The Free State Premier’s Office Bursary is open for the 2026 academic year. It offers life-changing financial support to students from the Free State province who are in need of financial resorces or teriary education. If have strong matric results, this fully-funded provincial bursary could be your ticket to tertiary success.
Why This Bursary Stands Out?
The Office of the Premier Bursary is different from many bursaries because it is specifically designed to develop skilled professionals passinate to serve the people of the Free State. The province invests millions each year with the aim to produce graduates in priority fields that drive economic growth. This help the provincial government to become a better government with improved public services.
Priority Fields of Study for 2026
The Office of the Premier targets scarce and critical skills. Bursaries are awarded for full-time studies at any accredited South African public university or TVET college in the following areas (among others):
Degree & Diploma Level
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy & Light Current)
- Quantity Surveying
- Architecture
- Construction Management
- Town and Regional Planning
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Accounting / Financial Accounting
- Internal Auditing
- Supply Chain Management
- Human Resource Management
- Public Management / Administration
- Law (LLB)
- Social Work
- Clinical Psychology
- Medicine (MBChB) – limited awards
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Agricultural Economics / Agronomy
Artisan & NATED Programmes (TVET)
- Electrician
- Millwright
- Boiler-making
- Plumbing
- Diesel Mechanic
- Welding
Expenses Covered by the Free State Premier’s Office Bursary
Successful candidates receive a comprehensive package that includes:
- Full university or TVET tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Approved accommodation (residence or private)
- Meal allowance
- Prescribed textbooks and learning materials
- A monthly personal allowance
There are no payback clauses or work-back obligations for most fields — you graduate debt-free and ready to shape the future of the province.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
You must meet ALL these requirements to apply:
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Permanent resident of the Free State province (proof required)
- Age: under 35 years on 1 January 2026
- Completed Matric OR currently in Matric with strong results
- Achieved a minimum of Level 4 (50–59%) in Mathematics and Physical Science for engineering-related fields (excluding commercial and social science streams)
- Minimum APS of 27 or higher for degree programmes
- Accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised public university/TVET for 2026
- Household income not exceeding R350 000 per year (combined gross income)
- Not currently receiving any other full-cost bursary (NSFAS recipients may apply if they meet all other criteria)
Special preference is given to:
- Students from rural and disadvantaged communities
- First-generation university students
- Applicants living with disabilities
- Top academic achievers from Quintile 1–3 schools
How to Apply?
Applications must be completed online via the official Free State Provincial Bursary portal:
Apply here → Free State Premier’s Office Bursary Application 2026 (official page)
Documents you must upload (certified copies):
- ID document
- Latest matric results or full academic record
- Proof of residence in Free State (utility bill or affidavit)
- Parents/guardian’s ID and proof of income (payslips, SASSA letter, affidavit if unemployed)
- Acceptance letter from university/TVET (or proof of application)
- Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
Important Dates
- Opening date: 1 October 2025
- Closing date: 31 January 2026 (no late applications accepted)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews between February and March 2026.
Need Assistance?
For queries, email: bursaries@premier.fs.gov.za Call centre: 051 405 9000 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:30)
Grads24.co.za wishes every Free State student the very best — this is one of the most generous provincial bursaries in the country. Share this opportunity with your friends and classmates today!
Article last updated: 29 November 2025
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