Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursaries 2027: Study in Scarce Skills Fields
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is inviting applications for its External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary is designed to support academically strong South African students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue studies in critical and scarce skills fields that contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The programme is open to current Matric learners planning to study in 2027 and current undergraduate students in approved fields.
Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Funding for study-related expenses
Minimum Qualification: Matric or equivalent, Undergraduate studies
Opportunity Type: Bursary
About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary
The IDC External Bursary Programme aims to invest in future professionals who will drive South Africa’s industrial development and economic growth. It focuses on supporting students in fields identified as critical and scarce skills, ensuring a pipeline of qualified individuals for key sectors of the economy. This bursary is for students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification at a public university or university of technology in South Africa.
About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a leading development finance institution in South Africa. Established in 1940, the IDC plays a significant role in promoting industrial expansion, economic development, job creation, and entrepreneurship across various economic sectors. Through initiatives like its bursary programme, the IDC supports the development of skilled professionals in areas such as engineering, science, technology, finance, and law.
Available Bursary Opportunities
The IDC Bursary supports a wide array of qualifications aligned with national development priorities and scarce skills needs. These include fields within Engineering, Science and Technology, Agricultural Studies, Finance and Commerce, Supply Chain and Logistics, Law Qualifications, 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
- Transport Management
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
Law Qualifications
- BCom Law, Commercial Law
- Bachelor of Laws, LLB
- Diploma in Law Studies
- Postgraduate Law qualifications
Quantitative Fields
- Actuarial Science
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Mathematics
- Statistics
What the Bursary Offers
The IDC Bursary provides comprehensive financial support for selected study-related expenses to help students focus on their academic pursuits. Successful recipients can expect funding for:
- Full registration fees
- Full tuition fees
- Examination fees, where applicable
- University residence accommodation
- University-accredited off-campus accommodation
- A once-off laptop allocation
- Academic resources
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
Programme Duration and Location
The bursary is for the 2027 academic year and supports undergraduate studies. The programme is open to students across South Africa, with funding provided for studies at public universities and universities of technology within the country. Specific programme duration details for individual courses are not provided but align with standard university academic calendars.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the IDC Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID document.
- Be unemployed.
- Be no older than 26 years old.
- Be admitted to or planning to study full-time at a South African public university or university of technology.
- Be applying for an approved field of study aligned with national development priorities.
Academic Requirements for Matric Learners
- Submit final Grade 11 results.
- Submit June 2026 Grade 12 results.
- Preference is given to learners with a minimum APS of 75%.
Academic Requirements for Current University Students
- Achieve at least a 65% average in latest academic results.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 60% throughout the bursary period.
Financial Need Requirements
- The bursary primarily targets students from financially disadvantaged households with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less.
- Applicants from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum may also be considered after an affordability assessment.
Competencies Required
While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, the IDC likely values candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong academic potential.
- A commitment to contributing to South Africa’s economic development.
- Willingness to learn and grow in their chosen field.
- A responsible and professional attitude towards their studies.
Who Should Apply?
This bursary is ideal for ambitious South African youth who are academically gifted and come from financially constrained backgrounds. If you are passionate about pursuing a career in critical and scarce skills fields such as engineering, science, technology, finance, or law, and aim to contribute to South Africa’s industrial growth, this opportunity is for you. It is particularly suited for students who need financial assistance to complete their first undergraduate qualification at a public tertiary institution.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload clear copies of the following supporting documents:
Personal Documents
- Recently certified copy of South African ID (not older than 3 months).
- Recently certified proof of residence.
Academic Documents
- 2026 mid-year results or latest academic results.
- Matric certificate, if already completed.
- Grade 11 final results and June 2026 results for current Matric learners.
Parents or Guardians Financial Documents (where applicable)
- Latest payslips.
- Three months’ bank statements.
- Affidavit for unemployed parents.
- 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 parents are divorced.
- Sworn statement, if parents are separated.
Failure to submit complete supporting documentation may lead to disqualification.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply online through the IDC’s bursary portal.
Click here to apply for the Industrial Development Corporation IDC Bursary South Africa 2027.
Ensure you complete the online application form accurately and upload all required supporting documents. Applicants will also need to complete an interview questionnaire. Double-check all submitted information for accuracy before final submission.
Important Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Applicants must meet all minimum academic and financial requirements.
- Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
- Ensure all submitted documents are certified as required.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Industrial Development Corporation IDC Bursary South Africa 2027 is 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
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