FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027: Honours Funding for STEM and Psychology Students
South African students planning to begin their first full-time Honours degree in 2027 may be eligible to apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027, according to the bursary information supplied for this opportunity.
The programme is aimed at students pursuing selected Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Psychology-related fields at recognised and accredited public universities in South Africa.
The stated application closing date is 31 December 2026. Prospective applicants should check their eligibility carefully, prepare their supporting documents and submit their applications before the deadline.
FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is an independent black economic empowerment ownership trust established in 2005. Its official foundation information identifies quality education as one of its strategic focus areas, including access to further learning opportunities and domestic bursaries.
FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027: What Students Should Know
The bursary is intended for students entering their first full-time, one-year Honours qualification in 2027 in an approved field.
According to the supplied programme information, applicants should be studying at NQF Level 8 or higher at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to students who need financial support to continue their studies after completing an undergraduate qualification.
Quick overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bursary provider | FirstRand Empowerment Foundation |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Study level | First Honours degree |
| Study duration | Full-time, one year |
| Location | South Africa |
| Institution | Recognised and accredited public university |
| Fields | Selected STEM and Psychology fields |
| NSC Mathematics | Minimum 60% |
| Undergraduate average | Minimum 60% |
| Age | 18–35 on 31 December 2027 |
| Household income | Not more than R700,000 per year |
| Accommodation | Up to R65,000, according to supplied information |
| Application method | Online |
| Closing date | 31 December 2026 |
FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027 Fields of Study
The supplied bursary information lists a range of STEM and Psychology-related fields that may qualify for funding.
These include:
- Actuarial Science
- Agronomy and Food Science
- Arts Honours (Psychology)
- Biosciences
- Climate Sciences
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Information Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Renewable Energy
- Risk Sciences
- Statistics
Applicants should not assume that every qualification with a similar name automatically qualifies. The specific Honours programme should be checked against the current bursary criteria before an application is submitted.
What Does the FirstRand Bursary Cover?
The supplied information indicates that the bursary may provide assistance with several study-related expenses.
These may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation, up to a stated threshold of R65,000
- Monthly travel support
- Food vouchers
- Airtime vouchers
- Additional student development and support services
The exact value and components of financial support should be confirmed through the official application information before applicants make financial or study decisions.
FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the stated minimum requirements before beginning the application.
According to the supplied programme information, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Meet the programme’s stated B-BBEE eligibility criteria.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old on 31 December 2027.
- Have completed Matric.
- Have achieved at least 60% for NSC Mathematics.
- Have taken Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy.
- Have achieved at least a 60% overall undergraduate average.
- Be entering their first Honours degree.
- Study full-time during 2027.
- Pursue an approved field of study.
- Study at NQF Level 8 or higher.
- Attend a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa.
- Meet the university’s admission requirements for the intended Honours qualification.
- Have a combined household income of no more than R700,000 per year.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee that an applicant will receive funding. Applicants should also check the latest application terms and selection requirements.
FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027 Academic Requirements
Academic performance is an important part of the stated eligibility criteria.
Applicants are expected to have achieved at least 60% in NSC Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy does not satisfy this particular Mathematics requirement according to the supplied information.
Applicants must also have achieved a minimum 60% undergraduate average.
In addition, students must qualify for admission to their intended Honours programme. University admission requirements can differ, so applicants should check both the bursary requirements and the requirements of their chosen university.
Documents Required for the Bursary Application
Applicants should prepare clear copies of the required supporting documents before starting the online application.
The supplied requirements include:
- Certified copy of South African ID, certified within the required period.
- Certified Matric certificate.
- Verified undergraduate academic record.
- Provisional or final Honours acceptance letter, where available.
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income.
- Identification numbers for the applicant and relevant household members.
- Disability documentation, where applicable.
Applicants with disabilities may also need to provide the required EEA1 form and a valid doctor’s note, according to the supplied information.
Supporting documents should be clear and readable. The supplied application information states that documents should be uploaded in PDF format, with a maximum file size of 5MB per document.
Proof of Household Income
Applicants should pay particular attention to the household-income documentation because the stated income threshold is R700,000 per year.
