If you need funding to start a qualification that South Africa urgently needs, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) bursary is now open – and the deadline is only a few months away. Learn more about the IDC programme here.
What the IDC External Bursary Programme 2027 offers
The IDC, a leading development finance institution, is offering a full‑study bursary for the 2027 academic year. It targets South African students from disadvantaged households who want to study in critical, scarce‑skill fields that drive economic growth.
Who can apply – key eligibility criteria
- Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Age: 26 years or younger on the closing date.
- Employment status: Must be unemployed.
- Academic standing:
- Matric learners (2026) – submit Grade 11 results and June 2026 Grade 12 results. Preference for a high APS (minimum 75%).
- Current university students – average of at least 65% in the latest results and must maintain a 60% GPA during the bursary.
- Institution: Study full‑time at a South African public university or university of technology.
- Financial need: Household income of R350 000 per year or less is preferred; incomes up to R600 000 may be considered after an affordability assessment.
Fields of study that are funded
- Engineering: Industrial, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Mining, Metallurgy, Civil, Construction, Quantity Surveying.
- Science & Technology: Analytical Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Geology, Environmental Science, BSc programmes, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Science, IT, BCom Information Systems.
- Agriculture: Agricultural studies and related qualifications.
- Finance & Commerce: Accounting (CA), Financial Management, Internal Audit, Cost & Management Accounting, Investment Management, Risk Management, Finance, Economics, Econometrics, Financial Accounting, Financial Engineering, Business Management, Entrepreneurship.
- Supply Chain & Logistics: Transport Management, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management.
- Law: BCom Law (Commercial Law), LLB, Diploma in Law, postgraduate law qualifications.
- Quantitative fields: Actuarial Science, Quantitative Risk Management, Mathematics, Statistics.
What the bursary will cover
- Tuition: Full registration, tuition and, where applicable, examination fees.
- Accommodation: University residence or accredited off‑campus housing.
- Learning support: One‑off laptop allocation and academic resources.
- Living expenses: Meal and transport allowances.
Qualifications that are NOT funded
- Second (subsequent) qualifications.
- Most postgraduate programmes – only Honours level in Law, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Statistics may be considered.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Visit the official IDC application portal: Apply for the IDC External Bursary Programme 2027.
- Create an account and fill in the online application form with accurate personal and academic details.
- Upload all required supporting documents (see list below).
- Complete the interview questionnaire that appears after the form is submitted.
- Review everything for completeness and correctness.
- Submit before the closing date – 30 September 2026.
Documents you must upload
- Certified copy of South African ID (issued within the last 3 months).
- Certified proof of residence.
- Latest academic results (2026 mid‑year results or most recent university transcript).
- Matric certificate (if already obtained) or Grade 11 results and June 2026 Grade 12 results for current matric learners.
- Financial evidence for parents/guardians (latest payslips, three months’ bank statements, SASSA grant letter, death certificates, IDs, divorce or separation documents where applicable).
Tips to improve your chances
- Start gathering certified copies and financial documents now – incomplete files are a common reason for rejection.
- Ensure your academic transcripts show the required percentages and are legible.
- Highlight any disabilities, rural background, or attendance at Quintile 1–3 schools in the application – these are weighted positively.
- Proofread every field; a simple typo can cause your application to be flagged.
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
Contact for enquiries
Noluthando Baepi
Phone: 011 269 3374
Email: (use the official IDC contact email found on their website).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can postgraduate students apply? Only Honours programmes in Law, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Statistics are considered.
- Is there an age limit? Yes – you must be 26 years old or younger on 30 September 2026.
- What is the minimum academic result? Matric applicants need an APS of at least 75%; university students need a minimum average of 65%.
- Does the bursary cover accommodation? Yes – both university residence and accredited off‑campus housing.
- Will I receive a laptop? A one‑off laptop is provided to successful recipients.
- When will I hear back? Successful candidates are notified by email after the selection process is complete.
Final thoughts
The IDC External Bursary 2027 is one of the most comprehensive funding options for South African students pursuing scarce‑skill qualifications. The competition is high, so a complete, well‑documented application is essential. Begin preparing your documents now, double‑check everything, and submit before the 30 September deadline. This could be the financial boost you need to start a career that contributes to the country’s future.
