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 who need financial assistance and have strong academic records. This opportunity focuses on fields that are important for South Africa’s economic growth and industrial development.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South African public universities and universities of technology
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (covers tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, laptop)
Minimum Qualification: Not specified (Grade 11/June Matric results for current Matric learners, 65% average for current students)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the IDC Bursary Programme 2027

The IDC External Bursary Programme aims to support academically deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal is to fund studies in fields that contribute to South Africa’s economic and industrial advancement. This bursary is primarily for students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification. However, in some specific fields, limited postgraduate funding might be available. Applications for this programme opened on 1 June 2026 and will close on 30 September 2026.

About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a national development finance institution. It focuses on promoting economic growth and industrial development in South Africa. The IDC invests in projects that create jobs, promote exports, and advance technology across various sectors of the economy.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The IDC funds selected qualifications in several key areas. These include Engineering, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Commerce, Finance, Law, and quantitative disciplines.

Specific fields of study that may be funded include:

• Engineering: Industrial, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Mining, Metallurgy, Civil, Construction Engineering, and Quantity Surveying.
• Science and Technology: Analytical Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Geology, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Science, Information Technology, and BCom Information Systems.
• Agriculture: Agricultural Studies and related qualifications.
• Finance and Commerce: 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, and Entrepreneurship.
• Supply Chain and Logistics: Transport Management, Logistics Management, and Supply Chain Management.
• Law: BCom Law (Commercial Law), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Diploma Law Studies, and selected postgraduate Law qualifications.
• Quantitative Fields: Actuarial Science, Quantitative Risk Management, Mathematics, and Statistics.

What the Bursary Offers

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

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Examination fees
• University residence accommodation
• University-accredited off-campus accommodation
• Academic resources
• Meal allowance
• Transport allowance
• A once-off laptop allocation

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is intended for full-time study at South African public universities and universities of technology. The specific duration of the bursary is tied to the length of the chosen qualification. The programme is open to students across South Africa who attend these institutions.

Minimum Requirements

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

• Be South African citizens with a valid ID.
• Be unemployed.
• Be no older than 26 years old.
• Be studying or planning to study full-time.
• Attend or intend to attend a South African public university or university of technology.
• Meet the required academic standards for their chosen field of study.
• Be pursuing one of the eligible fields of study.

For current Matric learners:

• Submit final Grade 11 results.
• Submit June 2026 Grade 12 results.
• A minimum APS of 75% is preferred.

For current university students:

• Achieve at least a 65% average in your latest academic results.
• Bursary recipients must maintain a minimum 60% GPA throughout the funding period.

Preference is given to applicants from households with a combined income of R350,000 per annum or less. Households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum may also be considered based on an affordability assessment.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, the IDC likely values certain personal attributes. These may include a strong willingness to learn, a commitment to academic excellence, and an understanding of the importance of their chosen field to national development. Applicants should demonstrate potential for future contribution to South Africa’s economy.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for academically strong South African students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. If you are passionate about pursuing a career in fields critical to South Africa’s industrial and economic development and meet the age and academic criteria, this bursary could provide the financial support you need. It is particularly suited for those pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

Required Documents

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

• Recently certified copy of your South African ID (not older than three months).
• Recently certified proof of residence.
• Latest academic results.
• 2026 mid-year results (if applicable).
• Matric certificate (if Matric has been completed).
• Grade 11 final results (for current Matric learners).
• June 2026 Grade 12 results (for current Matric learners).

For parents or guardians, depending on household circumstances, you may also need:

• Latest payslips.
• Three months’ bank statements.
• Affidavit for unemployed parents or guardians.
• 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 applicable).
• Sworn statement (if parents are separated).

Incomplete documentation can lead to disqualification.

How to Apply

Applications for the IDC Bursary Programme 2027 must be submitted online.

Click here to apply for Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary Programme 2027

Applicants should follow these steps:

• Complete the online application form accurately.
• Complete the required interview questionnaire.
• Upload all compulsory supporting documents.
• Double-check all personal and academic information before submitting.
• Submit your application before the closing date.

Important Notes

• This bursary is exclusively for South African citizens.
• Applicants must be 26 years old or younger.
• The bursary is for full-time study only.
• Funding is limited to public universities and universities of technology.
• Financial need is a primary consideration.
• Current university students require a minimum 65% average in their latest results.
• Current Matric learners need to provide Grade 11 final and June 2026 Grade 12 results.
• The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and a laptop.
• Second qualifications are generally not funded.
• Limited postgraduate funding is available only for specific fields.
• Ensure all supporting documents are submitted and certified correctly.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026. Late applications may not be considered.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.