IDC External Bursary Scheme 2026

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) offers the External Bursary Scheme to support academically talented but financially needy South African learners pursuing specific higher education fields.

What it offers

• Full tuition fees
• University Accommodation or University Accredited Off-Campus Accommodation
• Laptop (one-off)
• Meal allowance
• Transport allowance

Who can apply

• South African citizens only, not older than 26 years
• Unemployed applicants with financial need
• First qualification and undergraduate studies only (second qualifications and postgraduate qualifications are not funded, except for Law, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics & Statistics)
• Household income up to R600 000 p/a (priority given to combined income up to R350 000 p/a)
• Admitted to study at a South African public university or university of technology
• Preference given to applicants from Quintile 1, 2 & 3 schools, previously disadvantaged communities, rural areas, and applicants living with a disability
• Matriculants must have a minimum 75% APS
• Tertiary students must have a minimum 65% average and maintain a 60% GPA for the duration of study

What you'll do

• Study or intend to study full-time in one of the listed fields of study.

How to apply

• Complete the online application form
• Submit clear copies of all mandatory supporting documents:
  • South African recently certified ID document (not older than 3 months)
  • 2026 mid-year (first semester) results or latest results if not studying this year
  • Matric certificate if completed Matric
  • 2026 Matriculants must use their grade 11 results and June 2026 results
  • Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (e.g., pay slips, bank statements, affidavit if unemployed, SASSA letter, death certificates, divorce certificate, proof of residence)
  • Both parents’ recently certified ID copies
• Complete the interview questionnaire
• Apply via the IDC website: www.idc.co.za (select About IDC, then select Bursaries)

Good to know

• Applications open on Monday, 1 June 2026 and close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026
• Applications will only be considered for the fields of study listed on the IDC website
• All documents’ certification must not be older than 3 months
• For queries, contact Noluthando Baepi on 011 269 3374 or email noluthandob@idc.co.za or ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za