The Free State Office of the Premier is inviting eligible unemployed young people residing in the Free State to apply for the 2027 Provincial Government Bursary Programme.
The bursary aims to develop skills in areas that are important to the province, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Psychology-related studies and Social Sciences.
Applications are submitted online through the official bursary application system.
Closing date: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
About the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary
The Free State Provincial Government uses its bursary programme to support financially needy and academically deserving young people who want to pursue full-time studies at accredited higher education institutions.
The programme focuses on developing scarce and critical skills that can contribute to the province’s development.
The selection process considers factors such as financial need, academic potential, the relevance of the chosen qualification and available funding.
Fields of Study
The 2027 bursary announcement identifies the following broad study areas:
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Psychology-related studies
Social Sciences
Other approved fields of study
The provincial government has historically prioritised scarce and critical skills such as:
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
Chartered Accountancy
Civil and Electrical Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Information and Communication Technology
Medicine
Social Work
Important: The full list of approved 2027 qualifications should be checked on the online application system. Not every qualification within these broad study areas is necessarily eligible.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is aimed at unemployed young people who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
The published 2027 bursary information indicates that applicants should:
Be South African citizens.
Be residents of the Free State Province.
Be between 18 and 35 years old.
Be unemployed.
Have a total household income below R600,000 per annum.
Be current Grade 12 learners or students already accepted or enrolled at an accredited higher education institution.
Intend to study full-time in an approved field.
Not be receiving another sponsorship for the same studies.
Applicants must provide supporting documents to verify their eligibility.
Priority considerations: Financially needy applicants with strong academic performance may receive preference. Orphans and persons with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
Published information about the programme indicates that successful applicants may receive assistance towards:
Tuition fees
Prescribed textbooks
Learning aid devices, where applicable
Meals
Accommodation, where applicable
Transport, where applicable
Monthly living allowance, where applicable
The exact funding package depends on the bursary allocation and applicable conditions. Applicants should consult the bursary agreement for the final funding details.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following supporting documents:
Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
Proof of Free State residence.
Grade 12 certificate or latest academic results.
Proof of acceptance or provisional admission at an accredited institution.
Parent or guardian proof of income, or an affidavit where applicable.
Any additional supporting documents requested by the application system.
Current tertiary students should upload their latest academic results or academic record.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are clear, accurate and uploaded in the correct sections.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 Free State Office of the Premier Bursary must be submitted online.
Official application portal: https://fsh-careinfo.fshealth.gov.za/bursaries/
Follow these steps:
Visit the online bursary application portal.
Select Sign Up if you do not already have an account.
Select the full-time bursary option.
Enter your personal details and create a password.
Check your email for the account activation message from FS Bursary Admin.
Activate your account and log in.
Complete the application sections:
Personal Information
Additional Information
Qualification Information
Document Upload
Upload all compulsory documents and any additional supporting documents.
Complete the declaration and submit each section.
Open View Application to check that all sections are complete.
Keep your application acknowledgement and monitor your email for updates.
The online application manual explains that supporting documents can be added later, provided they are uploaded before the closing date. Make sure all compulsory documents are submitted as required.
Application Period and Closing Date
Opening date: 21 September 2026
Closing date: 13 November 2026
Closing time: 16:00
Academic year: 2027
Late applications will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit early rather than wait until the final day.
How Are Applications Assessed?
Applications go through several review stages:
The Bursary Office checks the application and supporting documents.
A supervisor reviews applications against the province’s skills priorities.
The Provincial Bursary Technical Committee evaluates recommended applications.
Final recommendations are submitted for approval.
Applicants are notified by email of the outcome.
Successful applicants will receive further communication about accepting the bursary and signing the bursary contract.
Work-Back and Other Conditions
Published information about the provincial bursary programme indicates that recipients may be required to complete their studies within the minimum prescribed period and work in the Free State for a period linked to the duration of funding.
Applicants should carefully read the bursary contract to understand any service or work-back obligations before accepting an award.
The number of bursaries awarded depends on the funding available and the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding.
Contact Details
For enquiries about the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Programme, contact the Bursary Section:
Telephone: 065 742 5935
Telephone: 060 533 4702
Email: bursariesfs@fspremier.gov.za
Office hours: 07:30–16:00
Bursary Office:
FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301
Postal address:
Free State Office of the Premier
Bursary Section
Private Bag X 20565
Bloemfontein
9300
Important Advice for Applicants
Before submitting your application:
Confirm that you are a permanent resident of the Free State.
Check that your qualification is listed as an approved field.
Make sure you meet the age, employment and household-income requirements.
Prepare your academic results and proof of admission.
Ensure that all compulsory documents are uploaded.
Check that every application section is marked as complete.
Keep your acknowledgement email and application details.
Apply before 13 November 2026 at 16:00.
This bursary provides an opportunity for qualifying Free State youth to pursue higher education and develop skills that can contribute to the province’s future.