Are you a bright, aspiring student aiming for university in 2027? Finding the right financial support can make all the difference. The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) Undergraduate Bursary Programme offers a fantastic opportunity for talented Black South African students to access quality higher education at traditional public universities across the country. This bursary is more than just financial aid; it's an investment in developing the nation's critical skills.
What is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?
The FREF Undergraduate Bursary Programme, a key initiative by the FirstRand Group and administered by StudyTrust, aims to empower young South Africans and address critical skills shortages. This programme supports students entering their first year of undergraduate studies for the 2027 academic year, focusing on fields vital for South Africa's development and economic growth.
Fields of Study Supported by the FREF Bursary
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation bursary supports a wide array of undergraduate degree programmes. If you are passionate about making a difference in any of the following fields, you could be a strong candidate:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Arts: Psychology, Digital Arts, Fine Arts, Multimedia, Architecture, Art and Design
- Commercial Sciences: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Financial Management
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences: Climate Sciences, Renewable Energy
- Health Sciences: Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Public Health, Pharmacy
- Information Sciences: Business Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Management, Information Technology
- Mathematical Sciences: Mathematics, Risk, Statistics
- Natural Sciences: Biosciences, Electronics, Physics
- Social Sciences and Law: Society and Sustainability, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Law
Eligibility Criteria for the FirstRand Bursary 2027
To be considered for the FREF Bursary, applicants must meet specific academic, personal, and financial requirements:
Academic and Personal Requirements:
- Must be a Black South African citizen.
- Achieved a minimum of Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12.
- Not older than 21 years old at the commencement of the first year of study.
- Applied for and received provisional admission to a South African public traditional university for full-time studies.
- The intended course of study must be within the programme fields funded by the bursary.
- Commencing their first undergraduate degree in the 2027 academic year, or have completed Matric within the three years prior to 2027.
Financial Requirements:
The bursary prioritises students from lower to middle-income households. The combined annual household income of parents or guardians must not exceed R700,000.
What the FirstRand Bursary Covers
The FREF bursary offers comprehensive financial support designed to alleviate the financial pressures on students, allowing them to concentrate fully on their academic pursuits. The bursary typically covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Accommodation and meals.
- Essential learning resources.
- A monthly stipend for personal expenses.
- A computer for first-year students.
While the primary focus is undergraduate studies, postgraduate funding is considered in special circumstances, particularly for fields like accounting and actuarial science that enhance employment access.
FirstRand Bursary Application: Dates and How to Apply
Applying for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary requires careful planning and adherence to deadlines. Here are the key dates and application process details:
Key Dates:
- Application Season Opens: 01 June annually.
- Application Season Closes: 30 September annually.
- Closing Date for 2027 Academic Year: 30 September 2026.
How to Apply:
All applications must be submitted online via the StudyTrust application portal. Visit the official FREF Bursary page on StudyTrust for detailed instructions and to begin your application.
Required Documents:
Ensure you have the following documents ready for your online application:
- A clear, recent passport-sized photograph.
- Certified copy of your South African ID document.
- Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (if currently in Matric).
- Your Matric certificate (if you have already completed Matric).
- Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance from a South African public university for 2027.
- Proof of household income for both parents/guardians: recent payslips, an affidavit if unemployed, a financial statement if self-employed, SASSA letter, death certificate if deceased, or court order if divorced.
Important Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please ensure all documents are clear, legible, and certified where required.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme presents a significant opportunity for dedicated Black South African students pursuing higher education in critical fields. With its comprehensive financial support, this bursary can be a stepping stone to a successful academic and professional future.
Don't miss out on this valuable chance. Ensure all your documentation is in order and submit your application before the 30 September 2026 deadline to be considered for the 2027 academic year.
