FEM Bursary South Africa 2027

Application Status OPEN
Closing Date16 November 2026
Bursary ProviderFederated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM)
Bursary Programme Full NameFEM Bursary Programme – Full-Time Study
Study LevelUndergraduate (second year onwards)
Academic Year2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE FEM BURSARY COVER?

The FEM Bursary Programme supports full-time undergraduate studies in qualifications within the following faculties:

  • Engineering and the Built Environment
  • Health Sciences

The bursary supports students who have successfully completed their first year of study. Postgraduate students are not considered.

Similar Bursaries:

WHAT ARE THE FEM BURSARY REQUIREMENTS?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a South African citizen.
  • You must be studying full-time towards an eligible undergraduate degree or national diploma in Engineering, the Built Environment or Health Sciences.
  • You must have successfully completed your first year of study. First-year students and postgraduate students will not be considered.
  • You must have a good academic record.
  • You must be in good financial standing with your university or college, with no outstanding fees from previous academic years.
  • Your combined household income must not exceed R360,000 per annum.
  • You must have been accepted at an institution approved by FEM or a South African public university.
  • You must demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

WHAT DOES THE FEM BURSARY COVER?

The bursary provides financial assistance towards the following study-related expenses:

  • Full-time tuition fees
  • Prescribed textbooks
  • Monthly stipend
  • Accommodation, subject to FEM’s approval and discretion
  • Meals, subject to FEM’s approval and discretion

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE FEM BURSARY?

Applications must be completed online through the FEM Bursary Application 2027 official page.

The application process involves the following steps:

  1. Visit the official FEM bursary application page.
  2. Complete the initial online application questionnaire with your personal, university, qualification and household-income details.
  3. Provide information about your current academic year, faculty, academic average and outstanding university fees.
  4. Submit your initial online application.
  5. If shortlisted, complete the additional FEM bursary application form.
  6. Attach the required supporting documents and ensure that all sections of the application form are completed.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE FEM BURSARY?

Applicants should prepare the following supporting documents for the FEM bursary application:

  • South African ID: A certified copy of the applicant’s valid identity document. Applicants younger than 16 who do not have a green barcoded ID or smart ID card must submit a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate.
  • Parent or guardian identity documents: Certified copies of the identity documents of the applicant’s parents or legal guardians.
  • Latest academic record: A certified copy of the applicant’s most recent official university or college academic record.
  • Proof of household income: Recent payslips for each parent or legal guardian, or other supporting documents that confirm household income.
  • Social grant documentation: Proof of social grants received by household members, where applicable.
  • Unemployment or no-income affidavit: An affidavit explaining the source of income, maintenance or allowance when a parent or guardian is unemployed or has no proof of income.
  • Informal employment affidavit: An affidavit from a parent or guardian who works as an informal trader.
  • Pension documentation: An official pension slip or bank statement showing pension payments if a parent or guardian is retired.
  • Death certificate: A certified copy if either parent is deceased.
  • Non-support affidavit: An affidavit if a parent is absent, does not financially support the applicant or does not provide maintenance.
  • Proof of registration for student dependants: Registration confirmation from the tertiary institution if another dependent in the household is studying.
  • Divorce certificate: Where applicable, if requested as part of the supporting documentation.

WHEN IS THE FEM BURSARY CLOSING DATE?

16 November 2026.

Late applications will be rejected.

HOW CAN I CONTACT FEM ABOUT THE BURSARY?

For questions about the Bursary Programme, applicants can contact FEM using its official head office contact details:

Applicants can also consult the FEM bursary information and FAQs for details about eligibility, funding conditions and renewal requirements.

ABOUT FEM

The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) is a South African specialist insurer that provides workmen’s compensation cover to employers in the construction industry in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).

Through its Corporate Social Investment initiatives, FEM supports education and skills development. Its bursary programme assists talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing full-time undergraduate qualifications in Engineering, the Built Environment and Health Sciences at South African tertiary institutions.

FEM’s education initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of tertiary study and support the development of future professionals in fields relevant to its industry.

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This bursary information was last updated in November 2026.

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