Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursaries 2027: Study Finance and STEM Fields

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students. This opportunity is for full-time study at public universities and universities of technology in fields like Finance, Management, Engineering, IT, and Science. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South African public universities and universities of technology
Programme Duration: Full-time study for selected qualifications
Stipend: Financial support for tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and a laptop
Minimum Qualification: Matric (for entry-level), or current tertiary student
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the IDC External Bursary Scheme 2027

The IDC External Bursary Scheme aims to support academically strong South African students who face financial challenges. The bursary is for full-time study at public universities and universities of technology. It covers selected undergraduate qualifications and some Honours programmes. The goal is to develop future professionals in areas critical to South Africa’s industrial, financial, technological, and economic growth.

About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a South African development finance institution. Its main purpose is to support industrial development, boost economic growth, attract investment, and create jobs within the country. Through initiatives like its bursary scheme, the IDC invests in developing skilled professionals needed across various sectors.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The IDC bursary supports a range of fields. Applications are considered for the following areas:

• Finance, Management and Business: Accounting (leading to Chartered Accountancy), Financial Management, Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting, Investment Management, Risk Management, Transport Management, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Economics, Econometrics, Business Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Engineering.
• Engineering, Science and Technology: Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction-related Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Metallurgical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Geology, Actuarial Science, Data Science, Environmental Science, Quantitative Risk Management, Physics, Bachelor of Science programmes, Biotechnology, Agricultural Studies, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Science, BCom Information Systems, Information Technology.
• Law and Education: BCom Law (specialising in Commercial Law), Bachelor of Laws, Diploma in Law Studies, Education.
• Honours Programmes: Postgraduate Law qualifications, Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Accounting CTA.

What the IDC Bursary Covers

Successful applicants can receive financial support for several study-related expenses. This can include:

• Full tuition fees
• University accommodation
• University-accredited off-campus accommodation
• A once-off laptop
• Meal allowance
• Transport allowance
• Other approved study-related expenses

The exact funding package will be detailed in the bursary agreement.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is for full-time study at South African public universities and universities of technology. The duration of the support will depend on the specific qualification being pursued.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the IDC Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be 26 years old or younger.
• Be unemployed.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be studying or planning to study full-time.
• Be admitted to a South African public university or university of technology.
• Be pursuing a qualification listed on the IDC-approved fields.
• Be studying towards a first undergraduate qualification, with limited exceptions for approved Honours programmes.
• Meet the academic requirements for their chosen qualification and institution.
• Submit all compulsory supporting documents.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as separate competencies, the bursary selection process may favour applicants who demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance.
• Significant financial need.
• Potential for future contribution to South Africa’s industrial and economic sectors.
• Willingness to pursue approved fields of study.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for unemployed South African students aged 26 or younger who are pursuing or intend to pursue full-time studies in specific fields at public tertiary institutions. Applicants should have a strong academic record and demonstrate a clear financial need. It is particularly suited for those seeking to build a career in finance, management, engineering, science, technology, law, or education.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents. All certified copies should not be older than three months:

• Recently certified South African identity document
• 2026 mid-year or first-semester results
• Latest academic results (if not studying in 2026)
• Matric certificate (if applicable)
• Grade 11 and June 2026 results (for current Matric learners)
• Proof of admission or application to an eligible institution
• Proof of household income (payslips, bank statements, affidavits, SASSA letters, etc.)
• Certified identity documents for both parents or guardians (unless circumstances prevent this)
• Recently certified proof of residence

How to Apply

Applications for the IDC Bursary Programme 2027 must be submitted through the official IDC online bursary portal.

Click here to apply for the IDC Bursary Programme 2027

Follow these steps:

1. Access the official IDC Bursary Portal.
2. Create an applicant profile.
3. Fill in all personal and academic details accurately.
4. Provide correct household income information.
5. Select the appropriate field of study.
6. Upload all required supporting documents.
7. Complete the interview questionnaire.
8. Review your entire application before submitting.
9. Submit your application before the closing date.
10. Keep a record of your submission confirmation.

Important Notes

• Only successful applicants will be contacted.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Ensure all submitted documents are certified and not older than three months.
• Accurately disclose all household income details.
• Verify that your chosen qualification is on the IDC’s approved list.

Closing Date

The application deadline for the IDC External Bursary Scheme 2027 is Wednesday, 30 September 2026. It is advisable to apply early to gather all necessary documents and complete the application process without rush.

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