent results. Successful beneficiaries must maintain a 60% GPA during their studies.
What is the IDC Bursary household income requirement?
The IDC External Bursary primarily targets applicants whose parents have a combined household income of up to R350,000 per year. Households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 per year may also be considered following an affordability assessment.
Does the IDC Bursary fund Honours?
Yes, but only selected Honours qualifications. The 2027 programme specifically allows postgraduate funding for Law, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Statistics.
Does IDC fund a second qualification?
No. The IDC states that the bursary is intended for applicants studying towards their first qualification. Second qualifications are not funded.
Which universities are covered by the IDC Bursary?
The programme is available to applicants admitted to study at a South African public university or university of technology. Private institutions are not listed as eligible institutions in the current 2027 requirements.
What does the IDC Bursary cover?
The IDC Bursary covers full tuition fees, university or accredited off-campus accommodation, a once-off laptop, a meal allowance and a transport allowance.
What documents do I need for the IDC Bursary?
Applicants need a recently certified South African ID, academic results, Matric documents where applicable and documents proving household income. Depending on your family’s circumstances, additional documents such as payslips, bank statements, affidavits, SASSA documentation, death certificates, divorce documents and proof of residence may be required.
Are applications still open for the IDC Bursary 2027?
Yes. Applications are currently open and will close on 30 September 2026. Students who meet the requirements should apply before the deadline.
Other Bursaries You Can Apply For
If you do not qualify for the IDC Bursary, or if you are looking for additional funding opportunities, browse our General Bursaries and Scholarships.
You can also explore our Engineering Bursaries, Commerce Bursaries and Information Technology Bursaries for additional opportunities.
Final Advice for IDC Bursary 2027 Applicants
The IDC Bursary 2027 is currently open, and applications close on 30 September 2026. If you meet the eligibility requirements and your qualification appears on the approved list, you should start preparing your application now.
Pay particular attention to your academic results and household-income documentation. The IDC requires supporting documents to be properly certified, with certification not older than 3 months. Applicants should also make sure that they complete the interview questionnaire before submitting their application.
Matriculants applying for the 2027 intake should use their Grade 11 results and June 2026 results, while students already at tertiary level should submit their latest available results.
Do not wait until 30 September 2026 to apply. Submit your application as soon as you have all the required documents and information.
Last verified: 19 August 2026
We monitor IDC bursary information and update this page when new application details become available. Applicants should always verify the final requirements, approved fields of study and application instructions on the IDC website before submitting their application.