The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) Bursary 2027 offers financial assistance to eligible South African students pursuing their first full-time Honours qualification in selected Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Psychology fields. The programme aims to help academically capable students overcome financial barriers and complete their postgraduate studies at eligible public universities.
Applications opened on 28 September 2026, with a provisional closing date of 31 December 2026. Students interested in this opportunity should carefully review the academic, financial and study requirements before applying through the official FREF bursary portal administered by Feenix.
Unlike undergraduate bursaries, this programme is specifically intended for students progressing from an undergraduate degree to their first Honours qualification in 2027.
FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027: Quick Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary | FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) Bursary |
| Year | 2027 |
| Provider | FirstRand Empowerment Foundation |
| Administrator | Feenix |
| Study fields | Selected STEM fields and Psychology |
| Study level | First Honours degree, NQF Level 8 |
| Study duration | Full-time, one year |
| Location | South Africa |
| Eligible institutions | Approved public universities |
| Funding | Tuition and additional student support, subject to programme rules |
| Application method | Online |
| Opening date | 28 September 2026 |
| Closing date | 31 December 2026 (provisional) |
| Status | OPEN — verify current availability |
| Official application | bursaries.feenix.org |
What Is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary?
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is an independent foundation associated with FirstRand’s broad-based black economic empowerment initiatives.
Through its postgraduate bursary programme, FREF supports eligible students who want to pursue their first Honours qualification in selected fields that contribute to South Africa’s skills development and academic advancement.
The 2027 programme is administered in partnership with Feenix, which provides an online application platform and additional student support services.
The bursary is particularly relevant to graduates who have completed their undergraduate degrees but face financial difficulties when considering further studies.
It is important to understand that this is a postgraduate Honours bursary, not a general undergraduate funding opportunity. Students applying for a first degree, a Master’s qualification or a second Honours qualification should not assume that they qualify.
Meeting the minimum requirements also does not guarantee funding. Applications are subject to the programme’s selection and verification process.
Who Can Apply for the FREF Bursary 2027?
Applicants must meet the published eligibility criteria before submitting an application.
The following requirements should be reviewed carefully.
Academic requirements
The published 2027 programme criteria include:
- A minimum undergraduate academic average of 60%.
- At least 60% for Mathematics in the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
- Mathematics must be the subject taken, not Mathematical Literacy.
- Applicants must be pursuing their first Honours qualification.
- The qualification must be a full-time, one-year Honours programme at NQF Level 8.
- Applicants must meet the academic and admission requirements of their chosen university.
Students should check how the programme calculates the undergraduate average and which academic records must be submitted.
Citizenship requirements
Applicants must be South African citizens.
The current programme criteria specify eligibility for African, Coloured and Indian South African applicants. Applicants should consult the official eligibility page for the precise wording and applicable definitions.
Financial requirements
The published household income limit is:
Combined gross annual household income of R700,000 or less.
Applicants should calculate the combined income of the relevant household members according to the programme’s instructions.
Do not assume that only your personal income matters. The application may require financial information from parents or guardians, depending on your circumstances.
Age requirements
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old as at 31 December 2027.
Students outside this age range should verify whether any exceptions are permitted before proceeding.
Study requirements
Applicants must:
- Be entering their first Honours qualification in 2027.
- Be registered for, or applying to study, an eligible full-time qualification.
- Attend an eligible public university in South Africa.
- Select a qualification included in the approved 2027 fields.
- Meet the university’s admission requirements.
Students who have already completed an Honours qualification or are applying for a Master’s degree should not assume that this programme will fund their studies.
What Does the FREF Bursary Cover?
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary aims to provide comprehensive support to eligible Honours students.
The official programme describes funding and additional student support intended to help recipients complete their studies.
| Funding component | What applicants should know |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Financial assistance towards eligible study fees |
| Accommodation | Support may be available subject to programme conditions |
| Learning resources | Study-related assistance may form part of the support |
| Student living support | Additional assistance may be provided under programme rules |
| Student support services | Feenix provides additional support beyond tuition funding |
The exact funding allocation, payment arrangements and applicable limits should be confirmed through the official application portal.
Important: Do not assume that every recipient receives an identical cash amount. Some support may be provided through designated payment methods, vouchers or other arrangements rather than a cash stipend.
Before accepting an award, applicants should check whether the funding covers their full tuition balance, accommodation, meals, transport and other study expenses.
Fields of Study
The FREF Bursary 2027 supports selected STEM and Psychology qualifications.
The approved fields published for the 2027 programme include:
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural Sciences
- BA Honours Arts (Psychology)
- Biosciences
- Climate Sciences
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Information Management
- Information Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Renewable Energy
- Risk
- Sciences
- Statistics
Psychology is specifically limited to BA Honours Arts (Psychology) under the published programme information.
Students should verify that their exact qualification title appears on the approved list before applying. A qualification that sounds similar to an eligible field may not necessarily be accepted.
Commerce qualifications and unrelated postgraduate programmes should not be assumed to qualify.
FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The current provisional closing date is:
<escape>31 December 2026</escape>
Applications opened on 28 September 2026.
Because the deadline is described as provisional, applicants should check the official application portal for any changes before submitting.
Do not wait until the final day to prepare your application. Obtaining academic records, financial documents and university admission information can take time.
An incomplete application may not be considered, even if it is submitted before the deadline.
