Free State Provincial Government Bursaries 2027: Apply for Scarce Skills Funding

The Free State Office of the Premier is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to students residing in the Free State province. This opportunity is for full-time degree and diploma studies in critical and scarce-skills fields. Applications are open to unemployed South African citizens aged 18 to 35 with a household income below R600,000 per year. The closing date for applications is 13 November 2026 at 16:00.

Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
Location: Free State, South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Monthly living allowance may be provided
Minimum Qualification: Matric or Grade 12, pursuing Diploma or Degree
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the Free State Provincial Government Bursary 2027

The Free State Provincial Government, through its Office of the Premier, provides this bursary programme to develop essential skills within the province. The aim is to boost the local workforce by supporting students pursuing qualifications in areas identified as having critical or scarce skills. This bursary is specifically designed for qualifying students who live in the Free State.

About the Free State Provincial Government

The Free State Provincial Government is committed to improving the lives of its citizens through various service delivery initiatives. The Office of the Premier plays a key role in coordinating government efforts and driving socio-economic development across the province. This bursary program is one of the ways the government invests in its youth and future workforce.

Available Bursary Opportunities

Bursaries are available for degree or diploma studies in the following critical and scarce-skill fields:

• STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Finance
• Economics
• Accounting
• Psychology-related studies
• Social Sciences
• Aviation Studies
• Various Bachelor of Administration programmes
• Public Governance
• Developmental Studies

Applicants should confirm that their chosen field of study aligns with these categories.

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants can receive financial assistance for several study-related expenses. This support aims to reduce the financial burden of higher education.

The bursary may cover:

• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Learning aid devices, if needed
• Meals
• Accommodation, where applicable
• Transport, where applicable
• A monthly living allowance, where applicable

The specific support provided will depend on individual circumstances and the bursary’s terms.

Recipients also gain access to support structures. The Student Liaison and Support Unit offers academic and emotional guidance. The Stakeholder Support Unit helps coordinate between students and their educational institutions.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is intended for full-time studies at recognised South African universities or universities of technology. The specific duration of the bursary will align with the length of the chosen diploma or degree program. The bursary is open to students residing within the Free State province.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Reside within the Free State province.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
• Have a total household income of less than R600,000 per year.
• Be studying or planning to study full-time towards an eligible degree or diploma.
• Be accepted at a recognised and accredited Higher Education Institution in South Africa.
• Study at a university or university of technology.
• Not be receiving other government funding.
• Be unemployed.
• Be willing to work within related service sectors after completion.

Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Household Income Requirement

A key requirement is that the applicant’s total household income must be less than R600,000 per annum. Proof of household income is mandatory and can include recent payslips (not older than three months), an affidavit if unemployed, proof of a SASSA grant, or proof of pension income.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, certain skills and personal qualities will help applicants succeed in their studies and future careers. These include:

• A strong willingness to learn and develop.
• Good communication skills.
• The ability to manage time effectively.
• A proactive approach to studies and personal development.
• Adaptability to new environments and challenges.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for unemployed young people from the Free State who are passionate about pursuing careers in critical and scarce-skill fields. If you are determined to further your education in areas like STEM, finance, or public governance and meet the age and income criteria, this opportunity could be a great fit. It is for students committed to contributing to the province’s development after graduation.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit clear copies of all compulsory supporting documents with their application form:

• Certified copy of the applicant’s ID.
• Certified copy of September Matric results if currently in Matric.
• Certified copy of the Matric certificate if Matric has already been completed.
• Proof of acceptance from a registered Higher Education Institution.
• Proof of residence not older than three months.
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Parents’ or guardians’ death certificates, where applicable.
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income.

Incomplete applications or those missing required documents may be disqualified.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the prescribed Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form. These forms can be collected from the Office of the Premier – FSTDI, OR Tambo Building, Thusong Centres, Central University of Technology, and the University of the Free State. Ensure all sections of the form are filled out carefully.

Applications must be hand-delivered to:

FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301

Deliver applications to the Bursary Unit at the reception area. When filling out the form, you can mention www.zabursaries.co.za in the section asking how you heard about the bursary.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Feedback should be provided within four months after the closing date. If you do not hear back within this period, consider your application unsuccessful. Ensure all documents are certified and that your application is submitted before the deadline. Keep a copy of your submitted application for your records.

Closing Date

Applications close on 13 November 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be accepted. It is advisable to submit your application well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute issues.

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