The Moshal Scholarship Programme has opened applications for its 2027 intake, offering fully funded undergraduate scholarships to academically outstanding South African students from low-income households. Successful scholars receive full tuition, a monthly living and meal allowance, a laptop, and intensive mentorship at one of eight partner universities. The programme is open to STEM, Commerce, Medicine, and Law students whose household income is R200,000 a year or less. Applications close on 31 December 2026, and the intake is highly competitive.
About the Programme
The Moshal Programme was founded by South African-born businessman Martin Moshal to give high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds a genuine shot at a professional career. In South Africa it partners with eight top universities and, since inception, has funded thousands of scholars through their degrees.
What sets Moshal apart from a standard bursary is the wraparound support: scholars are pulled into a structured mentorship community, given career-readiness training, and stay connected through a scholar alumni network that opens doors long after graduation. In practice this means Moshal scholars often walk out of university with a completed degree, a professional network, and a laptop, without any of the R100,000 plus student debt many of their classmates carry.
What Is Covered
- Full tuition fees for the duration of your undergraduate degree
- Monthly living and meal allowance
- Laptop allowance
- Intensive one-on-one mentorship with a dedicated mentor
- Career-readiness workshops and soft-skills training
- Access to the Moshal scholar and alumni community
- Networking events with employers and industry leaders
RELATED: PSG Bursary Programme 2027
Who Can Apply
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Academically outstanding with strong Matric or current university results
- Combined household income of R200,000 or less per year (before deductions)
- Registered or accepted at one of the partner universities: UCT, Stellenbosch, UWC, Wits, University of Pretoria, UKZN, University of the Free State, or UJ
- Enrolled or planning to enrol in a full-time undergraduate degree in STEM, Commerce, Medicine, or Law
- Willing to commit to the mentorship and community requirements of the programme
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate or latest results
- Latest full academic transcript (if already studying)
- Proof of household income for all earning members (payslips, affidavits, or SASSA letters)
- Proof of acceptance or registration at one of the partner universities
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter explaining your background, goals, and financial need
How to Apply
- Visit the official Moshal Programme website at moshalprogram.com
- Read the eligibility criteria in full and confirm your household income qualifies
- Complete the online application form for the South Africa intake
- Upload your ID, matric or academic results, proof of income, and motivation letter
- Submit the application and note the reference number
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews and background verification
Closing Date
The closing date for the Moshal Scholarship Programme South Africa 2027 is 31 December 2026. No late applications will be accepted. The financial-need verification takes time, so submit well before the deadline to give the Moshal team room to process supporting documents.
Why It Matters
Household income of R200,000 a year or less is the norm for the majority of South African families, and it is exactly this bracket that finds itself squeezed out of higher education: too poor to self-fund a degree, sometimes too “middle” for the full NSFAS package, and unable to guarantee a private study loan. A fully funded Moshal scholarship removes that squeeze completely.
Scholars finish their degree with no debt, a professional network built over three or four years, and a mentor who has been in their corner from first year to graduation. For a Grade 12 top achiever from a working-class family, or a first-year student who is already carrying strong marks but running out of money, this application is worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my university is not on the partner list?
The Moshal Programme only funds studies at its eight partner universities in South Africa. If you have been accepted elsewhere, you would need to transfer or defer to a partner institution to qualify.
I already have NSFAS. Can I still apply?
You should disclose all other funding on your application. The Moshal Programme may still consider you but will co-ordinate with any existing funding to avoid duplication.
Is there a work-back requirement?
Moshal is a scholarship, not a bursary tied to a specific employer, so there is no work-back to a particular company. Scholars are expected to remain active members of the alumni community.
How competitive is the programme?
Very competitive. Only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year, and shortlisting weighs both academic performance and demonstrated financial need. A strong motivation letter matters.
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