The FEM Bursary Programme 2027 offers financial assistance to qualifying South African university students who need support to complete their undergraduate studies in Engineering, the Built Environment or Health Sciences. The programme is intended to help academically capable students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds access higher education without the burden of unaffordable study costs.
The bursary is particularly worth investigating for students who have successfully completed their first year of study, have a good academic record and come from households with a combined annual income of no more than R360,000.
Applications for the 2027 academic year are advertised as open, with the closing date set for 16 November 2026. Applicants should use FEM’s official bursary application portal to confirm the latest requirements and complete the application process.
FEM Bursary Programme 2027: At a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary | FEM Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Provider | FEM |
| Study fields | Engineering, Built Environment and Health Sciences |
| Study level | Undergraduate; applicants must have completed first year |
| Location | South Africa; Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Closing date | 16 November 2026 |
| Funding | Tuition, textbooks and monthly stipend; accommodation and meals subject to approval |
| Application method | Online questionnaire followed by a bursary application for shortlisted candidates |
| Official source | FEM Bursary Programme portal |
| Status | OPEN — verify before applying |
The information above is based on the advertised 2027 opportunity. Applicants should confirm that the application remains open and that all details are current before submitting documents. fembursaries.simplify.hr+1
What Is the FEM Bursary Programme?
The FEM Bursary Programme is an educational funding initiative aimed at developing skills in fields that contribute to FEM’s industry and broader professional environment.
The programme supports students pursuing qualifications in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and the Faculty of Health Sciences. It is designed for students who demonstrate academic potential but face financial barriers that could prevent them from completing their studies.
Rather than focusing only on students entering university for the first time, the advertised 2027 bursary targets students who have already completed their first year successfully.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to students who have experienced the financial demands of university and need assistance to continue their qualifications.
FEM also places emphasis on applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, making financial need an important part of the selection process. fembursaries.simplify.hr+1
Who Can Apply for the FEM Bursary 2027?
Applicants must meet the programme’s academic, financial and study-related requirements.
The published eligibility criteria include the following:
Academic requirements
Applicants should:
- Have a good academic record.
- Have successfully completed their first year of study.
- Be registered for an eligible undergraduate qualification.
- Be in good financial standing with their university, without outstanding fees from previous academic years.
The requirement to have completed first year is particularly important. Students who are only beginning their first year in 2027 should not assume they qualify.
Citizenship requirements
The advertised bursary is available to South African citizens only.
Applicants should ensure that they have valid identification and can provide the necessary supporting documents.
Financial requirements
The combined annual household income must not exceed R360,000.
FEM also gives preference to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who cannot afford to fund their studies independently.
Applicants should calculate their household income carefully and ensure that the information they provide is accurate and supported by documentation.
Study requirements
Applicants must:
- Have been accepted at an approved institution or a South African public university.
- Be studying in an eligible Engineering, Built Environment or Health Sciences field.
- Be pursuing their first undergraduate degree or diploma.
- Have successfully completed their first year.
The published programme information excludes first-year and postgraduate students. Students considering a second qualification should also check the official eligibility rules before applying. fembursaries.simplify.hr+1
Eligibility summary
| Requirement | Published criterion |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | South African citizen |
| Academic performance | Good academic record |
| Year of study | Must have completed first year |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Household income | Maximum combined annual income of R360,000 |
| Institution | Approved institution or South African public university |
| Financial standing | No outstanding fees from previous academic years |
| Financial background | Preference for disadvantaged applicants |
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding. Applicants should expect the selection process to consider academic performance, financial need and the programme’s available resources.
What Does the FEM Bursary Cover?
One of the main attractions of the FEM Bursary Programme 2027 is that its advertised benefits extend beyond tuition fees.
The published benefits include:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full-time tuition |
| Textbooks | Prescribed textbooks |
| Monthly stipend | Provided |
| Accommodation | Subject to FEM approval |
| Meals | Subject to FEM approval |
The official programme information also indicates that accommodation and meals are awarded at FEM’s discretion. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that these benefits will automatically be included in every bursary award. fembursaries.simplify.hr+1
Why these benefits matter
University costs involve more than registration and tuition. Students may also need to pay for textbooks, food, accommodation and transport.
