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

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.

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 bursaries to help develop essential skills within the province. This programme aims to boost the local workforce by supporting students who are studying in fields identified as having scarce or critical skills needs. The bursary is specifically designed for students who live in the Free State province.

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, unemployed, and currently studying or planning to study full-time at a recognised South African university or university of technology. Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. The bursary can provide financial assistance for tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and transport, depending on individual needs and programme conditions.

About the Free State Provincial Government

The Free State Provincial Government is responsible for providing services and developing policies within the Free State province of South Africa. Through its various departments and offices, it aims to improve the lives of its citizens by focusing on economic development, education, healthcare, and social services. The Office of the Premier plays a key role in coordinating government efforts and driving provincial priorities.

Available Bursary Opportunities

Bursaries are available for degree or diploma studies in the following critical and scarce-skill 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 field of study is listed before applying.

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants can receive financial support for various study-related expenses. This may include:

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

Recipients also gain access to support structures like the Student Liaison and Support Unit for academic and emotional assistance. The Stakeholder Support Unit helps coordinate between bursary holders and their institutions.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is intended for full-time studies at recognised South African universities or universities of technology. The specific duration of the bursary support will depend on the chosen qualification. The bursary is open to students residing within the Free State province.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

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

Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Household Income Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate a household income of less than R600,000 per annum. Proof of income is required and may include recent payslips (not older than three months), an affidavit for the unemployed, proof of a SASSA grant, or proof of pension income.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit clear copies of the following compulsory supporting documents with their application form:

• 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 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 (where applicable).
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income.

Incomplete applications or those missing compulsory documents may be disqualified.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the prescribed Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form. These forms can be collected from the Office of the Premier – FSTDI, OR Tambo Building, Thusong Centres, Central University of Technology, and the University of the Free State.

Applications must be hand-delivered to:

FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301

Applications should be delivered to the Bursary Unit at the reception area. Applicants are advised to enter www.zabursaries.co.za in the section asking how they heard about the bursary. Ensure all documents are submitted before the closing date.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within four months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. Applicants must ensure all sections of the application form are completed accurately and that all required documents are certified and attached. Keep a copy of your submitted application for your records.

Closing Date

Applications close on 13 November 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be accepted.

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