Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027: Financial Aid for Tertiary Studies

The Hollywood Foundation is inviting South African students to apply for its Future is Bright Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity offers financial assistance for undergraduate, Honours, Postgraduate, and Advanced Diploma studies at DHET-registered tertiary institutions. Applications close on 03 September 2026.

Application Closing Date: 03 September 2026 at 12:00 midday
Location: DHET-registered tertiary institutions across South Africa
Programme Duration: Minimum of 12 months
Stipend: Funding for approved study costs (registration, tuition, textbooks, accommodation, living assistance)
Minimum Qualification: Matric or currently studying at tertiary level

About the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary

The Future is Bright Bursary Programme is designed to support students pursuing full-time studies in selected fields. The Hollywood Foundation aims to improve employment prospects for young South Africans by providing financial aid for approved study-related expenses. This bursary can offer full or partial funding, depending on the applicant’s chosen field and academic performance.

The programme supports undergraduate, Honours, Postgraduate, and Advanced Diploma studies. It is specifically for full-time courses at institutions registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa. The qualification must be at least 12 months long.

About the Hollywood Foundation

The Hollywood Foundation is the corporate social investment arm of the Hollywood Group. It focuses on making a positive impact in communities through various initiatives. The foundation supports education, health, and social welfare programmes.

The foundation’s work aims to uplift individuals and communities, particularly through education and skills development. They are committed to empowering young people and contributing to their future success.

Eligible Fields of Study

The Future is Bright Bursary Programme supports studies in a range of fields. These include:

• Architectural Design
• Business Management
• Data Science
• Finance and Accounting
• BCom Law
• Graphic Design
• Human Resources Management
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Information Systems
• Software Engineering
• Systems and Network Administration
• Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Communications
• Media and Communications
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Logistics Management

Study Levels Funded

The bursary can fund the following study levels:

• Higher Certificates
• National Certificates
• Diplomas
• Degrees
• Honours
• Advanced Diplomas
• Other approved postgraduate studies

However, the bursary does not cover Master’s degrees, PhD studies, or other senior qualifications.

Institution Requirements

Applicants must be studying or plan to study at a tertiary institution that is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa. Studies at TVET colleges are not covered by this bursary. The chosen qualification must have a duration of at least 12 months.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Future is Bright Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
• Be studying or intend to study full-time in 2027.
• Be pursuing a qualification in one of the approved fields of study.
• Be studying at a DHET-registered tertiary institution.
• Meet the required academic minimums for their current study level.
• Not hold another bursary that requires them to work for another organisation after graduation.
• Agree to the terms and conditions of the bursary.

Academic Requirements

For Matric Learners: Applicants currently in Matric must achieve a minimum overall average of 65% in their mid-year or final results. They also need a minimum of 65% in each subject.

For Current Tertiary Students: Applicants already studying at a tertiary level must have a minimum overall average of 60% in their latest academic results. To continue receiving funding, students must maintain at least a 60% overall average throughout their studies.

What the Hollywood Foundation Bursary Covers

The bursary may provide full or partial funding for approved study costs. This can include:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Approved study materials
• Accommodation (where approved)
• Living assistance (where approved)

The extent of the funding depends on the approved bursary allocation and the applicant’s specific circumstances.

Costs Not Covered

The bursary does not cover certain expenses. These include supplementary examination fees, non-prescribed study materials, and unrelated personal expenses. Any costs not specifically approved under the bursary terms will not be funded.

Vacation Work Requirement

Bursary recipients may be required to participate in vacation work with the company. Students might be expected to work for at least half of their holiday period. A transport stipend will be provided for the duration of this vacation work.

Possible Employment Obligation After Graduation

After successfully completing their studies, bursary recipients may be required to take up employment with the company. This is at the company’s discretion, and the potential employment period could be equal to the duration for which funding was received. Applicants should carefully review the bursary terms and conditions regarding this obligation.

Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to complete assessments or attend interviews. Further selection activities might also be part of the process. Final decisions on bursary awards will be made after the selection process is complete. Applicants can expect to receive feedback on their applications by the end of December 2026.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit clear copies of the following documents:

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Matric certificate or statement of results
• Most recent academic results (if applicable)
• Acceptance letter or proof of application from the institution
• Detailed information about the chosen qualification
• Name and address of the registered institution
• Proforma or estimated invoice from the institution detailing costs
• Proof of banking details of the institution
• Proof of residential address
• Motivational letter

Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Proforma Invoice Requirements

The invoice or cost estimate from the institution should clearly break down the expenses. This includes registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed textbooks or study materials, and accommodation or living assistance if applicable.

Motivational Letter Requirement

Applicants must submit a motivational letter written in their own words. The letter should explain why they are applying, why they believe they deserve the bursary, how it will support their studies, and how the qualification aligns with their future career plans. The maximum length for the motivational letter is 2,000 words.

How to Apply for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the provided portal. Applicants should select the correct application route (external or internal) and upload all required supporting documents. Ensure all personal details are accurate and all documents are uploaded before submitting.

Click here to apply for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027.

Important Application Notes

Applicants should take note of the following important points:

• South African citizenship is a mandatory requirement.
• The qualification must be full-time and at least 12 months long.
• Studies at TVET colleges are not covered.
• Master’s and PhD programmes are not funded.
• Matric applicants need at least a 65% overall average.
• Current tertiary students require at least a 60% overall average.
• Students must maintain a 60% average to remain eligible for future funding.
• You cannot hold another bursary that binds you to employment elsewhere.
• Vacation work may be compulsory.
• Employment after graduation might be required at the company’s discretion.
• Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Closing Date

Applications for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027 close on 03 September 2026 at 12:00 midday. Late applications will not be accepted. It is advisable to complete and submit your application well before the closing deadline.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.