FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027: Honours Funding for STEM and Psychology Students

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is offering bursaries for students pursuing their first Honours degree in 2027. This opportunity is for South African students in selected Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Psychology fields.

Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: 1 year
Stipend: Not specified (funding for tuition, accommodation, travel, food, and airtime)
Minimum Qualification: Honours degree (NQF Level 8)

About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary aims to support students who are entering their first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027. The bursary focuses on critical fields within STEM and Psychology at recognised public universities across South Africa. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old by December 31, 2027, and have a combined household income not exceeding R700,000 per year.

This bursary is specifically for a minimum NQF Level 8 qualification and requires a strong academic record. It is designed to provide financial assistance and student support to help aspiring professionals succeed in their chosen fields.

About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is dedicated to making a positive impact in South Africa. It focuses on empowering individuals and communities through various initiatives, including education and skills development. The foundation supports programmes that aim to uplift disadvantaged individuals and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Fields of Study Covered

The FREF Bursary supports Honours degrees in a range of important fields. These include Actuarial Science, Agricultural Sciences, BA Honours Arts (Psychology), Biosciences, Climate Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronics, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. Other supported areas are Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Information Management, Information Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Renewable Energy, Risk, Sciences, and Statistics.

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants can receive financial assistance for several expenses. This may include tuition fees, accommodation up to a threshold of R65,000, monthly travel stipends, and food and airtime vouchers. Beyond financial aid, students may also benefit from additional student support and development services. These services are designed to help students navigate their studies and prepare for their future careers.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is for a full-time, one-year Honours degree programme. The study will take place at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa. Specific university locations will depend on the applicant’s chosen field of study and the university offering the programme.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be a South African citizen and identify as Black (African, Coloured, or Indian). Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old by December 31, 2027. A completed Matric is required, along with at least 60% for NSC Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).

Furthermore, applicants need a minimum average of 60% in their undergraduate degree. They must be enrolling in their first full-time, one-year Honours degree in 2027 at a public university. The chosen qualification must be in one of the eligible fields and at a minimum NQF Level 8. Finally, the combined household income must not exceed R700,000 per annum.

Academic Requirements

Strong academic performance is essential for this bursary. Applicants must have achieved a minimum of 60% in NSC Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy will not be considered. At the undergraduate level, a minimum overall average of 60% is required. Applicants must also meet the specific admission requirements set by the university for their chosen Honours programme.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, certain competencies are beneficial for applicants. These include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, essential for STEM and Psychology fields. Good communication skills are important for academic success and future professional roles. A willingness to learn and adapt, along with self-motivation and discipline, will help students manage the demands of an Honours degree.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for ambitious Black South African youth who have completed their undergraduate studies and wish to pursue advanced knowledge in STEM or Psychology. It is suited for individuals who meet the academic and financial requirements and are committed to excelling in their chosen field. If you are looking to deepen your expertise and gain a qualification at NQF Level 8, this bursary could provide the necessary support.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare several supporting documents for their application. These include a certified copy of their South African ID (certification not older than six months) and a certified copy of their Matric certificate. A certified complete undergraduate academic record is also necessary. If available, a provisional or final Honours acceptance letter should be included.

Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income is required, along with the ID numbers of the applicant and all household members. For applicants with disabilities, disability documentation is needed, including a completed EEA1 form and a valid doctor’s note. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format, not exceeding 5MB each.

Proof of Household Income

The type of proof for household income depends on the parents’ or guardians’ employment status. If employed, the latest payslips are needed. If unemployed, an affidavit is required. For self-employed individuals, an affidavit confirming annual income is necessary. Business owners should provide recent audited financial statements or three months’ bank statements. If receiving grants, a SASSA letter confirming this is needed.

How to Apply

Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary must be submitted online. Interested candidates can apply through the FREF bursary application platform.

Click here to apply for FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027.

Applicants should fill out all sections of the online form accurately and upload all compulsory supporting documents in PDF format. The application guidance suggests that applicants can mention www.zabursaries.co.za when asked how they heard about the bursary.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back by the first week of January 2027, consider your application unsuccessful. Applicants must ensure they meet all minimum requirements before applying. Incomplete applications or those missing compulsory documents may not be considered. Ensure all submitted documents are clear and readable.

Closing Date

The application closing date for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 is 31 December 2026. Applicants are urged to submit their applications and all supporting documents well before this deadline.

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