Bowmans, a leading Pan-African law firm, invites South African students to apply for its Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This programme supports aspiring legal professionals by providing financial assistance to pursue law qualifications.
Programme Details
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Location: South Africa (for students at recognised South African universities)
- Fields of Study: Law qualifications (e.g., BCom Law, BA Law, LLB)
What the Bowmans Bursary Covers
This is a full-cost bursary that covers all study-related expenses, including tuition, accommodation, books, and other academic costs. Selections are based on:
- Academic merit.
- Proven financial need.
The programme aims to empower deserving students to achieve their legal career goals.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have completed Matric or be currently in Matric.
- Be studying or planning to study towards a Law qualification (e.g., BCom Law, BA Law, LLB) at a recognised South African university.
- Have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in their current year of study.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
- Show passion for law and the ability to work well in a team.
- Preference will be given to students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the Bowmans bursary portal:
- Apply Online: Bowmans Bursary Application 2026
Required Documents:
- Certified copy of ID document.
- Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results (if currently in Matric).
- Matric certificate (if Matric is completed).
- Full university transcript (if currently studying at a university).
- Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary.
- Proof of parents’/guardians’ income (latest payslips, affidavit, or pension/SASSA proof if applicable).
Important Notes:
- Ensure all documents are clear, certified copies in PDF format.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no feedback is received within 30 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Bowmans reserves the right not to award bursaries based on programme requirements.
Why Apply?
The Bowmans Bursary Programme offers:
- Full financial support to cover all study-related expenses.
- An opportunity to pursue a legal career with a prestigious Pan-African law firm.
- Support for students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, promoting transformation in the legal sector.
- A chance to build a foundation for a successful career in law through academic excellence.
About Bowmans
Bowmans, formerly known as Bowman Gilfillan, is one of South Africa’s “Big Five” law firms, with over 400 specialized lawyers across six offices in four African countries. The firm provides expert legal services in corporate law, banking and finance, and dispute resolution, serving multinationals, corporates, state-owned enterprises, and governments.
Enquiries
For further information, contact Bowmans at:
- Email: graduates@bowmanslaw.com
- Cape Town: (021) 480 7800
- Durban: (031) 265 0651
- Johannesburg: (011) 669 9000
Conclusion
The Bowmans Bursary Programme 2026 is a transformative opportunity for South African students passionate about law. By providing full-cost financial support, this programme enables deserving candidates to focus on their studies and build a foundation for a successful legal career. Apply now to take the first step toward achieving your dreams in the legal profession.