The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is inviting applications for the FirstRand Bursaries 2027 programme. The bursary is aimed at academically promising students who will begin their first undergraduate degree in 2027 at a South African traditional public university.
The programme supports students in a range of degree fields aligned with the country’s critical skills needs, FirstRand’s priorities and its social investment focus areas.
If you are looking for bursaries for South African students in 2027, here is everything you need to know about the FirstRand Bursary, including the requirements, funded qualifications, benefits and eligibility criteria.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | FirstRand Bursaries 2027 |
| Organisation | FirstRand Empowerment Foundation |
| Opportunity Type | Bursary |
| Target Group | Grade 12 learners and recent Grade 12 graduates |
| Study Level | First undergraduate degree |
| Institution | South African traditional public universities |
| Study Year | 2027 |
| Family Income Limit | Up to R700,000 combined gross annual income |
| Age Limit | Not older than 21 years in first year |
| Mathematics Requirement | Minimum Level 5 in Grade 12 Mathematics |
| Benefits | Tuition, accommodation, meals, learning resources, monthly stipend and computer |
| Closing Date | Check the official FirstRand bursary advertisement |
| Application Method | Official FirstRand bursary application platform |
About the FirstRand Bursaries 2027
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation bursary programme is designed to support academically capable young South Africans who are preparing to enter university for the first time.
The bursaries are available for a broad range of degree programmes, particularly fields linked to critical skills and the Foundation’s social investment priorities.
Applicants must have applied to and received provisional admission to a South African traditional public university for full-time study in one of the funded degree programmes.
The bursary is intended for students who will begin their first degree in 2027.
Degree Programmes Funded
The FirstRand Bursary supports selected programmes across several fields of study.
Agricultural Sciences
- All specialisations
Commerce
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Economics
- Financial Management
Engineering
- All specialisations
Environmental Sciences
- Climate Sciences
- Renewable Energy
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
Arts
- Psychology
- Digital Arts
- Fine Arts
- Multimedia
- Architecture
- Art and Design
Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Public Health
- Pharmacy
What the FirstRand Bursary Covers
Successful bursary recipients may receive financial support towards several costs associated with their university studies.
The bursary covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Learning resources
- A monthly stipend
- A computer for first-year students
The programme covers the student’s first undergraduate degree.
Where a postgraduate qualification such as a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or Honours degree is essential for access to employment, funding for that qualification may also be accommodated. Examples include fields such as accounting and actuarial science.
Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a Black South African citizen, as defined by the BBBEE Act.
- Be currently in Grade 12, or have completed Grade 12 no more than three years ago.
- Have obtained at least Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12.
- Be not older than 21 years when starting first-year studies.
- Be planning to start a first undergraduate degree in 2027.
- Have applied to a South African traditional public university.
- Have been provisionally admitted for full-time study.
- Be applying for one of the degree programmes funded by the bursary.
- Come from a family with a combined gross annual income of no more than R700,000.
Applicants should carefully check the official bursary advertisement for the complete eligibility requirements before applying.
Explore Other Opportunities:
Who Can Apply?
The FirstRand Bursary is aimed primarily at current Grade 12 learners who intend to begin their first university degree in 2027.
Applicants who completed Grade 12 within the previous three years may also be considered, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
Applicants must also have applied for and received provisional admission to a qualifying South African traditional public university.
The opportunity is therefore particularly relevant to academically strong young South Africans who require financial assistance to pursue studies in critical and priority fields.
Stipend and Financial Support
The FirstRand Bursary provides comprehensive financial support that includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Learning resources
- Monthly stipend
- A computer for first-year students
The information provided does not specify the exact monthly stipend amount, so applicants should not rely on an estimated figure.
Location
The bursary supports full-time study at traditional public universities in South Africa.
Students should confirm that their chosen university and degree programme meet the requirements of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation before applying.
How to Apply
To apply for the FirstRand Bursaries 2027:
- Visit the official FirstRand bursary application platform.
