The Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme provides financial support to academically strong South African students who demonstrate financial need.
For the 2027 intake, the Foundation is inviting applications for studies in selected Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) fields.
Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027 – Quick Details
Bursary Provider: Motsepe Foundation
Programme: Motsepe Foundation STEAM Undergraduate Bursary
Academic Year: 2027
Study Level: Undergraduate/Tertiary
Location: South Africa
Citizenship: South African citizens
Academic Requirement: Average above 70% in the stated subjects
Financial Need: Required
Application: Online
Closing Date: 16 October 2026
Application Fee: None
The Foundation has also warned applicants about scams and states that it does not charge an application fee or request payment to facilitate a bursary application.
Fields of Study
The 2027 programme supports selected fields within STEAM, including:
Science
Science-related qualifications
Technology
Technology
Computer Science
Information Technology
Related technology fields
Engineering
Engineering-related qualifications
Accounting & Commerce
Accounting
Selected commerce/business fields
Mathematics
Mathematics and related fields
Humanities / Other Supported Areas
The current 2027 information also specifically identifies:
Music
LLB / Law
as supported areas within the broader humanities offering. Applicants should confirm that their exact qualification is included before applying.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should meet the following key requirements:
Be a South African citizen.
Demonstrate financial need.
Have an academic average of more than 70% in the applicable core subjects.
Be studying, or intending to study, in one of the Foundation’s supported fields.
Meet the Foundation’s university and programme requirements.
The published academic criterion excludes Life Orientation and Home Language when calculating the stated average.
Important
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will receive the bursary. Selection is subject to the Foundation’s assessment and available funding.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The currently published 2027 information indicates that the bursary package can include:
Registration fees
Tuition fees
University-accredited accommodation
Books and stationery
Laptop
Meal support
Tutoring support
Mental wellness support
The exact funding package is subject to the Foundation’s programme terms and the applicant’s circumstances.
Financial Need
Financial need is an important part of the application.
Applicants may be required to provide information and supporting documents relating to their household’s financial circumstances.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, supporting evidence can include:
Parent/guardian income information
Payslips or employment letters
SASSA documentation
Affidavits for informal or unemployed household members
Death certificates where applicable
Other financial documentation requested by the Foundation
The Foundation’s application documentation has historically required detailed household-income information, so applicants should make sure their financial documents are complete and accurate.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should prepare the documents applicable to their circumstances, including:
Certified copy of applicant’s ID
Certified copies of parent/guardian IDs
Latest academic results or academic transcript
Proof of university acceptance/registration where applicable
Proof of household income
Other financial documents requested on the application form
Do not submit incomplete or inaccurate information. The Foundation may verify information provided in the application.
How to Apply
Applications should be completed through the official Motsepe Foundation bursary application process.
Applicants should use the Foundation’s official channels rather than paying third parties or responding to unofficial bursary advertisements.
The Foundation has specifically warned students about fraudulent bursary offers and confirmed that it does not charge applicants an application fee.
Closing date: 16 October 2026
Because the 2027 cycle is currently open, applicants should submit their applications as early as possible and confirm the final deadline on the live application system.
Important Scam Warning
The Motsepe Foundation does not charge a bursary application fee.
Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee your Motsepe Foundation bursary application.
The Foundation has publicly warned applicants about fake bursary information and says official opening announcements will be communicated through its official channels.