SACBW Foundation Bursary 2027: Financial Aid for Female Matric Learners

The SACBW Foundation is offering bursaries for female Matric learners who wish to pursue tertiary studies in 2027. This opportunity is for academically strong young women who need financial assistance to fund their higher education and aim to contribute to South Africa’s economic development.

Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Location: Accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (Bursary funding paid directly to institution)
Minimum Qualification: Currently completing Matric

About the SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme 2027

The SACBW Foundation Bursary Programme aims to support academically deserving female Matric learners who plan to start tertiary studies in 2027. This initiative is designed for young women who demonstrate strong academic ability but face financial barriers to higher education. The Foundation seeks to empower these individuals to become future professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, thereby contributing to South Africa’s economic growth. Successful recipients will also be recognised with the Youth Leader Award from the South African Council for Business Women.

About the SACBW Foundation

The SACBW Foundation NPC is dedicated to supporting and developing young women in South Africa. It focuses on providing financial assistance and recognition to female learners who show academic promise and leadership potential. The Foundation’s work is aimed at fostering future leaders who can make a positive impact on the country’s business landscape and economy.

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary programme gives preference to applicants intending to study in specific fields. These include Accounting and Bookkeeping, Business Development Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing Management, and Practical Entrepreneurship. While other fields may be considered by the SACBW Foundation NPC Board of Directors, priority will be given to those pursuing business, accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship programmes.

Purpose of the Bursary

The primary goal of the SACBW Foundation Bursary is to offer financial support to young women who meet specific criteria. This includes demonstrating strong academic performance, currently being in Matric, and aspiring to pursue tertiary education. It is specifically for those who cannot afford the costs associated with higher learning, show leadership potential, and have an interest in business or entrepreneurship. The bursary aims to help these individuals achieve their educational goals and contribute to South Africa’s future economic development.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is intended for the 2027 academic year, covering studies at accredited tertiary institutions within South Africa. The exact duration of the bursary funding is not specified, and applicants should confirm details directly with the SACBW Foundation. The programme supports students pursuing higher education across various institutions in the country.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the SACBW Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be female.
• Be younger than 20 years old.
• Be currently registered in Matric.
• Have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 70%.
• Intend to study towards an eligible qualification in 2027.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be unable to afford their tertiary studies independently.
• Submit a complete application before the closing date.

Academic Requirements

Applicants are required to have achieved at least a 70% overall average in their Matric studies. Certified June Matric results must be submitted as part of the application. The academic record should clearly display the learner’s full name, school name, subjects completed, marks achieved, overall performance, and include a school stamp or official verification.

Age Requirement

A key requirement is that applicants must be younger than 20 years old at the time of application. Candidates should ensure their certified identity document clearly confirms their date of birth to meet this age criterion.

Financial Need Requirement

This bursary is specifically for learners who cannot afford to fund their tertiary education on their own. Applicants must honestly explain their financial circumstances in the application form and a motivational essay. The Foundation may consider factors such as household income, the number of dependants, the employment status of parents or guardians, existing financial responsibilities, other funding received, and expected tertiary education expenses.

What the SACBW Foundation Bursary Covers

The bursary funding will be paid directly to the successful student’s tertiary institution. However, the exact bursary value and all covered expenses are not specified. Applicants should not assume that the bursary automatically covers full tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, meals, transport, devices, or personal allowances. The final funding amount and covered expenses should be confirmed directly with the SACBW Foundation.

Youth Leader Award

In addition to financial support, successful bursary recipients will receive the Youth Leader Award from the South African Council for Business Women. This award may recognise the recipient’s academic achievement, leadership potential, commitment to personal development, interest in entrepreneurship, and potential contribution to business and society.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

• A completed SACBW Foundation Bursary Application Form.
• A certified copy of their South African identity document.
• A certified copy of their June Matric results.
• A motivational essay of approximately 250 words.
• A three-minute video covering the information included in the essay.

Missing compulsory documents may lead to disqualification.

Motivational Essay Requirements

Applicants need to write a motivational essay of around 250 words. The exact essay instructions should be consulted on the application form. The essay may cover the applicant’s background, academic achievements, financial circumstances, chosen field of study, career ambitions, leadership potential, interest in business or entrepreneurship, how the bursary will support future goals, and how the applicant hopes to contribute to society. The essay should be personal, clear, and written in the applicant’s own words.

Three-Minute Video Requirement

Applicants must also submit a short video, approximately three minutes long, that covers the main points from their motivational essay. Applicants should introduce themselves clearly, speak confidently, explain their academic and career goals, describe their need for financial assistance, and discuss their leadership or entrepreneurial ambitions. The video should be recorded in a quiet, well-lit environment with clear audio, and kept within the required time limit. The video can be submitted via email, Dropbox, or WeTransfer.

Application Document Format

All written application documents must be combined into a single PDF file. This PDF should include the completed application form, certified identity document, certified June Matric results, and the motivational essay. The file should be named using the applicant’s full name and surname, for example, Thandi_Mokoena_SACBW_Bursary_2027.pdf. Applicants must confirm that the PDF opens correctly, is readable, not password-protected, and includes all required pages before sending.

Registration Fee Notice

The application form may mention a registration fee of R199. The SACBW Foundation has indicated that applicants can still submit their applications, and the Foundation will assess whether the fee can be waived. Applicants who cannot afford the fee should contact the Foundation directly for guidance. It is advisable not to make assumptions about waivers and to keep proof of any official communication received.

How to Apply for the SACBW Foundation Bursary 2027

To apply, applicants must first download and complete the official application form. The completed application, along with the three-minute video or a link to it, should be submitted via email to [email protected]. The email subject line must be “SACBW Foundation Bursary”. Ensure the email includes the single combined PDF application document and the applicant’s full name and contact details.

Bursary Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications is 31 August 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered. It is recommended that applicants submit their applications early to allow time to resolve any potential issues with missing documents, video uploads, or email attachments.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including eligibility, academic performance, financial need, the quality of the motivational essay and video, leadership potential, career goals, and the completeness of the application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The provided information suggests that applicants who do not receive feedback by “31 September 2026” should consider their applications unsuccessful, though applicants should confirm the correct feedback date with the Foundation as September has only 30 days.

Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, please confirm the following:

• You are a South African citizen.
• You are female.
• You are younger than 20 years old.
• You are currently in Matric.
• Your overall Matric average is at least 70%.
• You intend to study in 2027.
• Your chosen field of study is eligible.
• You demonstrate financial need.
• The application form is fully completed.
• Your ID copy is certified.
• Your June Matric results are certified.
• Your motivational essay is approximately 250 words.
• Your three-minute video is ready.
• All written documents are combined into one PDF file.
• The PDF filename uses your name and surname.
• The correct email subject line is used.
• Your application is submitted by 31 August 2026.

Bursary Enquiries

For any questions regarding the bursary programme, applicants can send an email to [email protected]. This email can be used to enquire about eligible fields of study, application form requirements, video submission guidelines, the R199 registration fee, potential fee waivers, funding coverage details, selection timelines, and application outcomes.

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