Apply for the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026, supporting first-generation and financially needy students pursuing STEM degrees at public universities. Closing date: 10 December 2025.
If you are a determined young South African with a passion for studying Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) — but financial challenges are holding you back — the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026 may be your opportunity to move forward and build the future you envision.
This bursary is created to support orphaned and vulnerable youth, first-generation university students, and learners from low-income households who want to gain access to quality higher education. The application closing date is 10 December 2025.
Quick Overview
- Programme: Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026
- Fields Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate STEM degrees (excluding Masters)
- Eligible Institutions: Public universities in South Africa
- Who Can Apply: First-generation university students aged 18–31
- Household Income Limit: Below R350 000 per year
- Application Method: Online – upload all required documents
About the Tomorrow Trust
The Tomorrow Trust is a respected South African non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children throughout their full education journey. From early schooling to university and career development, the Trust focuses on empowering young people to grow into independent, confident, and capable adults.
Its programmes include:
- Holiday & Saturday School Programme (Grades 1–7 and 8–12)
- Tertiary Programme (bursaries and academic support)
- Shift Programme (future-skills training)
- “I Am Little Wings” Programme (psycho-social support)
- Stepping Stones Career Programme (career guidance)
- Alumni Programme (graduate networking and development)
Through these initiatives, the Tomorrow Trust creates a strong foundation that helps young individuals thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
Find Useful Links Below:
About the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026
The Tomorrow Trust invites eligible students to apply for the 2026 bursary, which supports young South Africans pursuing STEM-related undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications. Masters programmes are not funded.
The bursary is designed to:
- Support first-generation university students
- Assist financially needy households
- Develop STEM skills for South Africa’s future economy
- Provide academic, psychosocial and personal development support
This bursary goes beyond financial assistance; it forms part of a holistic support system that helps students excel academically and emotionally while preparing for the world of work.
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship and Age
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be 18–31 years old
Academic Criteria
- Must be in Matric (2025) OR have completed Matric
- Must be studying or planning to study full-time toward a STEM undergraduate or postgraduate degree
- Must be pursuing a first qualification
- Must attend or intend to attend a public university
- Masters degrees are not funded
First-Generation University Student Requirement
Your parents must not hold a university degree, except in the following circumstances:
- A parent attended university but did not complete the degree
- A parent completed short courses or diplomas funded by an employer
- Parents earn R350 000 or less per year
- Parents are SASSA beneficiaries (supporting documents required)
- Parents are self-employed (affidavit plus 3 months bank statements)
Funding and Employment Rules
- Must not be employed full-time
- Must not receive full study funding, including NSFAS
- Partial funding is allowed
- Merit awards are allowed
- If NSFAS is approved later, you must choose either NSFAS or this bursary
- Household income must be below R350 000 annually
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online using the official form:
APPLY FOR THE TOMORROW TRUST BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Required Supporting Documents (Certified)
Applicants must upload clear, valid copies of the following:
- South African ID
- Latest Matric results (if currently in Matric)
- Matric certificate (if completed)
- Full academic record (if already studying)
- Certificates of completed qualifications (postgraduates only)
- Proof of registration at a public university
- Parent/guardian income documents:
- Recent payslips
- Affidavit if unemployed
- Bank statements
- SASSA letter (if applicable)
Conclusion
The Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026 offers far more than tuition support. It provides a structured pathway for young people who need financial assistance, academic guidance, and emotional support to succeed in their STEM studies. For first-generation and vulnerable students, this programme can make the difference between a dream deferred and a future achieved.
