In a country where access to quality education can still be a major barrier for many, the Monocle Foundation Bursaries are opening doors and changing lives. Established in 2014, the Monocle Foundation is a philanthropic educational trust committed to uplifting previously disadvantaged black females through higher education. With a firm belief that empowering women leads to stronger communities, the foundation provides comprehensive bursary support to students who show potential but lack the financial means to continue their studies.
About the Monocle Foundation Bursaries Programme
The Monocle Foundation Bursaries programme is rooted in a profound belief: investing in women is investing in the future of the nation. The foundation assists by offering:
- Improved access to education
- Financial literacy training
- Essential resources such as laptops, books, and study materials
- Career counselling
- Advocacy for gender equality
Monocle’s commitment goes beyond funding—it’s about nurturing personal development, training, and education—not just for its staff, but for the broader South African society. The bursary programme specifically supports women of colour who lack access to funding and who are pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies.
What the Monocle Foundation Bursaries Cover
Recipients of the Monocle Foundation Bursaries benefit from a comprehensive support package designed to relieve financial burdens and enable academic focus. The bursaries typically include:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation fees
- A laptop
- Book and study material allowance
- Subsistence allowance
- Career counselling
- A free Microsoft Office course
This robust support empowers recipients to fully concentrate on their studies and personal growth, freeing them from financial stress.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Black South African females with limited or no access to funding
- Women who are in their second year of tertiary study or beyond
- Applicants studying in disciplines such as:
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- (This list is not exhaustive; other fields may be considered.)
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How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit a detailed application addressed to the Trustees of The Monocle Foundation Trust. Required documentation includes:
- Letter to the Trustees, outlining:
- Personal background
- Field of study
- Career ambitions
- Motivation for applying
- Latest CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Up‑to‑date, university‑stamped academic record
- Copy of Grade 12 certificate (and if applying as a graduate, a copy of the graduate degree)
- Breakdown of funding required, including tuition, study materials, accommodation, and subsistence
All applications must be submitted before November 2025.
The Application Process
- Screening – A preliminary telephonic screening with the Trust Administrator
- Meet and Greet – A personal meeting with the Trust Administrator to better understand the applicant
- Trustee Interview – One-on-one interview with a Trustee to assess fit and potential
- Finalisation – Trustees confirm the outcome, and all applicants receive feedback
Why the Monocle Foundation Bursaries Matter
The Monocle Foundation Bursaries serve as a powerful catalyst for change—enabling smart, ambitious black women to unlock opportunities they might otherwise not access. By covering critical expenses and providing professional development, the foundation bridges gaps and nurtures future leaders in vital fields.
For South African women navigating financial and systemic barriers, the Monocle Foundation offers not just financial aid, but hope, mentorship, and a platform for growth. If the vision includes becoming a leading scholarship funder in South Africa, every applicant is participating in shaping that vision—by stepping forward and claiming the support designed for their success.
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The Monocle Foundation Bursaries are more than just financial assistance—they are a life-changing opportunity for black South African women to unlock their full potential through education. By covering tuition, accommodation, learning resources, and offering career guidance, the foundation is empowering the next generation of female leaders. For those who qualify, this is a rare chance to break barriers, grow personally and professionally, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future. Interested students should prepare their documents and apply before the November 2025 deadline. Education is the first step towards lasting change—and the Monocle Foundation is making that first step possible.