Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursaries 2027: Apply for Funding

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students. This opportunity is for full-time study at public universities and universities of technology, focusing on fields crucial for South Africa’s industrial and economic growth.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South African public universities and universities of technology
Programme Duration: Full-time study
Stipend: Varies (covers tuition, accommodation, laptop, meals, transport)
Minimum Qualification: Varies (Matric for entry-level, specific academic performance for tertiary students)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the IDC External Bursary Scheme

The IDC External Bursary Scheme aims to support academically deserving South African students who face financial challenges. This programme provides funding for selected undergraduate and some Honours qualifications. The goal is to develop future professionals in critical sectors like Finance, Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Science, and Law, contributing to South Africa’s industrial development and job creation.

About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

The Industrial Development Corporation is a South African development finance institution. Its primary mission is to support industrial development, drive economic growth, and create jobs within the country. Through initiatives like the External Bursary Scheme, the IDC invests in developing skilled individuals who can contribute to the nation’s industrial, financial, technological, and economic advancement.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The IDC bursary supports a range of fields. Applications are considered for the following areas:

• Finance, Management and Business: Accounting (leading to Chartered Accountancy), Financial Management, Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting, Investment Management, Risk Management, Transport Management, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Economics, Econometrics, Business Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Engineering.
• Engineering, Science and Technology: Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction-related Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Metallurgical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Geology, Actuarial Science, Data Science, Environmental Science, Quantitative Risk Management, Physics, Bachelor of Science programmes, Biotechnology, Agricultural Studies, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Science, BCom Information Systems, Information Technology.
• Law and Education: BCom Law specialising in Commercial Law, Bachelor of Laws, Diploma in Law Studies, Education.
• Honours Programmes: Postgraduate Law qualifications, Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Accounting CTA.

What the IDC Bursary Offers

Successful applicants can expect comprehensive financial support for their studies. The bursary typically covers:

• Full tuition fees
• University accommodation or university-accredited off-campus accommodation
• A once-off laptop
• Meal allowance
• Transport allowance
• Other approved study-related expenses

The final funding package is determined by the conditions outlined in the bursary agreement.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is for full-time study at South African public universities and universities of technology. The duration of the support will align with the standard length of the chosen qualification. Specific campus locations will depend on the institution where the student is admitted.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the IDC External Bursary Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be 26 years old or younger.
• Be unemployed.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be studying or intending to study full-time.
• Be admitted to a South African public university or university of technology.
• Be pursuing a qualification listed among the IDC-approved fields.
• Be studying towards a first undergraduate qualification, with a limited exception for approved Honours programmes.
• Meet the applicable academic requirements for their chosen qualification and institution.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as separate competencies, strong academic performance is a key requirement. Applicants should also possess:

• A willingness to learn and develop.
• Good communication skills to articulate their academic goals.
• The ability to manage their time effectively for studies.
• A commitment to completing their chosen qualification.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for unemployed South African students aged 26 or younger who are pursuing or planning to pursue full-time studies in fields vital to the country’s economic development. It is particularly suited for those who demonstrate financial need and have strong academic records, aiming to contribute to sectors like finance, engineering, or IT.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents. All certified copies must not be older than three months:

• Recently certified South African identity document
• 2026 mid-year or first-semester results
• Latest academic results if not studying during 2026
• Matric certificate, where applicable
• Grade 11 and June 2026 results for current Matric learners
• Proof of admission or application to an eligible institution
• Proof of household income (payslips, bank statements, affidavits, SASSA letters, etc.)
• Certified identity documents for both parents or guardians (unless circumstances prevent this)
• Recently certified proof of residence

How to Apply

Applications for the IDC Bursary Programme 2027 must be submitted online through the official IDC bursary portal.

Click here to apply for the IDC Bursary Programme 2027

Follow these steps:

1. Open the official IDC Bursary Portal.
2. Register an applicant profile.
3. Complete all personal and academic sections accurately.
4. Enter precise household income information.
5. Select the correct field of study.
6. Upload all compulsory supporting documents.
7. Complete the interview questionnaire.
8. Review your application thoroughly.
9. Submit before the closing date.
10. Keep proof of submission for your records.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applicants must ensure their chosen qualification is on the IDC’s approved list.
• Household income documentation must be accurate and complete.
• Certified documents must be recent (not older than three months).

Closing Date

The application closing date for the IDC External Bursary Scheme 2027 is Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Applicants are advised to start their applications early to gather all necessary documents and information.

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