Industrial Development Corporation Bursaries 2027

The Industrial Development Corporation Bursaries programme is now open for the 2027 academic year. The IDC Bursary supports talented South African students who need financial assistance to pursue higher education.

The bursary targets students studying in critical fields such as engineering, commerce, science, technology, law, and mathematics. Through this initiative, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) aims to develop future professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.

Applications close on 30 September 2026, so interested students should apply as early as possible.

What Is the IDC Bursary?

The IDC Bursary is part of the IDC External Bursary Scheme. It provides financial support to academically deserving students from households with limited financial resources.

The bursary is available to students who are studying or planning to study full-time at a recognised public university or university of technology in South Africa.

Importantly, the bursary supports first undergraduate qualifications. However, selected postgraduate qualifications are also eligible for funding.

Industrial Development Corporation Bursaries: Fields of Study Funded

The Industrial Development Corporation Bursaries cover a wide range of study fields that align with South Africa’s development priorities.

Commerce and Management Studies

Students pursuing the following qualifications may apply:

• Accounting (CA)
• Financial Management
• Internal Audit
• Cost and Management Accounting
• Investment Management
• Risk Management
• Transport Management
• Logistics Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance Studies
• Economics
• Econometrics
• Business Management
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Engineering

RELATED: Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship 2027

STEM Fields

The IDC prioritises students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, including:

• Industrial Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronic Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Metallurgy Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Engineering
• Quantity Surveying
• Geology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Physics
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Studies
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Information Science
• Information Technology
• BCom Information Systems
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Actuarial Science
• Quantitative Risk Management

Law Qualifications

Eligible law programmes include:

• BCom Law (Commercial Law)
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Diploma in Law Studies

Postgraduate Qualifications

Funding is also available for postgraduate students studying:

• Law
• Accounting CTA
• Actuarial Science
• Mathematics
• Statistics

What Does the IDC Bursary Cover?

The IDC Bursary offers comprehensive financial support to successful applicants.

The bursary covers:

• Full tuition fees
• University accommodation
• Accredited off-campus accommodation
• A laptop (once-off allocation)
• Meal allowance
• Transport allowance

As a result, students can focus on their studies without the burden of major education expenses.

IDC Bursary Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, applicants must meet all minimum requirements.

General Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be 26 years old or younger
• Be in Grade 12 or have completed Grade 12
• Study or intend to study full-time
• Pursue a first undergraduate qualification
• Study at a public university or university of technology

The bursary does not fund studies at private colleges.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must achieve the following academic results:

Matric Learners

• Minimum APS of 75%

Tertiary Students

• Minimum average of 65% in the latest academic results

Household Income Requirements

The bursary primarily supports students whose parents or guardians earn a combined household income of up to R350,000 per year.

However, applicants from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 per year may also be considered. In these cases, the IDC will conduct an affordability assessment during the selection process.

Required Documents for the IDC Bursary Application

Applicants must prepare and submit supporting documents when applying.

These include:

• Certified South African ID document (not older than three months)
• Latest academic results or 2026 mid-year results
• Matric certificate, if applicable
• Grade 11 and June 2026 results for current matric learners
• Proof of household income
• Recent payslips of employed parents or guardians
• Three months of bank statements for employed parents
• Affidavit for unemployed parents or guardians
• Six months of bank statements for unemployed or self-employed parents
• SASSA grant confirmation letter, where applicable
• Death certificate if a parent is deceased
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs
• Divorce certificate or separation affidavit, if applicable
• Proof of residence

Applicants should ensure that all documents are clear, certified, and up to date.

How to Apply for Industrial Development Corporation Bursaries 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the IDC Bursary Portal.

Applicants should:

1. Visit the IDC Bursary application portal.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload all required supporting documents.
4. Review the application carefully.
5. Submit before the closing date.

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues or missing documentation.

Apply Here.

Why Apply for the IDC Bursary?

Higher education costs continue to increase. Therefore, bursary opportunities like the IDC Bursary can make a significant difference.

Successful students receive financial support for tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and learning resources. In addition, the bursary helps develop skilled graduates in sectors that are important to South Africa’s economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Industrial Development Corporation Bursaries 2027 programme offers valuable financial support to students pursuing qualifications in commerce, STEM, and law. With comprehensive funding and a focus on academic excellence, the IDC Bursary provides an opportunity for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.

Students who meet the requirements should prepare their documents early and submit their applications before the closing date.