The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has officially opened applications for its External Bursary Scheme for the 2027 academic year, offering financial support to academically deserving South African students pursuing studies in high-demand fields.
The bursary is aimed at students with strong academic potential who demonstrate financial need and intend to study full-time at a South African public university or university of technology.
With funding available for qualifications in engineering, finance, science, technology, law, business, and selected honours programmes, the IDC Bursary remains one of the most valuable funding opportunities available to students preparing for the 2027 academic year.
IDC Bursary 2027 Closing Date
Applications Close: 30 September 2026
Study Location
All accredited South African public universities and universities of technology
IDC Bursary Programme Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Bursary Provider | Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) |
| Programme | IDC External Bursary Scheme |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Opening Date | 01 June 2026 |
| Closing Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Maximum Age | 26 Years |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Eligible Institutions | Public Universities and Universities of Technology |
| Application Method | Online |
What Does the IDC Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants may receive comprehensive financial support covering approved study-related expenses, including:
- Full tuition fees
- University residence accommodation
- Accredited private accommodation
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance
- Other approved academic expenses
The final funding package will depend on the bursary agreement and individual student requirements.
Fields of Study Funded by the IDC Bursary
The IDC focuses on qualifications that support South Africa’s economic growth and critical skills development.
Finance, Business and Management Qualifications
Funding is available for:
- Chartered Accountancy
- Financial Management
- Financial Accounting
- Internal Auditing
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Investment Management
- Risk Management
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Transport Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics
- Econometrics
- Business Management
- Finance
- Financial Engineering
Engineering, Science and Technology Qualifications
Students pursuing STEM-related careers can apply in fields such as:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Quantity Surveying
- Geology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Studies
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Actuarial Science
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Information Science
- BCom Information Systems
- Quantitative Risk Management
Law and Education Qualifications
The bursary also supports selected legal and education programmes, including:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- BCom Law (Commercial Law)
- Diploma in Law Studies
- Education qualifications
Honours Programmes Eligible for Funding
Although the bursary mainly supports undergraduate studies, limited funding is available for selected honours programmes in:
- Accounting CTA
- Actuarial Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Postgraduate Law
Other postgraduate qualifications are generally not funded.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be 26 years old or younger.
- Be unemployed.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Intend to study full-time.
- Be accepted or enrolled at a public university or university of technology.
- Study towards an approved qualification.
- Meet the academic requirements.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding.
Household Income Requirements
The bursary is primarily intended for students from households with a combined annual income of:
R350 000 or less
However, students from households earning between:
R350 000 and R600 000 per year
may also be considered through an affordability assessment process.
Fresh listings:
Applicants must provide accurate and complete income information when applying.
Academic Requirements
Current Matric Learners
Students currently in Grade 12 should demonstrate strong academic performance.
Preference may be given to learners with:
- An academic average of approximately 75% or higher.
- Strong performance in subjects relevant to their chosen qualification.
- Results that meet university admission requirements.
Grade 12 learners must submit:
- Grade 11 final results
- June 2026 results
Current University Students
Tertiary students should have:
- A minimum academic average of 65%.
- Good academic standing.
- Admission into an approved qualification.
Funded students may be required to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their studies.
Preference May Be Given To
The IDC may prioritise:
- Students living with disabilities.
- Learners from Quintile 1–3 schools.
- Students from rural communities.
- Applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Academically strong candidates.
- Students with significant financial need.
Required Supporting Documents
All certified documents must be less than three months old.
Applicants must submit:
- Certified South African ID copy.
- Latest academic results.
- Matric certificate (if applicable).
- Grade 11 and June 2026 results for current Matric learners.
- Proof of university admission or application.
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs.
- Proof of residence.
- Proof of household income.
Income Documents May Include
Depending on family circumstances:
- Recent payslips.
- Bank statements.
- Affidavits confirming unemployment.
- SASSA confirmation letters.
- Death certificates.
- Divorce orders.
- Sworn separation affidavits.
Incomplete financial documentation may affect the outcome of the application.
How to Apply for the IDC Bursary 2027
Applications must be submitted through the official IDC bursary portal.
Before submitting:
- Register a profile on the IDC bursary system.
- Complete all personal and academic information.
- Capture household income details accurately.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Complete the online interview questionnaire.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit before the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid delays in obtaining certified documents and income records.
IDC Bursary Closing Date
30 September 2026
Late applications and incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Bursary Enquiries
Contact Person: Noluthando Baepi
Telephone: 011 269 3374
For additional support, applicants may also use the bursary enquiry email addresses listed on the official IDC bursary portal.
Why Apply for the IDC Bursary?
Higher education costs continue to increase, making financial support essential for many students. The IDC Bursary provides comprehensive funding while investing in future professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and industrial development.
Students pursuing careers in engineering, finance, technology, science, business, law, and related fields should strongly consider applying before the closing date.
With full financial support, academic development opportunities, and backing from one of South Africa’s leading development finance institutions, the IDC External Bursary Scheme remains one of the country’s most sought-after student funding programmes for 2027.