FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursaries 2027: Honours Funding for STEM and Psychology Students

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is offering bursaries for students pursuing their first Honours degree in 2027. This opportunity is for South African students in selected Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Psychology fields.

Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: 1 year (full-time Honours degree)
Stipend: Not specified (covers tuition, accommodation up to R65,000, travelling, food, and airtime vouchers)
Minimum Qualification: Honours degree (NQF Level 8)

About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme aims to support students who are entering their first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027. The bursary focuses on specific STEM and Psychology fields at accredited public universities in South Africa. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old by December 31, 2027, and have a combined household income not exceeding R700,000 per annum.

This bursary is designed to assist students in advancing their academic careers at a minimum NQF Level 8. It provides financial aid for tuition, accommodation, travel, food, and airtime, along with student support and development services.

About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF)

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is committed to empowering South Africans through various initiatives. It focuses on education and development to foster positive change within communities. The foundation supports students and professionals in critical fields, aiming to build a skilled workforce for the country.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The FREF Bursary will fund first Honours degrees in the following fields:

• Actuarial Science
• Agricultural Sciences
• BA Honours Arts (Psychology)
• Biosciences
• Climate Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Information Management
• Information Science
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Mathematical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Renewable Energy
• Risk
• Sciences
• Statistics

Applicants must ensure their chosen Honours qualification falls within one of these listed study fields.

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants can expect financial support and development opportunities. The bursary may cover:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation costs, up to a limit of R65,000
• Monthly travelling stipends
• Food vouchers
• Airtime vouchers
• Additional student support and development services

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is for a full-time, one-year Honours degree programme. The study must be undertaken at a recognised and accredited public university within South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be Black (African, Coloured, or Indian) as defined by the B-BBEE Act.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old on 31 December 2027.
• Have completed Matric.
• Have achieved at least 60% for NSC Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy is not accepted).
• Have achieved a minimum average of 60% in your undergraduate degree.
• Be entering your first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027.
• Study towards an eligible qualification at a minimum NQF Level 8.
• Attend a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa.
• Meet the admission requirements for your chosen Honours programme.
• Have a combined household income of no more than R700,000 per annum.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as competencies, applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to their chosen field of study. A willingness to learn and grow within the STEM or Psychology sectors is also beneficial.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for Black South African students aged 18-35 who have completed their undergraduate studies with strong academic results. It is suited for those who have a passion for STEM or Psychology and are looking to pursue a full-time Honours degree at a South African public university. Applicants must meet the specific academic and financial requirements.

Required Documents

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

• Certified copy of ID (certification not older than six months).
• Certified copy of Matric certificate.
• Certified complete undergraduate academic record.
• Provisional or final Honours acceptance letter (if available).
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (payslips, affidavit, etc.).
• ID numbers of the applicant and all household members.
• Disability documentation, where applicable (including a completed EEA1 form and doctor’s note).

Proof of Household Income

Proof of income should be submitted based on the employment status of parents or guardians. This can include:

• Latest payslips if employed.
• An affidavit if unemployed.
• An affidavit confirming annual income if self-employed.
• Recent audited financial statements or bank statements if they own a business.
• A SASSA letter confirming grants received, if applicable.

Supporting Document Format

All supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format, with each file not exceeding 5MB. Ensure documents are clear and readable.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the FREF bursary application platform.

Click here to apply for FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

Complete all sections of the online application form and upload all required supporting documents in PDF format. Applicants can enter www.zabursaries.co.za in the field asking how they heard about the bursary.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applicants who do not receive feedback by the first week of January 2027 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
• Ensure all required documents are submitted correctly and on time.
• Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Closing Date

Applications close on 31 December 2026. Please ensure all documents are submitted before this deadline.

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