Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. Recognizing the importance of quality education, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation has established its Undergraduate Bursary Programme, a remarkable initiative to support deserving students in South Africa. This FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary programme is a beacon of hope for young people eager to build successful futures but constrained by financial barriers.
About StudyTrust
As the trusted administrator of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary, StudyTrust has over 45 years of experience in connecting learners with life-changing opportunities. With more than 21,000 bursaries and scholarships awarded, StudyTrust provides mentoring and support to ensure academic and personal success for all recipients.
What Is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme?
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme is aimed at empowering first-year students who are pursuing degrees at South Africa’s public universities. The bursary supports critical skills development in alignment with the country’s socio-economic needs, FirstRand’s business objectives, and its broader social investment goals.
Who Can Apply?
This programme is dedicated to empowering Black South African citizens, as defined by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a current Grade 12 learner or have completed Grade 12 within the last three years.
- Be no older than 21 years in their first year of study.
- Have a proven academic track record, including achieving a minimum level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 12.
- Come from a family with a combined gross annual income of no more than R600,000.
- Have applied for and received provisional admission into a South African public university for one of the eligible degree programmes listed below.
Which Degree Programmes Are Funded?
The bursary prioritizes fields aligned with the country’s critical skills needs. These include:
Agricultural Sciences
- All specializations
Commercial Sciences
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Economics
- Financial Management
Engineering
- All specializations
Environmental Sciences
- Climate Sciences
- Renewable Energy
Information Sciences
- Business Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Information Systems
- Information Management
- Information Technology
Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Risk
- Statistics
Natural Sciences
- Biosciences
- Electronics
- Physics
Social Sciences and Law
- Society and Sustainability
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Law
Arts
- Psychology
Read more: Universities Still Accepting Late Applications for 2025
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring students can focus on their studies without financial stress. The bursary includes:
- Tuition fees for the first undergraduate degree.
- Accommodation and meals.
- Learning resources, including prescribed textbooks and materials.
- A monthly stipend for personal expenses.
- A computer for first-year students.
For degree programmes that require a postgraduate qualification, such as Accounting or Actuarial Science, funding is extended to cover the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or Honours degree.
Why Choose the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?
This bursary is more than just financial aid. It’s an opportunity to join a network of empowered individuals committed to personal growth and national development. By focusing on critical skills areas, the programme aims to combat youth unemployment and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
Recommended for you: How to Apply for Bursaries for the 2025 Academic Year
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025 academic year must be completed through StudyTrust, a respected educational trust appointed by the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation to administer the bursaries.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit StudyTrust’s online application platform.
- Carefully read the application instructions on their Bursary Applications page.
- Complete and submit your application before the closing date: 15 December 2024.
Important Note:
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria before submitting your application.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme represents a life-changing opportunity for young South Africans eager to pursue their dreams of higher education. By addressing financial challenges and focusing on fields crucial to the country’s development, this bursary empowers students to become future leaders, innovators, and change-makers.