- Read the complete bursary advertisement and eligibility requirements.
- Confirm that you meet the academic, age, citizenship and household-income requirements.
- Apply to a qualifying South African traditional public university for your intended 2027 degree.
- Obtain provisional admission where required.
- Prepare your supporting documents.
- Complete the FirstRand bursary application form accurately.
- Submit your application before the official closing date.
Important: Applicants should use only the official FirstRand application platform and follow the instructions provided by the Foundation.
Documents You May Need
Depending on the official application requirements, applicants may be asked to provide documents such as:
- Updated CV
- South African identity document
- Grade 11 results
- Grade 12 results or latest available academic results
- Matric certificate, where applicable
- Proof of university application
- Proof of provisional university admission
- Proof of household income
- Other supporting documents requested during the application process
Always follow the document requirements stated on the official application platform.
Closing Date
The official closing date should be confirmed on the FirstRand bursary application platform or official bursary advertisement.
Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible and should not wait until the final day.
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants should carefully verify that they meet all the FirstRand Bursary eligibility criteria before applying.
In particular, applicants should pay attention to the:
- Black South African citizenship requirement
- Grade 12 Mathematics Level 5 requirement
- Age limit
- R700,000 household-income threshold
- First-degree requirement
- 2027 university admission requirement
- Approved degree fields
- Traditional public university requirement
Applicants should also be cautious of bursary scams. Do not pay anyone to submit a bursary application on your behalf unless the official organisation explicitly states a legitimate fee.
Use the official FirstRand channels when submitting personal information and supporting documents.
Why This Bursary Is Worth Considering
The FirstRand Bursary is a significant opportunity for eligible students because it provides support across several major costs associated with university study.
In addition to tuition, the programme can provide accommodation, meals, learning resources, a monthly stipend and a computer for first-year students.
The wide range of funded fields also means that students interested in areas such as engineering, information technology, medicine, accounting, actuarial science, mathematics, environmental sciences and other disciplines may find the programme relevant.
However, applicants should carefully consider their university admission status and ensure that their chosen degree is included among the funded programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FirstRand Bursary 2027 open to Grade 12 learners?
Yes. Current Grade 12 learners who intend to begin their first undergraduate degree in 2027 can be considered, provided they meet the other selection criteria.
Who can apply for the FirstRand Bursary?
The bursary is intended for Black South African citizens who meet the academic, age, income, university admission and degree requirements.
What is the household income limit?
Applicants must come from families with a combined gross annual income of no more than R700,000.
What Mathematics mark is required?
Applicants must have obtained at least Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12.
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. Accommodation is included among the costs covered by the bursary.
Does the bursary provide a monthly stipend?
Yes. The bursary includes a monthly stipend, although the exact amount is not specified in the information provided.
Does FirstRand provide a computer?
Yes. The bursary provides a computer for first-year students.
Which universities are eligible?
The bursary is intended for students attending traditional public universities in South Africa. Applicants should confirm that their selected institution and programme qualify.
Does the bursary cover postgraduate studies?
The bursary covers the first undergraduate degree. However, where a postgraduate qualification such as a PGD or Honours degree is essential for employment opportunities in certain fields, postgraduate funding may be accommodated.
When is the FirstRand Bursary 2027 closing date?
The closing date should be confirmed through the official FirstRand bursary application platform or advertisement.
How do I apply?
Applicants should apply through the official FirstRand bursary application platform, following the instructions provided by the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation.
Final Thoughts
The FirstRand Bursaries 2027 programme could be an excellent opportunity for eligible Grade 12 learners and recent matriculants who plan to begin their first university degree in 2027.
With support for tuition, accommodation, meals, learning resources, a monthly stipend and a computer for first-year students, the bursary can help reduce some of the financial barriers associated with higher education.
Before applying, carefully check the official requirements, ensure that you have applied to a qualifying public university and confirm that your chosen degree is among the funded programmes.
Always verify the latest application information directly with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation before submitting personal information or documents.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.