CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027: A Guide for Aspiring Tech Professionals

The CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa is offering a valuable opportunity for students looking to build careers in technology. The CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 is now open for applications, aiming to support academically strong and financially needy students. This bursary specifically targets individuals from the “missing middle” income group, who may find it challenging to afford higher education costs despite not qualifying for all financial aid programs.

The program, which began in 2021, focuses on fields critical to the modern technological landscape. If you are a South African student passionate about technology and meet the eligibility criteria, this bursary could provide the financial support you need to pursue your academic and career goals.

Understanding the CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme

The CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa has established this bursary to invest in the future of technology in the country. The program aims to bridge the financial gap for students who fall into the “missing middle” income bracket, typically earning between R350,000 and R600,000 annually. By providing financial assistance, CISCO hopes to empower these students to complete their studies and contribute to the tech industry.

Bursary Provider: CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa
Programme: CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027
Applications Open: 01 June 2026
Applications Close: 30 September 2026
Application Platform: StudyTrust

Fields of Study Supported

The bursary is designed to support students pursuing degrees in key technology-related disciplines. These fields are essential for innovation and development in today’s digital world.

Computer Science

Students in Computer Science learn to design, develop, and improve software systems, algorithms, databases, and computing solutions. This field opens doors to careers such as Software Developer, Systems Analyst, Data Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, and Machine Learning Engineer.

Computer Engineering

This discipline combines electrical engineering and computer science principles. Graduates can pursue roles like Hardware Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Network Engineer, and Systems Architect.

Software Engineering

Software Engineering focuses on the systematic design, building, testing, and maintenance of software applications. Career paths include Software Engineer, Application Developer, Mobile App Developer, and DevOps Engineer.

Information Technology

Information Technology professionals manage, support, and secure computer systems and business technology infrastructure. Potential careers include IT Administrator, Cybersecurity Specialist, Cloud Engineer, Database Administrator, and IT Support Specialist.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027, applicants must meet specific requirements. These criteria ensure that the bursary reaches deserving students who align with the program’s goals.

• Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Academic Year: Applicants must be entering their first to fourth year of study in 2027. Honours students at NQF Level 8 and B Tech students at NQF Level 7 may also be considered.
• Institution: Students must be studying at a registered public or private higher education institution in South Africa, recognized by the Department of Education.
• Financial Need: Applicants must come from households with a combined annual family income between R350,000 and R600,000. This income range defines the “missing middle” group that the bursary aims to support.

Preference will be given to equity candidates, financially needy students, academically deserving students, and those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

What the Bursary May Cover

The CISCO bursary aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education. While the exact funding details can be found in the official bursary guidelines, the bursary may assist with several education-related costs. These can include tuition fees, registration costs, prescribed textbooks, and other study-related expenses. The final funding benefits will depend on individual circumstances and the total available funding for the program.

Required Documentation for Application

Prospective applicants must prepare a set of documents to support their bursary application. It is essential to ensure all documents are complete, certified where necessary, and clearly scanned for submission.

• Certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Your latest academic results.
• Proof of registration or an acceptance letter from your institution.
• Proof of income for your parent(s) or guardian(s).
• Affidavits, if required.
• Any additional documents specified during the application process.

How to Apply for the Bursary

The application process for the CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 is managed through the StudyTrust platform. Interested students should follow the provided link to begin their application.

Click here to apply for the CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2027

Application Steps

1. Read Guidelines: Carefully review all application guidelines before starting.
2. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents.
3. Complete Form: Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and financial information.
4. Upload Documents: Upload all required documents to the platform.
5. Submit: Submit your application before the closing date.

Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications for the CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 is 30 September 2026. Late applications are typically not considered, so it is important to submit your application well in advance of this date.

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