IDC External Bursary Scheme 2027

The IDC External Bursary Scheme 2027 supports academically talented South African learners facing financial barriers to pursue full-time higher education in specified 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 most postgraduate studies are excluded)
• Postgraduate funding limited to: Law, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics & Statistics
• Household income thresholds:
  • Up to R350 000 p/a (first preference)
  • Between R350 000 p/a and R600 000 p/a (considered with affordability assessment)
• Applicants from Quintile 1, 2 & 3 schools, previously disadvantaged communities, and rural areas receive first preference
• Applicants with disabilities receive first preference
• Matriculants must have a minimum 75% APS
• Tertiary students must have a minimum 65% average in most recent results and maintain a 60% GPA for the duration of study
• Must be admitted to study at a South African public university or university of technology

What you'll do

• 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 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
  • Grade 11 results and June 2026 results for 2026 Matriculants
  • Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income:
    • Recently certified copy of latest pay slip(s) if employed
    • Both parents’ 3 months bank statement if employed
    • Affidavit if unemployed stating annual income
    • 6 months’ bank statement if unemployed & self-employed
    • SASSA Letter stating the grants received if applicable
    • Parent(s) death certificates if parent(s) are deceased
    • Both parents’ recently certified ID copies
    • Divorce certificate if parents are divorced or sworn statement from the one parent if parents are separated
    • Recently certified copy of proof of residence
• 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
• Only fields of study listed on the website will be considered
• All documents must be certified and not older than 3 months
• Successful applicants will be notified via email
• For queries, contact Noluthando Baepi on 011 269 3374 or email noluthandob@idc.co.za or ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za