The Hollywood Foundation has opened its Future is Bright Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year, and it is one of the most accessible bursaries in South Africa right now. Matriculants with a 65% average, gap-year students and current university students can all apply for funding in fields like IT, Data Science, Finance, Marketing and Graphic Design. Applications close on 3 September 2026 at 12 midday, so do not wait until the last week.
About the Programme
The Hollywood Foundation is the corporate social investment arm of the Hollywoodbets group, one of South Africa’s biggest homegrown entertainment and betting brands. Through its My Education pillar, the Foundation runs the Future is Bright Bursary Programme to bridge the gap between high school and tertiary education for young South Africans nationwide.
The programme goes beyond paying fees. It offers holistic support designed to make students work-ready, and it deliberately targets scarce skills that South Africa’s economy needs, from Information Technology and Data Science to Supply Chain and Architectural Design. Bursaries are awarded for Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Degrees from first to fourth year, Honours and Postgraduate Diplomas. Funding may be full or partial and is renewable each year based on your academic performance and available sponsor funding.
What Is Covered
- Full or partial funding for your qualification, depending on field of study and academic performance
- Support for Higher Certificate, Diploma, Degree, Honours and Postgraduate Diploma studies
- Annual renewal, subject to satisfactory results and student engagement
- Holistic student support to prepare you for the world of work
Preferred fields of study include: IT and Computer Science, Data Science, Finance, Accounting and BCom Law, Marketing and Digital Marketing, Media and Communications, Graphic Design, Supply Chain and Logistics, Project Management, Business Management, Human Resources and Architectural Design.
RELATED: SANRAL Bursary 2027: Fully Funded Engineering & IT, Closes 30 September
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens only
- Current 2026 matriculants, previous matriculants on a gap year, and students already enrolled at a DHET or CHE accredited university or registered private higher education institution
- You must be enrolled for full-time studies during the 2027 academic year
- Grade 12 applicants need a Bachelor’s Pass with a minimum overall average of 65%
- Current tertiary students need a minimum average of 60% in their most recent completed academic year
- Your qualification must be 12 months or longer and in one of the preferred fields
- TVET College students are not eligible, and Masters and PhD studies are not funded
- Employees of Hollywoodbets and their immediate family members must use a separate application form
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID (certified within the last 3 months)
- A 1 to 2 page statement on why you chose your field of study and how you will use it
- Certified copy of your parent or guardian’s ID, or death certificate if deceased
- Proof of household income: 3 months of payslips, SASSA documents, or a police affidavit if unemployed
- NSFAS funding history, or an affidavit confirming you have never received NSFAS funding
- Disclosure of any other bursary funding, or an affidavit confirming none
- Matric applicants: certified Grade 11 final report and latest Grade 12 Term 2 report
- Tertiary students: matric certificate, latest academic transcripts, fee statements and proof of registration
How to Apply
- Gather and certify all your documents. Certification stamps must be less than 3 months old.
- Scan multi-page documents into single combined files as instructed on the portal.
- Go to the official Hollywood Foundation bursary portal.
- Complete every section of the online application honestly and accurately.
- Upload all required documents, including any extra documents requested in Step 4 of the application.
- Submit before 12 midday on 3 September 2026 and keep your confirmation.
Apply at the Hollywood Foundation
Closing Date
The closing date for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027 is Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 12 midday. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
For thousands of talented matriculants, the biggest barrier between a Bachelor’s Pass and a degree is money. NSFAS covers many students, but the missing middle and those heading to registered private institutions often fall through the cracks.
The Future is Bright Bursary accepts both public university and registered private institution students, which makes it unusually inclusive. It also focuses on careers with real hiring demand, such as data science, IT, finance and digital marketing. A 65% average is within reach for many hard-working learners, so if your marks qualify, this is one of the strongest funding chances of the 2027 cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am at a TVET College?
No. TVET College students are not eligible for this bursary. It covers universities and registered private higher education institutions accredited by the DHET or CHE.
Is the bursary guaranteed for my whole degree?
No. Funding is reviewed every year and renewal depends on your academic performance, engagement and the availability of sponsor funding.
I am on a gap year. Can I still apply?
Yes. Previous matriculants on a gap year can apply, provided they will study full-time in 2027 and meet the academic requirements.
What happens after I submit my application?
Shortlisted applicants may go through screening, interviews and psychometric assessments. If you hear nothing within 3 months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
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