Free State Provincial Government Bursaries 2027: Apply for Scarce Skills Funding

The Free State Office of the Premier is inviting eligible South African students from the Free State province to apply for the 2027 Provincial Government Bursary Programme. This opportunity is for students pursuing full-time degree and diploma studies in critical and scarce skills fields. Applications close on 13 November 2026 at 16:00.

Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
Location: Free State, South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Monthly living allowance may be provided
Minimum Qualification: Matric, Diploma, Degree
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the Free State Provincial Government Bursary 2027

The Free State Provincial Government, through its Office of the Premier, offers this bursary to help develop essential skills within the province. The programme aims to boost the local workforce by supporting students who are studying or plan to study in fields identified as having scarce or critical skills. This bursary is specifically for students who live in the Free State.

To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, unemployed, and studying or planning to study full-time at a recognised South African university or university of technology. The bursary prioritises students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

About the Free State Provincial Government

The Free State Provincial Government is the executive branch of government for the Free State province in South Africa. Its Office of the Premier is responsible for coordinating government functions and driving provincial development. The government works to improve the lives of its citizens through various service delivery programmes and initiatives, including skills development and education support.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries are available for degree or diploma studies in the following important areas:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
• Finance
• Economics
• Accounting
• Psychology-related studies
• Social Sciences
• Aviation Studies
• Various Bachelor of Administration programmes
• Public Governance
• Developmental Studies

Applicants should confirm that their chosen course of study is listed in these fields before applying.

What the Free State Government Bursary Covers

Successful applicants can receive financial support for several study-related costs. This may include:

• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Learning aid devices, if needed
• Meals
• Accommodation, if applicable
• Transport, if applicable
• A monthly living allowance, if applicable

The specific support provided will depend on the student’s individual needs and the bursary’s terms.

Additional Student Support

Bursary recipients will also benefit from support systems designed to help them succeed in their studies. The Student Liaison and Support Unit offers academic and emotional guidance. The Stakeholder Support Unit helps coordinate between bursary holders and their educational institutions.

Who Can Apply?

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

• Be a South African citizen.
• Reside within the Free State province.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Be currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
• Have a total household income of less than R600,000 per year.
• Be studying or planning to study full-time towards an eligible degree or diploma.
• Have been accepted at a recognised and accredited Higher Education Institution in South Africa.
• Be studying at a university or university of technology.
• Not be receiving funding from another government source.
• Be unemployed.
• Be willing to work within the related service sectors after completing studies.

Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Household Income Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that their household income is less than R600,000 per year. Proof of this income is required with the application. Depending on the parents’ or guardians’ employment status, this proof can include recent payslips (not older than three months), an affidavit if unemployed, proof of a SASSA grant, or proof of pension income.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit clear copies of all necessary supporting documents with their completed application form. These include:

• Certified copy of the applicant’s ID.
• Certified copy of September Matric results if currently in Matric.
• Certified copy of the Matric certificate if Matric has already been completed.
• Proof of acceptance from a registered Higher Education Institution.
• Proof of residence not older than three months.
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Parents’ or guardians’ death certificates, if applicable.
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income.

Applications that are incomplete or lack the required supporting documents may be disqualified.

Where to Get the Application Form

Applicants must use the official Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form. These forms can be collected from:

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

Please complete all sections of the application form carefully before submission.

How to Apply for Free State Provincial Government Bursary 2027

Applications must be hand delivered to the following address:

FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301

Deliver your application to the Bursary Unit at the reception area. When filling out the form, you can mention www.zabursaries.co.za in the section asking how you heard about the bursary. Ensure your completed application and all supporting documents are submitted before the closing date.

Selection Process

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted. According to the information provided, shortlisted applicants should hear back within four months after the closing date. If you do not receive feedback within this period, you should assume your application was unsuccessful.

Before Submitting Your Application

Before you hand in your application, please check the following:

• Every section of the application form is completed.
• Your ID copy is certified.
• Your Matric results or certificate are included.
• Your proof of acceptance is attached.
• Your proof of residence is less than three months old.
• Your parents’ or guardians’ documents are attached.
• Your household income documents are included.
• All required certifications are valid.
• Your application is submitted before 16:00 on the closing date.

Keep a copy of your completed application and supporting documents for your records.

Free State Provincial Government Bursary Closing Date

Applications close on:

13 November 2026 at 16:00

Late applications will not be accepted. Eligible students are strongly encouraged to prepare their documents and submit their applications well before the deadline.

Contact Details

For any questions about the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme, please contact the Free State Office of the Premier:

Telephone: 065 742 5935 / 060 533 4702
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 07:30 – 16:00

If you need help filling out the application form, you can visit the Bursary Office at:

Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Street
Bloemfontein

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

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