For South African students preparing for tertiary study in 2027, paying for registration, tuition, textbooks, accommodation and other education-related costs can be one of the biggest challenges. The Hollywood Foundation Bursaries 2027 programme offers qualifying students an opportunity to receive financial support while studying full-time at an eligible tertiary institution.
The Hollywood Foundation’s Future is Bright Bursary Programme is aimed at South African citizens studying selected fields that include information technology, computer science, finance, business, marketing, communications, engineering-related disciplines and other approved areas.
The application deadline is 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday, so prospective applicants should begin preparing their documents well before the closing time.
The important point is that this is not simply a bursary based on financial need. Applicants must meet citizenship, academic, study-field, institution and other programme requirements, while shortlisted candidates may also have to complete assessments and interviews.
What You Should Know First
The Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary Programme is intended for students who will study full-time in 2027 at a DHET-registered tertiary institution in South Africa.
The programme can support several levels of study, ranging from certificates and diplomas to undergraduate degrees, Honours and certain approved postgraduate qualifications.
However, applicants should not assume that every education-related cost will automatically be paid. Funding may be full or partial, depending on the applicant’s circumstances, field of study, academic performance and approved allocation.
Here are the most important details at a glance:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Future is Bright Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Organisation | Hollywood Foundation |
| Citizenship | South African citizens |
| Study year | 2027 |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Institution | DHET-registered tertiary institution |
| TVET colleges | Not covered |
| Closing date | 3 September 2026 |
| Closing time | 12:00 midday |
| Application | Online |
| Maximum motivational letter | 2,000 words |
The bursary may cover approved registration, tuition, prescribed textbooks, study materials, accommodation and living assistance, depending on the award.
Who Is the Hollywood Foundation Bursary For?
The programme is aimed at South African students who are either completing Matric or already studying at tertiary level.
A prospective applicant should generally meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Intend to study full-time during 2027.
- Choose an approved field of study.
- Attend or intend to attend a DHET-registered tertiary institution.
- Study a qualification lasting at least 12 months.
- Meet the relevant academic requirements.
- Comply with the bursary’s terms and conditions.
Applicants must also consider whether they already have another bursary or award that creates a work obligation with another organisation.
This matters because accepting overlapping funding arrangements can create contractual problems.
Which Fields of Study Are Supported?
One of the most important steps before applying is checking whether your qualification falls within an eligible field.
The listed fields include:
Technology and Computing
Students can apply for approved qualifications in areas such as:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Information Systems
- Software Engineering
- Systems and Network Administration
- Data Science
These fields are particularly relevant to students planning careers in software, data, information systems, digital security and technology.
Business and Finance
The programme also includes areas such as:
- Business Management
- Finance and Accounting
- BCom Law
- Human Resources Management
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics Management
For example, a student studying an approved Supply Chain Management qualification could potentially qualify, provided all other requirements are met.
Marketing, Communications and Design
Other supported fields include:
- Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Communications
- Media and Communications
- Graphic Design
- Architectural Design
Applicants should check that their actual qualification fits the approved field rather than relying only on a broad faculty name.
What Levels of Study Can Be Funded?
The bursary may support several levels of study.
These include:
- Higher Certificates
- National Certificates
- Diplomas
- Degrees
- Advanced Diplomas
- Honours
- Other approved postgraduate studies
The supplied programme information specifically excludes Master’s degrees and PhD studies, as well as other senior qualifications not approved under the programme.
This distinction is important for postgraduate students. Being enrolled at a university does not automatically mean that every postgraduate qualification qualifies.
Academic Requirements Explained
Academic performance is another major part of the application.
If You Are Currently in Matric
Matric learners must have achieved:
- At least a 65% overall average in their mid-year or final results.
- At least 65% in each subject in Matric.
This means that having a strong overall average may not be enough if one or more individual subjects fall below the required minimum.
For example, a learner with a 70% overall average but a 58% mark in one subject may not satisfy the stated subject-level requirement.
If You Are Already at Tertiary Level
Current tertiary students need a minimum 60% overall average in their latest academic results.
Existing bursary recipients also need to maintain at least a 60% overall average to remain eligible for future funding.
Students should therefore treat academic performance as an ongoing requirement rather than something that only matters during the initial application.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The Hollywood Foundation bursary may provide full or partial financial support for approved study-related expenses.
Potential funding areas include:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Approved study materials
- Accommodation, where approved
- Living assistance, where approved
The exact amount is not necessarily identical for every recipient.
This is why applicants should prepare a proper institutional cost breakdown rather than simply entering an estimated total amount.
What Is Not Covered?
The programme information states that certain expenses are excluded, including:
- Supplementary examination fees
- Non-prescribed study materials
- Unrelated personal expenses
- Costs not approved under the bursary
Before accepting funding, students should understand exactly what their award covers.
Why the Proforma Invoice Matters
A common mistake is uploading an incomplete university or college cost estimate.
The required proforma invoice or estimated institutional invoice should clearly break down relevant costs such as:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks or study materials
- Accommodation, if applicable
- Living assistance, if applicable
Applicants should also provide the institution’s banking details where required.
A clear invoice allows the bursary team to understand the actual cost of the student’s planned studies.
Vacation Work and Possible Employment
The Hollywood Foundation bursary can involve more than financial assistance.
Recipients may be required to participate in vacation work with the company. The supplied information indicates that students may be expected to work for at least half of the holiday period, with a transport stipend provided for the vacation-work period.
There may also be a possible employment obligation after graduation.
Successful bursary recipients may, at the company’s discretion, be required to take up employment with the company after completing their studies. The potential employment period may correspond to the period for which funding was received.
