apply today

FirstRand Empowerment Foundation postgraduate bursary

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) believes that financial barriers should never limit academic potential.

The bursary goes beyond covering tuition – it provides the comprehensive support necessary for students to excel during their studies and prepare for life after graduation. Through a range of wraparound services, we are committed to addressing every aspect of student life, ensuring you not only succeed academically but also grow personally and professionally.

This bursary is more than just financial aid – it’s an opportunity to gain the support and resources you need to achieve academic success and build a bright future.

Apply today to become part of this transformative programme!

Deadline for applications

15 December 2024

Information and documents needed for application

  • Certified ID copy not older than 6 months (All information must be clear and legible)
  • Certified Matric Certificate
  • Certified Academic Records
  • Proof of provisional or final acceptance to Bachelor of Honors Degree
  • EEA1 form

Detailed Application criteria

  • Must be a South African citizen
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time one year honors degree program.
  • The combined household income of the applicant must not exceed R600,000 per annum.
  • Applicants must be studying at one of South Africa’s 26 public universities.
  • A minimum of 60% in matric mathematics is required. Please note, Mathematical Literacy does not qualify.
  • Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 35. Students turning 36 or older in 2025 are not eligible.
  • Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree between 2022 and 2024.
  • Only students pursuing their first postgraduate qualification are eligible.
  • An overall average of 60% or higher in the undergraduate degree is required for consideration.
  • Fields of study:
  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Science
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • BA Honours Arts (Psychology)
  • Biosciences
  • Business Information
  • Climate Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Electronics
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Financial Management
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems
  • Information Management
  • Information Science
  • Information Systems
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Renewable Energy
  • Risk
  • Sciences
  • Society and Sustainability
  • Statistics