The Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme provides financial support to academically deserving South African students who may face financial barriers to accessing tertiary education.

The programme supports studies across a broad range of disciplines and considers both:

• Academic achievement.
• Demonstrated financial need.

Applicants should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and submit the supporting documents required by the Foundation.

Study Fields Covered

The Motsepe Foundation bursary supports students across a variety of academic disciplines. The broad areas identified in the programme information include:

• Agriculture
• Commerce
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Media
• Arts

Additional study areas mentioned include:

• Business Studies
• Mathematics
• Science
• Medical Studies

Since eligible qualifications may change, applicants should consult the latest 2027 bursary application form to determine whether their specific qualification is covered.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following basic requirements:

• Be South African citizens.
• Demonstrate a genuine financial need.
• Have obtained a minimum overall Matric average of 70%.
• Exclude Life Orientation when calculating the required 70% average.
• Be enrolled in, or intending to enrol in, an approved field of study.
• Show strong academic potential and performance.

Applicants who meet these conditions should note that satisfying the minimum criteria does not guarantee that a bursary will be awarded.

Academic Performance Requirement

A minimum Matric average of 70%, excluding Life Orientation, is required.

When determining whether they meet the academic threshold, applicants should therefore calculate their average without including Life Orientation marks.

Financial Need Assessment

Financial circumstances are an important consideration when bursary applications are assessed.

Applicants may need to provide information and supporting evidence relating to their household’s financial situation. Depending on their circumstances, this could include:

• Recent salary or payslips.
• Proof of employment.
• SASSA documentation.
• Affidavits for informal, irregular or unemployed income situations.
• Death certificates, where applicable.
• Additional financial records requested during the application process.

The exact documentation required may depend on the applicant’s individual circumstances.

Documents Applicants Should Prepare

Applicants should gather all relevant supporting documents before completing their application. These may include:

• Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Certified Matric mid-year results for learners currently in Grade 12.
• Certified Matric certificate for students who have already completed Matric.
• University acceptance letter.
• Certified complete academic record for students currently studying at tertiary level.
• Proof of income for parents or guardians.
• Any additional documentation specified on the official application form.

Applicants should use the latest Motsepe Foundation application form as the final reference for determining which documents are compulsory.

Requirements for Grade 12 Learners

Learners currently completing Grade 12 should have the following available:

• Certified copy of their South African ID.
• Certified Matric mid-year results.
• Financial documentation belonging to their parents or guardians.
• University acceptance documentation, if already available.
• Any additional supporting documents requested on the application form.

Requirements for University Students

Applicants who are already studying at a university or other tertiary institution should prepare:

• Certified copy of their South African ID.
• Certified full academic record.
• Proof of current registration or studies, where required.
• Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income.
• Any further documentation requested by the Motsepe Foundation.

How to Apply for Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027

Applicants should obtain and complete the current Motsepe Foundation bursary application form and submit it together with all required supporting documents.

Applications are indicated as being submitted by email to:

bursaries@motsepefoundation.org

Applicants should ensure that the application form is fully completed and that all compulsory documents are attached before sending the application.

Bursary Application Closing Date

The supplied information does not provide a confirmed closing date for the 2027 bursary application cycle.

Applicants should therefore confirm the closing date stated on the official Motsepe Foundation 2027 bursary application form before submitting.