Free State Provincial Government Bursaries 2027: Study Funding for Critical Skills

The Free State Provincial Government is inviting eligible South African students from the Free State province to apply for its Provincial Government Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary aims to support students pursuing studies in scarce and critical skills areas essential for the province’s development.

Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Location: Free State Province, South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (funding for tuition, textbooks, meals, accommodation, transport, and living allowance may be provided)
Minimum Qualification: Matric or equivalent, pursuing a Diploma or Degree

About the Free State Provincial Government Bursary

The Provincial Government Bursary Programme is designed to help students who want to study qualifications in fields that are in high demand within the Free State. By supporting these studies, the programme aims to build a stronger future workforce for the province and boost economic and skills development. It focuses on areas identified as critical for the province’s growth and service delivery needs.

About the Free State Provincial Government

The Free State Provincial Government is the executive authority responsible for governing the Free State province in South Africa. It aims to improve the lives of its citizens through effective public service delivery, economic development, and social upliftment initiatives. The government works across various sectors to address the province’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries are available for students pursuing studies in the following important areas:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Finance
• Economics
• Accounting
• Psychology-related studies
• Social Sciences
• Aviation Studies
• Public Administration
• Public Governance
• Development Studies
• Other related BAdmin qualifications

What the Bursary Covers

Successful bursary recipients can expect financial support that may include:

• Tuition fees for their chosen course.
• Costs for prescribed textbooks and learning materials.
• Learning aid devices, if needed for their studies.
• Funding for meals.
• Accommodation costs, where applicable.
• Transport expenses, where applicable.
• A monthly living allowance to help with daily expenses.

Additional Student Support

Beyond financial aid, the bursary programme offers extra support to help students succeed. Recipients may benefit from:

• A Student Liaison and Support Unit, which provides academic and emotional guidance.
• A Stakeholder Support Unit, assisting with coordination between students and their tertiary institutions to resolve any issues.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Reside within the Free State province.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Currently be in Matric or have successfully completed Matric.
• Have a total household income of less than R600,000 per year.
• Be studying or plan to study full-time.
• Be pursuing a Diploma or Degree in one of the approved fields of study.
• Have been accepted at a recognised and accredited South African University or University of Technology.
• Not be receiving any other form of government funding.
• Be unemployed.
• Be willing to work within relevant service sectors in the province after completing their studies.

Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Documents Required

Applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents:

• A certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Certified Matric September results if you are currently in Matric.
• A certified copy of your Matric certificate if you have already completed Matric.
• Proof of acceptance from a registered Higher Education Institution.
• Proof of residence that is not older than three months.
• Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Death certificates if your parents or guardians are deceased.
• Proof of household income.

If applicable, proof of household income can include:

• Latest payslips (not older than three months).
• An affidavit if you or your parents/guardians are unemployed.
• Proof of SASSA grant.
• Proof of pension income.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the official Free State Office of the Premier bursary application form. You can download the form here: Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form.

Application forms can also be collected in person from:

• The Free State Office of the Premier.
• FSTDI.
• OR Tambo Building.
• Various Thusong Centres.
• Central University of Technology.
• University of the Free State.

Once completed, applications must be hand-delivered to:
FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301

Please deliver your completed applications to the Bursary Unit at the Reception area.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates can expect to be contacted within four months after the closing date. If you do not hear back from the office within this timeframe, you should consider your application unsuccessful.

Enquiries

For any questions regarding the bursary, you can contact the Free State Office of the Premier:
Telephone: 065 742 5935 / 060 533 4702
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 07:30 to 16:00

You can also visit the Bursary Office in person at:
Bursary Office
Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Street
Bloemfontein

Or send mail to:
Postal Address: Free State Office of the Premier
Bursary Section
Private Bag X20565
Bloemfontein
9300

Closing Date

The closing date for the Free State Provincial Government Bursaries 2027 is 13 November 2026 at 16:00. Applications received after this time will not be accepted.

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