IDC Bursary 2027: Study Critical Skills in South Africa

Published July 4, 2026

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary 2027: Study Critical Skills in South Africa

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students who want to study in fields critical to the country’s economic growth. This opportunity is for academically strong students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary

The IDC External Bursary Programme aims to support students pursuing qualifications in fields that are in high demand within South Africa. The goal is to develop professionals who can contribute to industrial development, job creation, and economic growth. This bursary is designed for individuals who show academic promise and come from households with limited financial resources. It supports full-time studies at public universities and universities of technology across South Africa.

About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a prominent development finance institution in South Africa. Established in 1940, the IDC plays a key role in fostering industrial expansion, economic development, and job creation. It invests in various sectors of the economy, supporting entrepreneurship and business growth. Through initiatives like its bursary programme, the IDC actively invests in developing skilled professionals needed for South Africa’s advancement.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The IDC Bursary supports a wide array of fields that align with national development priorities and address scarce skills. These fields are categorized as follows:

Engineering Fields

Industrial Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronic Engineering
Mining Engineering
Metallurgy Engineering
Civil Engineering
Construction Engineering
Quantity Surveying

Science and Technology Fields

Analytical Chemistry
Physics
Biotechnology
Geology
Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science programmes
Mathematics
Statistics
Data Science
Computer Science
Information Science
Information Technology
BCom Information Systems

Agricultural Studies

Agricultural Studies
Agriculture-related qualifications

Finance and Commerce Fields

Accounting, CA stream
Financial Management
Internal Audit
Cost and Management Accounting
Investment Management
Risk Management
Finance Studies
Economics
Econometrics
Financial Accounting
Financial Engineering
Business Management
Entrepreneurship

Supply Chain and Logistics

Transport Management
Logistics Management
Supply Chain Management

Law Qualifications

BCom Law, Commercial Law
Bachelor of Laws, LLB
Diploma in Law Studies
Postgraduate Law qualifications

Quantitative Fields

Actuarial Science
Quantitative Risk Management
Mathematics
Statistics

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants for the IDC Bursary Programme can expect comprehensive financial support for their studies. This includes coverage for:

Full registration fees
Full tuition fees
Examination fees, where applicable
University residence accommodation
University-accredited off-campus accommodation
A once-off allocation for a laptop
Academic resources
Meal allowance
Transport allowance

This financial assistance aims to allow students to focus on their academic journey without the overwhelming pressure of covering major education costs.

Programme Duration and Location

The IDC Bursary Programme is for the 2027 academic year. The bursary supports full-time studies at public universities and universities of technology located within South Africa. Specific programme durations for individual courses will vary based on the chosen field of study and institution.

Minimum Requirements

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

Be a South African citizen.
Possess a valid South African ID document.
Be unemployed.
Not be older than 26 years.
Be admitted to or planning to study full-time at a South African public university or university of technology.
Be applying for an approved field of study aligned with national development priorities.

Academic Requirements for Matric Learners

Submit final Grade 11 results.
Submit June 2026 Grade 12 results.
A minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 75% is preferred.

Academic Requirements for Current University Students

Achieve at least a 65% average in your latest academic results.
Maintain a minimum GPA of 60% throughout the bursary period.

Financial Need Requirements

The bursary is primarily for students from financially disadvantaged households.
Preference is given to applicants with a combined household income of R350,000 per annum or less.
Applicants from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum may still be considered, subject to an affordability assessment.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, applicants who demonstrate the following qualities may be viewed favourably:

Strong academic aptitude.
A clear understanding of their chosen field of study and its relevance.
A commitment to contributing to South Africa’s economic development.
Good communication skills.
Willingness to learn and adapt.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for academically gifted South African students who face financial challenges in pursuing higher education. If you are passionate about fields like engineering, science, technology, finance, or law, and you are committed to developing skills that will benefit South Africa’s economy, this opportunity is for you. It is particularly suited for those who have demonstrated academic excellence and require financial assistance to achieve their educational goals.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload clear copies of the following supporting documents:

Personal Documents

Recently certified copy of your South African ID (not older than 3 months).
Recently certified proof of residence.

Academic Documents

2026 mid-year results or your latest academic results.
Matric certificate, if already completed.
For current Matric learners: Grade 11 final results and June 2026 Grade 12 results.

Parents or Guardians Financial Documents (Where applicable)

Latest payslips.
Three months’ bank statements.
Affidavit for unemployed parents.
Six months’ bank statements for self-employed parents.
SASSA grant confirmation letter.
Death certificates, if parents are deceased.
Certified copies of parents’ IDs.
Divorce certificate, if parents are divorced.
Sworn statement, if parents are separated.

Failure to submit complete supporting documentation may lead to disqualification.

How to Apply

Click here to apply for the Industrial Development Corporation IDC Bursary South Africa 2027.

Applicants must complete the online application form accurately. Ensure all required supporting documents are uploaded. Complete the interview questionnaire as part of the application process. Double-check that all submitted information is correct before final submission. All applications must be submitted before the closing date.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must meet all the minimum requirements to be considered.
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Ensure all submitted documents are certified copies as required.
Apply before the closing date of 30 September 2026.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Industrial Development Corporation IDC Bursary South Africa 2027 is 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

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