FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary
About this opportunity
Postgraduate bursary in South Africa covering tuition and accommodation up to ZAR65,000 per year.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) Postgraduate Bursary provides financial support to Black South African citizens aged 18–35 pursuing their first Honours degree in eligible STEM or Psychology fields in 2027. This bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation (up to R65,000), monthly travel stipends, book allowances, food and airtime vouchers, along with additional student support services. Funding is competitive and not guaranteed upon eligibility.
Eligible qualifications are first Honours degrees at NQF Level 8 in STEM or Psychology fields, excluding Commerce. Students must meet a minimum 60% average in their undergraduate degree and 60% in NSC Mathematics, with a household income of R700,000 or less per year. The application opens 28 September 2026 and closes 31 December 2026.
Note: Applicants must study at a recognized South African institution and cannot already hold another bursary or degree beyond their first Honours level.
Key details
South AfricaWhat you get
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Accommodation support (up to R65,000)
- Monthly travel stipends
- Book allowance
- Food and airtime vouchers
- Additional student support services
Documents needed
- Proof of South African citizenship
- Proof of Black South African status (B-BBEE compliance)
- Age verification (birth certificate)
- Acceptance letter for a first Honours degree in eligible STEM/Psychology fields
- Proof of household income (≤ R700,000)
- Undergraduate academic transcripts (60% average)
- NSC Mathematics results (60%)
- Proof of admission to a recognized South African institution
How to apply
- Register and complete the application form on the **Feenix Bursary portal**
- Upload required documents (citizenship, income proof, transcripts, etc.)
- Confirm eligibility for STEM/Psychology Honours programs and institution
- Submit the application before the **31 December 2026 deadline**
- Save the application link for future reference (if not submitting immediately)
- Attend any verification calls or provide additional documentation if requested
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