FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursaries 2027: Honours Funding for STEM and Psychology Students

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is offering bursaries for South African students pursuing Honours degrees in 2027. This opportunity focuses on selected Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Psychology fields at public universities. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, meet specific academic criteria, and have a household income not exceeding R700,000 per annum.

Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: 1 year (full-time Honours degree)
Stipend: Not specified (covers tuition, accommodation, travel, food, and airtime)
Minimum Qualification: Matric (with specific Maths requirements) and a completed undergraduate degree

About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

The FREF Bursary Programme aims to support students in their first full-time, one-year Honours degree. This initiative is designed for individuals passionate about advancing their education in critical STEM and Psychology disciplines. The programme seeks to empower young South Africans by providing financial assistance and development support.

The bursary is specifically for a minimum NQF Level 8 qualification. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to their chosen field of study. The foundation believes in investing in future leaders and innovators within South Africa.

About FirstRand Empowerment Foundation

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is the corporate social investment arm of FirstRand Bank. It focuses on initiatives that promote education, economic inclusion, and social development across South Africa. FREF partners with various organisations and programmes to create meaningful impact and foster sustainable change.

The foundation supports a range of educational programmes, from early childhood development to tertiary education. Their work aims to address key societal challenges and build a more equitable future for all South Africans.

Fields of Study Covered

This bursary is open to students pursuing their first Honours degree in the following areas:

• Actuarial Science
• Agricultural Sciences
• BA Honours Arts (Psychology)
• Biosciences
• Climate Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Information Management
• Information Science
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Mathematical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Renewable Energy
• Risk
• Sciences
• Statistics

Applicants must ensure their chosen Honours qualification aligns with one of these listed fields.

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants can expect comprehensive financial support for their Honours year. The bursary aims to alleviate financial burdens so students can focus on their studies.

The bursary may cover:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation costs (up to a threshold of R65,000)
• Monthly travelling stipends
• Food vouchers
• Airtime vouchers

In addition to financial aid, recipients may also benefit from student support and development services.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is for a full-time, one-year Honours degree programme. The study must commence in the 2027 academic year. The bursary is applicable to students studying at recognised and accredited public universities within South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be Black, as defined by the B-BBEE Act (African, Coloured, or Indian).
• Be between 18 and 35 years old on 31 December 2027.
• Have completed Matric.
• Have achieved at least 60% for NSC Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy is not accepted).
• Have achieved a minimum average of 60% in your undergraduate degree.
• Be entering your first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027.
• Be studying towards an eligible qualification at a minimum NQF Level 8.
• Attend a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa.
• Meet the admission requirements for your chosen Honours programme.
• Have a combined household income of no more than R700,000 per annum.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate certain qualities. These include a strong academic aptitude, a genuine interest in STEM or Psychology, and the ability to manage their studies effectively. A willingness to engage with development programmes offered by FREF would also be beneficial.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for Black South African students who have successfully completed their undergraduate degrees and are looking to pursue an Honours qualification in 2027. If you are passionate about fields like data science, environmental science, or psychology, and meet the academic and financial criteria, this opportunity could be for you. It is particularly suited for those who need financial assistance to continue their education at a higher level.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit clear copies of the following documents:

• Certified copy of South African ID (certification not older than six months).
• Certified copy of Matric certificate.
• Certified complete undergraduate academic record.
• Provisional or final Honours acceptance letter (if available).
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (e.g., payslips, affidavit if unemployed, affidavit for self-employed, bank statements for business owners, SASSA letter if applicable).
• ID numbers of the applicant and all household members.
• Disability documentation, where applicable (including a completed EEA1 form and a valid doctor’s note).

All supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format, with each file not exceeding 5MB.

How to Apply

Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 must be submitted online.

Click here to apply for FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027.

Ensure all sections of the online application form are completed accurately. Upload all compulsory supporting documents in the specified PDF format. Applicants may be asked how they heard about the bursary; you can mention www.zabursaries.co.za if prompted.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back from the foundation by the first week of January 2027, please consider your application unsuccessful. Ensure all documents are certified and uploaded correctly to avoid disqualification. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection, as the bursary is competitive.

Closing Date

The application closing date for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 is 31 December 2026. Ensure all applications and supporting documents are submitted before this deadline.

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