Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme for 2026

Who can apply

• Must be a South African Citizen
• This bursary is strictly for South African nationals.
• Must be a Free State Resident
• Proof of residence is required (e.g., municipal account or affidavit) as per page 1 of the document
• Age Requirement: 18–35
• The programme specifically targets unemployed youth.
• Household Income Must Be Below R600 000 Per Year
• Salary advice
• Affidavit
• SASSA proof
• Must Not Have Other Funding
• No double dipping. If you already have a bursary or sponsorship, your application will be automatically disqualified.
• Must Have Been Accepted or Be Studying at an Accredited HEI
• You must attach an acceptance letter or proof of registration.
• Current Grade 12 learners must submit September results.
• University students must attach a recent academic transcript.
• Priority is given to financially needy but academically strong applicants.
• Persons with Disabilities Are Encouraged to Apply
• Accessible equipment and support may be provided upon request and recommendation from the HEI Disability Office.

Documents you will need

• Compulsory Attachments
• Certified copy of applicant ID
• Certified matric results or academic record
• Acceptance letter from the university/TVET college
• Proof of residence
• Certified proof of income (parents/guardian/spouse)
• 3-month bank statements
• SASSA proof (if applicable)
• Affidavits for unemployment, single parenthood, or guardianship
• Death certificates (if orphaned)
• CIPC documents and tax certificate for self-employed parents
• Curriculum plan
• Confirmation from banks regarding parent/guardian account status
• Proof of NSFAS status (if applicable)
• Signed declaration
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Free State Provincial Government - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

If you are a young person living in the Free State with big dreams of studying at a university or TVET college but worried about finances - this is your moment.

The Free State Provincial Government (Office of the Premier) is officially inviting unemployed youth aged 18 - 35 to apply for the 2026 Full-Time Bursary Programme. This funding opportunity covers full-time studies in a wide range of scarce and critical skills fields needed within the province.

Whether you’re a current Grade 12 learner, already enrolled at a higher education institution, or recently accepted for your 2026 academic year - this bursary could be your bridge to a future you deserve.

Quick Overview

About the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme

The bursary programme is a flagship initiative driven by the Office of the Premier, Free State Province, aimed at empowering young people who want to study full-time at an accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI).

The programme focuses on addressing critical skills shortages across the province by funding qualifications that directly contribute to economic growth, service delivery improvement, and future employability.

The bursary is specifically designed for:

• Financially needy students
• High-performing learners and university students
• Youth with no access to other sponsorships

According to the bursary guidelines, the province reserves the right to determine the number of bursaries annually based on the available budget

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

This bursary is strictly for South African nationals.

Proof of residence is required (e.g., municipal account or affidavit) as per page 1 of the document

The programme specifically targets unemployed youth.

Proof of income is required, such as:

• Salary advice
• Affidavit
• SARS ITR12
• SASSA proof

No double dipping. If you already have a bursary or sponsorship, your application will be automatically disqualified.

You must attach an acceptance letter or proof of registration.

1. Academic Requirements

Accessible equipment and support may be provided upon request and recommendation from the HEI Disability Office.

Fields of Study Funded (Scarce & Critical Skills)

The bursary covers 33 priority study fields, including:

Health & Medical Sciences

• MBChB (Medicine)
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography / Radiation Therapy
• Nuclear Medicine
• Dietetics
• Medical Orthotics & Prosthetics
• Emergency Medical Care

Engineering & Built Environment

• Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Mining, Nuclear, Architectural Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Structural / Quantity Surveying
• Construction Management
• Town & Regional Planning
• GIS
• Disaster Management
• Occupational Health & Safety

Information Technology & Digital Skills

• Cyber Security
• Software Development
• Network Systems
• Artificial Intelligence Techniques
• Robotics
• Information Security
• Information Resource Management
• Data Science, Analytics, Business Analytics

Human & Social Sciences

• Social Work
• Psychology (Bachelor, Honours, Masters in Clinical Psychology)
• Community Development
• Publicity & Marketing
• General Arts & Social Studies

Education

• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Accounting
• Early Childhood Development

Commerce & Finance

• Actuarial Science
• Economics
• Development Studies
• Finance
• Supply Chain Management
• Fraud Investigation (Forensic Auditing)
• Internal Auditing
• Risk Management
• Investment Management

Agriculture

• Agriculture
• Veterinary Science
• Soil Science
• Pasture Science

This is one of the most comprehensive bursary lists offered by a provincial government.

