The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is inviting South African students to apply for the IDC Bursaries for 2026, a programme that provides financial assistance to deserving learners, with a strong focus on inclusivity and support for students with disabilities.
Closing Date: 30 September 2025
Location: South Africa
About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) was established in 1940 under an Act of Parliament and operates under the supervision of the South African government. Its mission is to drive job-rich industrialisation and contribute to an inclusive economy, in alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP), Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), and other sector-specific Master Plans.
The IDC supports black-owned businesses, youth-owned enterprises, women-owned initiatives, and black industrialists. Its bursary programme forms part of its commitment to education, development, and empowerment.
About the IDC Bursary Programme 2026
The IDC External Bursary Programme offers financial assistance to talented South African students from diverse backgrounds. It is designed for those who plan to study full-time at a South African public university or university of technology.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support that includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation (university residence or accredited off-campus housing)
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
- A once-off laptop
This bursary is awarded for one academic year. Renewal is possible, provided students submit progress reports showing satisfactory academic results. Recipients are also expected to work for the IDC for a period as part of the bursary agreement.
Fields of Study Covered
Finance, Management and Related Courses
- Risk Management
- Financial Accounting
- Business Management
- Accounting (CA)
- Supply Chain Management
- Transport or Logistics Management
- Financial Management
- Investment Management
- Economics
- Financial Engineering
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Internal Audit
- Entrepreneurship
- Econometrics
- Finance Studies
STEM Courses
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil / Construction / Quantity Survey Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Metallurgy Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Geology
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Studies
- BCom Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Computer Science / Information Science
- Actuarial Science / Data Science
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Sciences
Law Courses
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- BCom Law (Commercial Law)
- Diploma in Law Studies
Postgraduate Studies (Exceptions)
- Accounting CTA
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Actuarial Science
- Law
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the IDC Bursary 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen under the age of 26
- Must be pursuing their first undergraduate qualification (postgraduate studies are only funded in Accounting, Law, Actuarial Science, and Mathematics/Statistics)
- Preference will be given to learners who studied at Quintile 1–3 public schools, rural schools, or from disadvantaged communities
- Parents’ combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per annum
- Applicants whose household income falls between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum may be considered, subject to an affordability assessment
- Matriculants must have achieved at least 75% average in their most recent results
- Current tertiary students must maintain at least a 65% average and continue with a minimum 60% GPA throughout their studies
- Must be admitted to study at a South African public university or university of technology
Special preference will be given to students with disabilities.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following:
- South African ID document
- Proof of residence
- Matric certificate (if completed)
- For 2025 Matriculants: Grade 11 results and June 2025 results
- Most recent academic transcript for current tertiary students
- Certified ID copies of parents/guardians
- Proof of household income:
- Recent payslips or 3 months’ bank statements (if employed)
- Six months’ bank statements (if self-employed)
- Affidavit (if unemployed)
- SASSA grant letter (if applicable)
- Parent(s) death certificate(s) if applicable
- Divorce certificate or affidavit if parents are separated
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online
- Apply online here: IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) Bursaries 2026
- No faxed, emailed, or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
For queries, applicants may contact:
- Noluthando Baepi – Tel: +27 11 269 3374
- Email: noluthandob@idc.co.za or ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za
Closing Date
Applications for the IDC Bursary Programme 2026 close on 30 September 2025.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute issues such as system overloads or missing documentation. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and feedback will not be provided to unsuccessful applicants.
Conclusion
The IDC Bursary 2026 is more than just financial support—it’s a gateway for South African youth to access higher education and contribute to the nation’s growth. If you meet the requirements and are determined to make a difference in your chosen field, this is your chance to take the next step in your academic journey.