The CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa has opened its 2027 Bursary Programme for students who want to build a career in technology. This CISCO bursary is aimed at the missing-middle, meaning students from families that earn too much to qualify for some funding schemes but still cannot afford the full cost of university. It supports Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering and Information Technology studies. If you are a South African citizen with a household income between R350 000 and R600 000 a year, applications close on 30 September 2026.
About the Programme
The CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa launched its bursary programme in 2021 with a clear purpose: to support academically deserving but financially squeezed students who want careers in technology. The programme deliberately focuses on the missing-middle, a group of young South Africans who often fall through the cracks of the funding system. Their parents earn slightly too much to qualify for fully subsidised support, but nowhere near enough to comfortably pay university fees, accommodation and textbooks.
The bursary is administered through StudyTrust, a trusted bursary management organisation, and is open to students at registered public and private higher education institutions in South Africa. Because technology and digital skills sit at the centre of the modern economy, the programme is designed to grow a new generation of South African software developers, network engineers, data specialists and IT professionals who can compete locally and globally.
What Is Covered
- Tuition fees
- Registration costs
- Prescribed textbooks
- Study-related expenses
Final funding benefits may differ depending on individual circumstances and available funding, so applicants should review the official bursary guidelines for full details.
Who Can Apply
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be entering first year up to fourth year of study in 2027
- Honours students at NQF Level 8 may also apply
- B Tech students at NQF Level 7 may also be considered
- You must be studying at a registered public or private higher education institution in South Africa registered with the Department of Education
- Your household must have a combined annual family income of between R350 000 and R600 000 per year (the missing-middle)
- You must be studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or Information Technology
Preference is given to equity candidates, financially needy students, academically deserving students and historically disadvantaged students.
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Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Your latest academic results
- Proof of registration or an acceptance letter
- Parent or guardian proof of income
- Affidavits where required
- Any additional documents requested during the application process
How to Apply
- Read all the application guidelines carefully before you start.
- Gather all your required supporting documents and make sure they are certified and clearly scanned.
- Open the StudyTrust application platform using the link below.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal, academic and financial information.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Apply at CISCO Foundation (StudyTrust)
Closing Date
The closing date for the CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 is 30 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Information technology is one of the fastest-growing job sectors in South Africa and around the world, yet many capable students never get to study it because their families sit in the missing-middle. They earn too much for full state support but cannot cover the real cost of a degree.
The CISCO Foundation Bursary was created specifically for these students. By covering tuition, registration and textbooks, it gives young people from working households a fair chance to qualify in fields like software development, cybersecurity and cloud engineering, where skilled professionals are in constant demand. A qualification in IT does not just change one person’s life. It opens the door to stable, well-paid work that can support a whole family and contribute to South Africa’s digital economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. This is a study bursary for current and incoming university students. No work experience is required
My family earns a normal salary, do I still qualify?
This bursary is specifically for the missing-middle, meaning a combined household income between R350 000 and R600 000 a year. If your family falls in this band, you are exactly who the programme is for.
Is it open to students across South Africa?
Yes. You may study at any registered public or private higher education institution in South Africa that is registered with the Department of Education.
Which fields of study qualify?
Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering and Information Technology.
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