Depending on the circumstances of parents or guardians, supporting documents may include:
- Recent payslips for employed household members.
- An affidavit where a parent or guardian is unemployed.
- An affidavit confirming annual income for self-employed individuals.
- Recent audited financial statements where applicable.
- Three months of recent bank statements for business owners.
- A SASSA letter confirming applicable grants.
Applicants should provide the documentation applicable to their household circumstances and follow the instructions on the official application platform.
How to Apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027
The application is intended to be completed online.
Applicants should first confirm that they meet the academic, age, citizenship, income, study-level and field-of-study requirements. They should then prepare the required supporting documents before completing the online application.
FirstRand’s official grant platform provides eligibility and application functionality for FirstRand Foundation and FirstRand Empowerment Foundation programmes.
Applicants should use the official FirstRand platform and verify that they are applying for the correct 2027 programme.
Do not rely solely on third-party bursary websites for final requirements. Always compare the information with the official provider’s application instructions before submitting personal documents.
FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The stated closing date for applications is:
31 December 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day. Online systems can become busy around major deadlines, and missing documents or technical problems can delay submission.
The application should be completed and submitted before the closing date, with all compulsory supporting documents attached.
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Before Applying, Make Sure You
- Update your CV.
- Ensure your contact details are correct.
- Upload clear certified documents if requested.
- Double-check your academic information.
- Apply well before the closing date.
- Keep copies of your application confirmation.
- Submitting an incomplete application may reduce your chances of being shortlisted.
ONLINELEARNERSHIP Advice
If you qualify for this opportunity, do not wait until the final day to apply. Online application systems can experience heavy traffic close to the closing date, and last-minute technical problems could prevent an application from being submitted successfully.
Before applying, make sure your CV is updated, your academic records are ready, and your proof of residence or other required supporting documents are available where applicable.
Students who are still completing their qualification should also check whether they meet the programme’s requirements for entry into Honours in 2027.
Most importantly, do not rely on one application. Continue applying for similar Honours bursaries, internships and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities that match your qualifications and career plans.
Important Information Applicants Should Verify
Because bursary requirements can change, applicants should verify the following before submitting:
- The exact 2027 fields that qualify.
- The current household-income threshold.
- The required academic average.
- The Mathematics requirement.
- The approved university requirements.
- The required supporting documents.
- The permitted file format and file-size limits.
- The exact closing date and submission time.
- Whether an acceptance letter is required at the application stage.
- Any additional conditions listed on the official application portal.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation’s official information confirms that quality education is a strategic focus and that domestic bursaries form part of its education-related activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FirstRand Empowerment Bursary 2027?
It is a bursary opportunity associated with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation for eligible students pursuing qualifying studies. The supplied 2027 programme information focuses on first full-time Honours studies in selected STEM and Psychology fields.
What is the closing date?
The stated closing date is 31 December 2026.
Who can apply?
The supplied criteria indicate that South African citizens aged 18 to 35 on 31 December 2027 who meet the academic, household-income, study-level and field-of-study requirements may apply.
What Mathematics mark is required?
The supplied requirements state a minimum of 60% in NSC Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy does not meet this particular requirement.
What undergraduate average is required?
Applicants are expected to have achieved at least a 60% undergraduate average, according to the supplied programme information.
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
The supplied information states that accommodation may be covered up to a threshold of R65,000. Applicants should confirm the final funding terms on the official application platform.
Which fields are supported?
The supplied list includes fields such as Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Data Science, Risk Sciences and Psychology-related Honours studies.
Where can applicants verify the bursary information?
Applicants should verify the latest requirements through the official FirstRand Empowerment Foundation and FirstRand application platforms before submitting an application. FirstRand’s official foundation information identifies domestic bursaries under its quality-education activities.
Source and Publisher Information
Author: Thato Sabethwa
Published: 29 September 2026
Updated: 29 September 2026
For verification, applicants should consult the official FirstRand Empowerment Foundation information and the official FirstRand grants application platform before submitting personal information or documents.
Disclaimer: This article is intended as an information guide. Bursary requirements, funding amounts, eligible fields and application procedures may change. Applicants should verify the latest information directly with the bursary provider before applying.
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