A bursary that includes tuition, prescribed textbooks and a monthly stipend can help reduce the financial pressure of studying full-time.
However, the exact value of the monthly stipend and the conditions attached to accommodation and meals should be confirmed directly with FEM.
Important: The advertised information does not provide a confirmed rand value for the stipend. Do not rely on unofficial figures when planning your university budget.
Fields of Study
The FEM Bursary Programme 2027 focuses on qualifications within two broad academic areas:
1. Engineering and the Built Environment
Students pursuing qualifications in Engineering and the Built Environment should check whether their specific degree or diploma is recognised by FEM.
Relevant areas may include engineering and built-environment disciplines, but the exact list of eligible qualifications should be confirmed through the official application process.
Do not assume that every engineering-related course automatically qualifies.
2. Health Sciences
Students studying Health Sciences may also be considered for funding.
As with Engineering, applicants should verify whether their specific qualification and institution meet the programme’s requirements.
Practical advice: Before applying, check the exact name of your qualification, your institution and your current year of study. This can help you avoid spending time on an application for a course that is not eligible.
FEM Bursary 2027 Closing Date
APPLICATION DEADLINE
16 November 2026
Applications advertised as open
Submit your completed application and supporting documents before the stated deadline.Visit FEM Application Portal
The advertised closing date for the FEM Bursary Programme 2027 is 16 November 2026. The application information states that shortlisted candidates will receive the FEM bursary application form and must complete all sections and attach supporting documents by the deadline. Recruite Jobs+1
Applicants should not wait until the final day.
Submitting early gives you time to:
- Check that your documents are readable.
- Correct mistakes in your application.
- Obtain missing proof of household income.
- Ensure that certified copies meet the stated requirements.
- Confirm that your application has been received.
If the closing date changes, follow the latest information published through the official FEM application portal.
Documents You May Need
FEM’s published application information identifies several supporting documents.
Documents listed by FEM
Applicants should prepare:
- Valid South African identity document.
- Most recent official academic record.
- FEM bursary application form, if shortlisted and issued.
- Proof of income for parents or guardians, such as payslips.
- Social grant documentation, where applicable.
- Affidavit if a parent or guardian is unemployed or does not financially support the applicant.
- Death certificate of a parent, where applicable.
- Divorce certificate, where applicable.
The advertised application information also provides additional instructions for household income verification and supporting documents. Recruite Jobs+1
Additional supporting documents to prepare
The application may require further documentation depending on your circumstances.
| Document | When it may be needed |
|---|---|
| Parent or guardian ID | For household verification |
| Recent payslips | Where a parent or guardian is employed |
| Pension slip or bank statement | Where a parent or guardian receives a pension |
| Affidavit confirming informal employment | Where household income comes from informal trading |
| Proof of registration | Where a household member is also studying |
| Certified academic record | To demonstrate academic performance and financial standing |
| Proof of household income | To establish financial eligibility |
The official advertisement states that certified copies must not be older than three months. It also indicates that certification may be obtained through the South African Police Service or a South African Post Office. Recruite Jobs
Document preparation tip: Create a folder on your phone or computer containing your identification, academic record and household income documents. Use clear filenames and check that every page is readable before uploading.
How to Apply for the FEM Bursary Programme 2027
The advertised application process begins with a short online questionnaire. Shortlisted applicants are then provided with the FEM bursary application form.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official application portal
Go to the FEM Bursary Programme website:https://fembursaries.simplify.hr/
Check the listing for the 2027 full-time study bursary.
Step 2: Read the eligibility criteria
Before starting, confirm that:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You have successfully completed your first year.
- Your qualification falls within an eligible study area.
- Your household income meets the stated threshold.
- You are in good financial standing with your institution.
Step 3: Complete the online questionnaire
The advertised process requires applicants to complete a short online questionnaire.
Answer every question accurately. Your responses should reflect your academic circumstances, household income and personal information.
Step 4: Prepare your supporting documents
Gather your academic record, identification and household income documents.
Check the certification dates and ensure that all documents are complete and readable.
Step 5: Complete the FEM bursary application form
If shortlisted, you will receive the FEM bursary application form.
Complete every relevant section and follow the instructions provided by FEM.
Step 6: Submit before the closing date
Submit your completed application and supporting documents by 16 November 2026.
Keep a copy of your application and any confirmation message you receive.
Step 7: Monitor your application
Check your email and any application account for updates.
Respond promptly if FEM requests additional information or documentation.
The process and application instructions should always be confirmed through the official portal. Recruite Jobs+1
OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: FEM Bursary Programme 2027
ALSO APPLY FOR: FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027
Important Things Applicants Should Check
A strong bursary application is not simply about meeting the minimum requirements. It is also about submitting accurate information and following the application instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying before completing first year
The published criteria exclude first-year students. Applicants should check that they have successfully completed the required year of study.
Ignoring outstanding university fees
FEM requires students to be in good financial standing. Applicants with outstanding fees from previous academic years may not qualify.
Providing incomplete household income information
The R360,000 annual household income threshold is important. Ensure that the income information reflects the household accurately.
Submitting outdated certified documents
The advertised instructions state that certified copies must not be older than three months.
Assuming every benefit is guaranteed
Accommodation and meals are subject to FEM’s approval. Confirm the benefits included in your individual award.
Waiting until the deadline
Late applications may not be considered. Submit early and retain proof of submission.
How to Avoid Bursary Scams
Students searching for bursaries in South Africa may encounter unofficial advertisements, fake application forms and fraudulent funding offers.
Use the following precautions when applying for the FEM Bursary Programme 2027:
- Apply through the official FEM bursary portal.
- Verify the opportunity through FEM’s official website or contact channels.
- Do not pay anyone who promises to secure your bursary.
- Never share your banking PIN, password or one-time password (OTP).
- Be cautious of WhatsApp-only advertisements that cannot be verified.
- Do not send sensitive documents to unknown email addresses.
- Check that any application link belongs to the official provider or its authorised recruitment platform.
A legitimate bursary application should not require payment in exchange for guaranteed funding.
JobLaunch.co.za is an independent careers and education publication. Applicants should verify all application details directly with FEM.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the FEM Bursary Programme 2027 close?
The advertised closing date is 16 November 2026. Applicants should confirm the deadline through the official FEM bursary portal and submit their applications before the closing date.
2. Who qualifies for the FEM Bursary 2027?
The bursary is intended for South African citizens who have successfully completed their first year of undergraduate study, have a good academic record and are studying an eligible Engineering, Built Environment or Health Sciences qualification.
Applicants must also meet the household income requirement of no more than R360,000 per year and be in good financial standing with their institution.
3. Can first-year university students apply?
The published criteria state that applicants must have successfully completed their first year of study. Students entering university for the first time in 2027 should therefore not assume they qualify.
4. Does the FEM bursary cover accommodation and meals?
Accommodation and meals are listed among the possible benefits, but their approval is at FEM’s discretion. Applicants should confirm whether these benefits are included in their individual bursary award.
Official Source
The FEM Bursary Programme 2027 is advertised through FEM’s bursary application platform.
- Provider: FEM
- Application portal: FEM Bursary Programme — Official Application Portal
- Advertised closing date: 16 November 2026
- Application method: Online questionnaire followed by a bursary application for shortlisted candidates
Applicants should use the official portal to confirm the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions and funding conditions.
Final Thoughts
The FEM Bursary Programme 2027 is an opportunity worth considering for South African undergraduate students pursuing eligible Engineering, Built Environment or Health Sciences qualifications.
Its combination of tuition support, prescribed textbooks and a monthly stipend could help reduce the financial pressure of completing a qualification.
However, the programme has specific eligibility conditions, particularly the requirement to have completed first year, the household income threshold and the requirement to be in good financial standing.
Students who meet these criteria should prepare their supporting documents early, verify their eligibility and submit their applications before 16 November 2026.