This is a particularly important condition.
A student should not accept the bursary simply because it pays tuition without first understanding the obligations attached to the award.
How the Selection Process Works
Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in additional selection activities, including:
- Assessments
- Interviews
- Further selection processes
The final bursary decision is made after these stages have been completed.
Applicants are expected to receive feedback by the end of December 2026.
This means applicants should keep checking the contact details and communication channels they provide during the application process.
Documents You Should Prepare
A complete application is easier to review than one that requires missing documents to be corrected.
Applicants should prepare clear copies of:
- Certified South African ID
- Matric certificate or statement of results
- Latest academic results
- Acceptance letter or proof of application
- Details of the chosen qualification
- Name and address of the registered institution
- Proforma or estimated institutional invoice
- Proof of the institution’s banking details
- Proof of residential address
- Motivational letter
Make sure documents are readable before uploading them.
An applicant who leaves out an important document could risk having the application treated as incomplete.
How to Write a Strong Motivational Letter
The motivational letter can be one of the most important parts of an application because it gives the applicant an opportunity to explain their circumstances and ambitions in their own words.
The letter must be no longer than 2,000 words.
Rather than simply saying that you “need money to study”, explain:
- Why you selected your qualification.
- Why you are applying for the bursary.
- What makes you a suitable candidate.
- How financial support will help you complete your studies.
- What career you intend to pursue.
- How your qualification connects with your future plans.
For example, instead of writing, “I am passionate about technology,” explain what sparked that interest, what you have done to develop it and how the qualification fits into your intended career.
Most importantly, write the letter yourself. A personal, specific explanation is more useful than a generic statement that could apply to any student.
External and Internal Applications
The programme has different application routes.
The external application route is intended for applicants who are not Hollywoodbets employees and are not immediate family members or relatives of employees of Hollywoodbets or related entities.
The internal application route is intended for Hollywood Group employees and relatives of Hollywood Group team members.
Applicants should carefully determine which route applies to them before submitting their application.
Choosing the wrong route could create unnecessary problems during processing.
How to Apply for Hollywood Foundation Bursaries 2027
Applications are submitted online.
A practical approach is to follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm eligibility.
Check your citizenship, academic results, field of study, qualification level and institution.
Step 2: Confirm the institution.
Make sure your chosen institution is DHET-registered and remember that TVET colleges are excluded according to the supplied programme information.
Step 3: Collect your documents.
Gather your ID, academic results, acceptance or application proof, residential address and other supporting documents.
Step 4: Obtain a detailed cost estimate.
Ask the institution for a proforma invoice that clearly shows the relevant fees.
Step 5: Prepare your motivation.
Write a genuine motivation explaining your academic and career plans.
Step 6: Select the correct application route.
Choose either the external or internal application option, depending on your circumstances.
Step 7: Upload and review.
Check every document before submitting the application.
Step 8: Submit before the deadline.
The closing date is 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday. Late applications will not be accepted.
APPLY HERE: Hollywood Foundation Bursaries 2027
ALSO APPLY FOR: Zutari Bursary 2027
Common Misunderstandings About Hollywood Foundation Bursaries 2027
“Everyone who meets the academic requirement gets funding.”
Not necessarily. Meeting the minimum requirements makes you eligible to apply, but shortlisted candidates may still have to complete assessments and interviews.
“The bursary automatically pays everything.”
No. Funding may be full or partial, and only approved expenses are covered.
“Any tertiary institution is acceptable.”
No. The institution must meet the programme’s requirements, including DHET registration. TVET colleges are not covered under the supplied criteria.
“A postgraduate student cannot apply.”
This is also too broad. Certain postgraduate study levels, including Honours and approved postgraduate qualifications, may be supported. However, Master’s and PhD studies are excluded according to the supplied information.
“The application ends at midnight.”
The stated deadline is 12:00 midday on 3 September 2026, not midnight. This is an important distinction.
Key Takeaways
The Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary Programme provides an opportunity for eligible South African students planning full-time study in 2027.
The most important points are:
- Applications close 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday.
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Study must be full-time.
- The institution must be DHET-registered.
- TVET colleges are not covered.
- Matric applicants need at least a 65% overall average and 65% per subject.
- Current tertiary students need at least a 60% overall average.
- Several technology, business, finance, marketing, communications and design fields are supported.
- Funding may be full or partial.
- Vacation work may be required.
- A post-graduation employment obligation may apply.
- Shortlisted applicants may undergo assessments and interviews.
- Applications must include the required supporting documents.
- The motivational letter may not exceed 2,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hollywood Foundation Bursary 2027 closing date?
The application deadline is 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday. Late applications will not be accepted.
Does the bursary cover TVET colleges?
No. The supplied requirements state that applicants must study at a DHET-registered tertiary institution and that TVET colleges are not covered
Can I apply if I am already studying?
Yes. Current tertiary students can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements and achieve the required minimum academic average of 60%.
Is employment guaranteed after graduation?
No. The information states that successful recipients may be required to take up employment with the company at its discretion. Applicants should read the bursary terms carefully before accepting an award.
Final Summary
The Hollywood Foundation Bursaries 2027 programme could be valuable for South African students who meet the academic and eligibility requirements and are planning approved full-time studies in 2027.
However, applicants should look beyond the headline funding opportunity. The programme can involve vacation work and potentially a post-study employment obligation, while funding itself may be full or partial. Understanding these conditions before applying is just as important as meeting the academic requirements.
With the deadline set for 12:00 midday on 3 September 2026, applicants should not wait until the final hours. Confirm eligibility, secure the correct institutional documents, prepare a genuine motivational letter and carefully review the completed application before submitting it.