What the Bursary Covers

According to page 4, the bursary provides full financial support, including:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• On-campus or accredited accommodation
• Meals
• Books and study materials
• Special equipment required for your field of study
• Special equipment/support for disabled students (case-by-case)

This means students can focus on studying without worrying about finances.

Required Documents (Checklist Summary)

You must submit a complete application, including the following key documents:

Compulsory Attachments

IMPORTANT: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

Step 1 - Collect an Application Form

Forms are available at:

• Office of the Premier (FSTDI & OR Tambo Building)
• Thusong Centres
• University of the Free State / Central University of Technology
• Or Download the application form here

Step 2 - Prepare All Required Documents

Ensure everything is certified and up to date.

Step 3 - Submit Your Application

Hand-deliver documents to: 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein (Brahman Building) or submit at Thusong Centres.

Step 4 - Wait for Feedback

If you do not receive feedback within 4 months, consider your application unsuccessful

Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application

Here’s how to increase your chances:

1. Apply Early - Don’t Wait for January

Government bursaries get extremely busy just before the deadline.

1. Make Sure ALL Documents Are Certified

Expired, missing, or uncertified documents = automatic rejection.

1. Choose a Scarce Skill You Are Good At

Don’t pick a field just because it’s funded - pick one matching your strengths.

1. Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Explain:

• Why you selected the course
• Your financial need
• Your long-term goals
• How you will give back to your community

1. Keep Copies of Everything

You may need them for future correspondence.

1. Use Edupstairs Tools to Prepare

• Scholarship Motivation Letter Generator
• Career Personality Test
• TVET College Eligibility Checker

Career Growth Path After This Bursary

This bursary sets you up for careers with strong demand and high employability such as:

• Medical Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, Radiographer
• Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineer
• Data Scientist, Cyber Security Specialist, AI Engineer
• Teacher (Maths, Science, Accounting, ECD)
• Town Planner, GIS Specialist, Quantity Surveyor
• Actuary, Economist, Auditor, Investment Analyst
• Agricultural Scientist or Veterinarian

Because the bursary prioritises scarce skills, graduates are more likely to secure employment quickly - and some may even qualify for internships within provincial departments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply if I am already studying?

Yes - if you are enrolled full-time and meet the requirements.

1. I have NSFAS. Can I apply?

No. You cannot have another sponsor. This results in automatic disqualification.

1. Must documents be certified?

Yes - certified copies are compulsory.

1. What if my parents are unemployed?

Submit an affidavit + 6-month bank statement + SARS ITR12.

1. Does the bursary pay for off-campus accommodation?

Only if recommended by the HEI and approved by the bursary office.

1. Can I change my course after being funded?

Not unless major modules overlap and approval is granted.

1. How long does it take to receive feedback?

Up to 4 months after the closing date.

1. Can I work while studying?

No. Full-time employment during studies is not allowed.

1. Are disabled applicants supported?

Yes - assistive devices may be funded on a case-by-case basis.

1. Is the bursary renewable each year?

Yes - provided you pass and meet all contractual obligations.

CLOSING DATE: 16 JANUARY 2026

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs does not represent the Free State Provincial Government or any of its departments. All information in this article is sourced directly from the official bursary document provided by the Office of the Premier and is published for informational and educational purposes only.

While we strive to keep all opportunities accurate and up to date, details such as requirements, closing dates, and application processes may change at any time without notice. Applicants are strongly encouraged to:

• Verify all information with the official issuing authority.
• Contact the Free State Bursary Office directly for the latest updates.
• Ensure all documents are correctly completed and submitted on time.

Edupstairs is not responsible for the outcome of any application, missed deadlines, or changes made by the bursary provider. Applying for this bursary is the sole responsibility of the applicant.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE

Frequently asked questions

Sources

This page summarises information published by: