The HCI Foundation Bursary is an opportunity targeting youth from disadvantaged backgrounds with the aim to fund part of their tertiary studies. It is offered by the HCI Foundation through its corporate social investment arm.
The Foundation operates independently through a board of trustees comprising members from HCI, its subsidiaries, and independent experts. Its mission is to foster sustainable impact in underprivileged South African communities by supporting access to higher education.
About the HCI Foundation
The Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) Foundation operates as an not for profit organisation focusing on helping previously disadvantaged communities by providing education opportunities. The foundation makes funds available to students who lack tuition fees and other educational related expenses.
Fields of Study Supported
The HCI Foundation Bursary supports students pursuing full-time studies at selected South African public universities. Two groups of students are eligible:
- New Bursary Applicants
For students pursuing Honours or Postgraduate Diploma qualifications at one of the following universities:- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Returning HCI Bursary Recipients
For current undergraduate students continuing their studies at a public university or university of technology.
Bursary Value
A tuition fee of an amount up to R40 000 is made available per student whose application is successful. This is a partial amount and excludes expenses like books, residence, meals or transport. These can be made available on exceptional situations.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen, refugee, or asylum seeker
- Be 35 years old or younger on 31 March 2026
- Must be studying full-time toward an eligible qualification
- Family household income must be below R38 000 per month
- Must not receive a full-cost bursary from another source (partial bursary holders or NSFAS recipients may apply)
- Must have an active email address and cellphone number
- Returning students must have a valid student number
How To Apply for the HCI Foundation Bursary?
You must submit your application through the university’s internal system.
- Contact your university’s Financial Aid Office or Postgraduate Office (if you’re a new postgraduate applicant).
- If eligible, you will receive a direct application link to apply online.
Required Supporting Documents:
Ensure you have the following certified documents ready:
- A motivational letter (550–750 words), saved in a Word document
- ID document or proof of refugee/asylum status
- Latest academic record
- Proof of registration or acceptance for 2026 (new applicants)
- Proof of household income
- Death certificate(s) or affidavit (if applicable)
Closing Date
No closing date confirmation yet – varies depending on the university’s schedule.
(Apply on time as late submissions will result in the disqualification of your application)
Bursary Contact Details
If you have queries regarding the the HCI Foundation Bursary opportunity, please contact them via:
- Suite 801, The Point, 76 Regent Road, Sea Point, 8005
- Telephone Number: +27 21 424 6010
You might also want to explore other General Bursaries and Scholarships still open for 2026 applications: Here are some of them: