Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursaries 2027: Apply for Funding

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students who need financial assistance and have strong academic records. This opportunity is for students pursuing undergraduate studies in fields that are important for South Africa’s economic growth. Applications are open from 1 June 2026 and close on 30 September 2026.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South African public universities and universities of technology
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (covers tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, laptop)
Minimum Qualification: Not specified (Grade 11/June Matric results for current Matriculants, 65% average for current students)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the IDC Bursary Programme 2027

The IDC External Bursary Programme aims to support academically deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal is to help these students obtain their first undergraduate qualification in fields that contribute to South Africa’s industrial and economic development. While the focus is on undergraduate studies, limited postgraduate funding may be available in specific areas. The programme is designed to provide comprehensive financial support for students studying full-time at public universities and universities of technology.

About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a national development finance institution. It focuses on promoting economic growth and industrial development in South Africa. The IDC invests in various sectors, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure, to create jobs and foster economic transformation. They play a key role in funding projects that have a significant impact on the country’s economy.

Fields of Study Funded

The IDC bursary supports studies in a wide range of fields considered crucial for South Africa’s economic and industrial progress. These include various disciplines within Engineering, Science, Technology, Agriculture, Commerce, Finance, Law, and quantitative fields.

Engineering Fields

• Industrial Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronic Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Metallurgy Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Engineering
• Quantity Surveying

Science and Technology Fields

• Analytical Chemistry
• Physics
• Biotechnology
• Geology
• Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Science programmes
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Information Science
• Information Technology
• BCom Information Systems

Agricultural Studies

• Agricultural Studies
• Agriculture-related qualifications

Finance and Commerce Fields

• Accounting – CA stream
• Financial Management
• Internal Audit
• Cost and Management Accounting
• Investment Management
• Risk Management
• Finance Studies
• Economics
• Econometrics
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Engineering
• Business Management
• Entrepreneurship

Supply Chain and Logistics Fields

• Transport Management
• Logistics Management
• Supply Chain Management

Law Qualifications

• BCom Law – Commercial Law
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Diploma Law Studies
• Selected postgraduate Law qualifications

Quantitative Fields

• Actuarial Science
• Quantitative Risk Management
• Mathematics
• Statistics

What the IDC Bursary Covers

Successful bursary recipients can expect comprehensive financial support for their studies. The funding typically covers essential academic expenses, helping to ease the financial burden on students and their families.

The bursary may cover:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Examination fees where applicable
• University residence accommodation
• University-accredited off-campus accommodation
• Academic resources
• Meal allowance
• Transport allowance
• A once-off laptop allocation

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is intended for full-time study at South African public universities and universities of technology. The specific duration of the bursary is tied to the length of the funded qualification. The programme is open to students across South Africa who attend or plan to attend these institutions.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the IDC Bursary Programme, applicants must meet several criteria related to citizenship, age, academic performance, and financial need.

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens with a valid ID.
• Be unemployed.
• Be no older than 26 years old.
• Be studying or intend to study full-time.
• Attend or plan to attend a South African public university or university of technology.
• Meet the required academic standards for their chosen field of study.
• Be pursuing an eligible field of study as listed by the IDC.

Requirements for Current Matric Learners

• Grade 11 final results.
• June 2026 Grade 12 results.
• Preference is given to applicants with a minimum APS of 75%.

Requirements for Current University Students

• Achieved at least a 65% average in their latest academic results.
• Bursary recipients must maintain a minimum 60% GPA throughout the funding period.

Household Income Requirements

The IDC prioritizes students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Preference is given to applicants whose combined household income is R350,000 per annum or less. Households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum may still be considered, depending on an affordability assessment.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, certain personal attributes and skills can strengthen an application. These include a strong willingness to learn, academic dedication, and the ability to manage one’s studies effectively.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for ambitious South African students who are passionate about contributing to the country’s economic development. It is particularly suited for those who have demonstrated academic excellence and face financial challenges in pursuing their tertiary education in fields like engineering, science, finance, or law. If you are a driven student aiming for a career that impacts South Africa’s industrial landscape, this bursary could be a valuable opportunity.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload clear copies of all required supporting documents. Incomplete documentation can lead to disqualification.

• Recently certified South African ID (not older than three months).
• Recently certified proof of residence.
• Latest academic results.
• 2026 mid-year results (if applicable).
• Matric certificate (if Matric has been completed).
• Grade 11 final results (for current Matric learners).
• June 2026 Grade 12 results (for current Matric learners).

Parent or Guardian Financial Documents

Depending on your household situation, you may also need:

• Latest payslips.
• Three months’ bank statements.
• Affidavit for unemployed parents or guardians.
• Six months’ bank statements for self-employed parents.
• SASSA grant confirmation letter.
• Death certificates (if parents are deceased).
• Certified copies of parents’ IDs.
• Divorce certificate (if applicable).
• Sworn statement (if parents are separated).

How to Apply

Applications for the IDC Bursary Programme must be submitted online. Ensure you follow all steps carefully to submit a complete application.

Click here to apply for Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary Programme 2027

Applicants should:

• Complete the online application form accurately.
• Complete the required interview questionnaire.
• Upload all compulsory supporting documents.
• Double-check all personal and academic information.
• Submit the application before the closing date.

Important Notes

• This bursary is for South African citizens only and applicants must be 26 years or younger.
• Funding is for full-time study at public universities and universities of technology.
• Preference is given to financially disadvantaged students.
• Current university students need at least a 65% average, while Matric learners need strong Grade 11 and June Matric results.
• The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and a laptop.
• Generally, second qualifications are not funded, though limited postgraduate funding is available in specific fields.
• All required supporting documents must be submitted with the application.
• Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary Programme 2027 is 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

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