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 citizens who are Black (African, Coloured, or Indian) and are between 18 and 35 years old. The bursary focuses on 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 (includes funding for tuition, accommodation, travel, food, and airtime)
Minimum Qualification: Undergraduate degree with at least 60% average, and 60% in NSC Mathematics.

About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

This bursary programme aims to support students in their first year of Honours studies. It is designed for those who have demonstrated academic excellence in their undergraduate degrees and wish to further their education in critical STEM and Psychology fields. The FREF bursary provides financial assistance to help cover the costs associated with postgraduate studies.

The programme supports a full-time, one-year Honours degree at a minimum NQF Level 8. Applicants must be studying at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa. A key focus is placed on students from backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented in these fields.

About FirstRand Empowerment Foundation

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is dedicated to empowering South Africans through education and skills development. It supports initiatives that create opportunities for individuals to achieve their full potential. FREF focuses on areas where it can make a significant impact, including education, health, and enterprise development.

Through its various programmes, FREF aims to address socio-economic challenges and foster a more equitable society. The bursary programme is one of its key initiatives to support emerging talent in critical sectors of the economy.

Fields of Study Covered

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary is available for Honours degrees in a range of specific fields. These include Actuarial Science, Agricultural Sciences, and Biosciences. Psychology students can apply for BA Honours Arts (Psychology).

Other covered fields are Climate Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronics, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. The bursary also supports studies in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Information Management, Information Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology. Mathematical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Renewable Energy, Risk, Sciences, and Statistics are also included.

What the FREF Bursary Covers

Successful applicants can expect financial support for various study-related expenses. This includes tuition fees for the Honours degree. Accommodation costs are covered up to a threshold of R65,000.

The bursary also provides monthly travelling stipends, food vouchers, and airtime vouchers. Beyond financial aid, students may receive additional support and development services to help them succeed in their studies and future careers.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is specifically for a full-time, one-year Honours degree programme. The academic year for which the bursary is offered is 2027. All study must take place at a recognised and accredited public university within South Africa.

The location of the study is therefore within South Africa, at the university the student attends. Applicants must ensure they meet the admission requirements for their chosen Honours programme at their selected institution.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be a South African citizen and identify as Black (African, Coloured, or Indian). The age requirement is between 18 and 35 years old as of 31 December 2027.

Applicants must have completed Matric and achieved at least 60% in NSC Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy. A minimum average of 60% in their undergraduate degree is also required. They must be entering their first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027 and studying in one of the eligible fields at a public university.

Furthermore, applicants must have a combined household income not exceeding R700,000 per annum. They must also meet the specific admission requirements for their chosen Honours qualification.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, certain personal attributes can strengthen an application. These include a strong willingness to learn and a commitment to academic excellence. Adaptability and an ability to manage time effectively are important for postgraduate studies.

A professional attitude and self-motivation are also beneficial. Applicants who can demonstrate initiative and a clear understanding of their career goals in STEM or Psychology fields may stand out. Attention to detail is crucial for academic work and the application process itself.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for ambitious Black South African students who have completed their undergraduate studies with strong academic results. It is particularly suited for those who are passionate about pursuing advanced knowledge in STEM or Psychology fields. If you are looking to gain specialized skills and contribute to these sectors, this opportunity is for you.

The bursary is for individuals who meet the age and income criteria and are ready to commit to a full-time Honours degree. If you are driven, academically capable, and aim to excel in fields like data science, engineering, or psychology, you should consider applying.

Required Documents

Applicants need to prepare several documents for their application. These include a certified copy of their South African ID, with certification not older than six months. A certified copy of the Matric certificate is also required.

Applicants must submit their certified complete undergraduate academic record. A provisional or final Honours acceptance letter should be included if available. Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income is essential, along with the ID numbers of the applicant and all household members.

For applicants with a disability, a completed EEA1 form and a valid doctor’s note are necessary. All supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format, with each file not exceeding 5MB.

Proof of Household Income

The proof of household income required depends on the employment status of parents or guardians. If employed, the latest payslips are needed. If unemployed, an affidavit confirming this is required.

For those who are self-employed, an affidavit confirming their annual income is necessary. Business owners should provide their most recent audited financial statements or three months’ most recent bank statements. If receiving grants, a SASSA letter confirming these payments should be submitted. The total combined household income must not exceed R700,000 per annum.

How to Apply

Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 must be submitted online. Prospective applicants can visit the FREF bursary application platform.

Click here to apply for FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

Applicants must complete all sections of the online form accurately and upload all compulsory supporting documents in PDF format. When asked how they heard about the bursary, applicants can enter www.zabursaries.co.za. Ensure all personal details are correct and all required documents are uploaded before submitting.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. If you do not hear back from the FREF by the first week of January 2027, you should consider your application unsuccessful. Applicants must ensure they meet all the minimum requirements before applying. Incomplete applications or those missing compulsory documents may not be considered.

Closing Date

The application closing date for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 is 31 December 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications and all supporting documents well before this deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

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