The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) invites deserving South African students to apply for the Postgraduate (Honours) Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary aims to support bright, hardworking students pursuing Honours-level studies at public universities across South Africa.
Closing Date: 1 December 2025
Location: South Africa (Public Universities)
About the FREF Postgraduate Bursary
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is deeply committed to promoting education and empowerment through meaningful financial assistance. The 2026 bursary programme seeks to uplift academically talented students from low- to middle-income households by providing them with the financial means to further their studies.
Through this initiative, FREF helps students unlock their full potential and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth, social progress, and innovation.
Fields of Study Covered
FREF bursaries are available for Honours-level studies in the following disciplines:
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural Sciences
- BA Honours Arts (Psychology)
- Biosciences
- Business Information
- Climate Sciences
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Economics
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Financial Management
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Information Management
- Information Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Renewable Energy
- Risk
- Sciences
- Society and Sustainability
- Statistics
What the Bursary Covers
The FREF Postgraduate Bursary provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring that students can focus on their academic and research objectives. The bursary covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Book allowance
- Living or travel allowance
- Food vouchers
- Airtime allowance
This all-inclusive support package is designed to relieve financial stress and help students excel in their studies.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Aged between 21 and 35 years.
- Completed Matric with at least 60% in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).
- Completed an undergraduate degree between 2023 and 2025.
- Achieved a minimum average of 60% in undergraduate studies.
- Enrolled full-time for a one-year Honours programme in 2026.
- Pursuing their first postgraduate qualification.
- Studying at a public university in South Africa.
- Have a combined household income of R700,000 or less per year.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit clear, certified copies (not older than six months) of the following documents:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate
- Full academic record/transcript
- Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance for 2026 studies
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, bank statements, or SASSA grant letters)
- Disability confirmation (EEA1 form and doctor’s note, if applicable)
How to Apply
Interested students can apply online by completing the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary 2026 application form.
Closing Date: 1 December 2025
(Applications received after this date will not be considered.)
Conclusion
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for South African students eager to pursue Honours studies in key disciplines. This bursary not only provides full financial support but also empowers future leaders to make a meaningful impact in their communities and industries.
If you meet the requirements, don’t miss the chance to apply before 1 December 2025 and take a major step toward achieving your academic dreams.