The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is committed to unlocking the potential of South Africa’s future leaders by providing financial support and empowering the next generation to thrive. Through a strategic partnership with Feenix, the FREF Postgrad bursary is an opportunity for talented postgraduate students from under-resourced communities to pursue their studies and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
This postgraduate bursary is designed for students who are pursuing their first postgraduate qualification. Our focus is on supporting students in fields aligned with national priorities, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), to foster innovation and drive transformation in the country’s key sectors.
In addition to financial support, FREF offers holistic wraparound services that ensure our bursary recipients not only succeed academically but also develop personally and professionally. This includes mental health support, professional development opportunities, and an opportunity for students to actively contribute to the success of other young people in South Africa through the “Pay it Forward” program, where students are encouraged to give back to their communities.
By investing in education, we believe we can break down financial barriers, uplift our own communities, and foster a culture of growth and social responsibility, ensuring students graduate debt-free and have all the tools to make a lasting impact.
Apply today and take the first step toward a future filled with possibility.
At Feenix, we believe that access to education should not be dependent on wealth. Our mission is to ensure that young people have access to education and are equipped to thrive in life. This is done through connecting young people in need to donor communities that care and providing critical wraparound support services. Through a variety of offerings, we are committed to creating lasting impact and empowering students to graduate debt-free and contribute meaningfully to society.