Documents You May Need
Applicants should prepare their supporting documents in advance.
The exact compulsory document list must be confirmed on the official application platform.
Commonly requested documents
Depending on the programme’s instructions and your circumstances, you may need:
- Certified copy of your South African identity document.
- Matric certificate or National Senior Certificate results.
- Undergraduate academic transcript.
- Proof of completion of your undergraduate qualification.
- Proof of application, provisional admission or registration for Honours.
- Proof of household income.
- Supporting financial documents for parents or guardians.
- Proof of residence, if requested.
- Additional documents relating to disability or special circumstances, where applicable.
Household income documents
The documents required may differ according to the employment circumstances of your household.
Examples of documents that may be requested include:
| Household situation | Possible supporting document |
|---|---|
| Parent or guardian employed | Recent payslips |
| Parent or guardian unemployed | Affidavit confirming unemployment |
| Self-employed household member | Income affidavit or financial records |
| Business owner | Financial statements or bank statements |
| SASSA grant recipient | Relevant grant confirmation |
These are examples of commonly requested financial evidence, not a substitute for the official document checklist.
Preparing your documents
Before uploading anything:
- Check whether certification is required and how recent it must be.
- Ensure every page is readable.
- Use the file format specified by the application platform.
- Check the maximum file size.
- Use clear filenames.
- Make sure the documents belong to the correct applicant.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
How to Apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027
Applications are submitted online through the official FREF bursary platform administered by Feenix.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official bursary website
Open the official FREF postgraduate bursary page:
Read the programme overview and eligibility criteria before beginning.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
Check that you meet the citizenship, age, academic, household income and study requirements.
Pay particular attention to the requirement for a first full-time Honours qualification.
Step 3: Check your qualification
Confirm that your intended 2027 Honours programme appears on the approved fields-of-study list.
If your qualification title is unclear, contact the programme administrator before submitting.
Step 4: Prepare your supporting documents
Gather your academic records, identity document, university information and household income evidence.
Follow the portal’s instructions regarding document format and file size.
Step 5: Complete the online application
Enter your personal details, academic history, study information and financial information accurately.
Do not leave compulsory sections incomplete.
Step 6: Upload your documents
Attach the requested supporting documents in the specified format.
Check that every file has uploaded successfully and can be opened.
Step 7: Review your application
Before submitting, confirm that:
- Your personal details are correct.
- Your qualification is eligible.
- Your academic results are accurate.
- Your household income information is complete.
- All compulsory documents are attached.
Step 8: Submit and save your confirmation
Submit the application before the closing date.
Save your confirmation and any application link needed to return to your application. Keep your login details private.
OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027
ALSO APPLY FOR: City of Ekurhuleni Community Bursary 2027
Important Things Applicants Should Check
A strong application begins with meeting the actual requirements, not simply submitting as quickly as possible.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Applying for an undergraduate degree instead of Honours.
- Applying for a Master’s qualification.
- Applying for a second Honours qualification.
- Selecting a field that is not approved for 2027.
- Assuming Mathematical Literacy satisfies the Mathematics requirement.
- Miscalculating household income.
- Uploading incomplete academic records.
- Providing incorrect information about university admission.
- Assuming that meeting the minimum criteria guarantees funding.
- Failing to check the application status or respond to requests for additional information.
If your circumstances are unusual, seek clarification from Feenix before submitting.
How to Avoid Bursary Scams
Bursary applicants are often targeted by people who promise funding in exchange for money or personal information.
Protect yourself by following these precautions:
- Apply through the official FREF or Feenix website.
- Do not pay anyone who promises to secure your bursary.
- Never share your banking PIN, password or OTP.
- Avoid application links sent by unknown social media accounts.
- Verify suspicious emails using the official contact information.
- Do not submit sensitive documents through unofficial channels.
- Be cautious of guaranteed-funding claims.
JobLaunch.co.za is an independent careers information publication and is not affiliated with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation or Feenix unless explicitly stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 close?
The current provisional closing date is 31 December 2026. Applicants should verify the deadline on the official Feenix application portal before submitting.
2. Who qualifies for the FREF Bursary 2027?
The programme is intended for eligible South African citizens aged 18–35 who meet the academic and household income requirements and are entering their first full-time Honours qualification in an approved field.
3. Can undergraduate students apply?
The 2027 postgraduate programme is for students pursuing their first Honours qualification. It is not the same as the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation undergraduate bursary.
4. What does the bursary cover?
The programme provides financial assistance and additional student support. Applicants should confirm the exact tuition, accommodation, living support and other funding arrangements through the official portal.
Official Source
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary 2027 is administered in partnership with Feenix.
Applicants should use the following official resources to verify the current requirements and application details:
- Official bursary information: https://bursaries.feenix.org/fref/
- Official application portal: https://bursaries.feenix.org/fref/apply/
- FirstRand Foundation information: https://www.firstrand.co.za/foundations/foundations/
The official programme information should take priority if any details differ from information published by third-party bursary websites.
Final Thoughts
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027 could provide valuable support to eligible graduates planning to pursue their first Honours qualification in selected STEM and Psychology fields.
Before applying, confirm that your qualification is approved, your academic results meet the minimum requirements and your household income falls within the permitted limit.
With the provisional closing date set for 31 December 2026, eligible students should prepare their documents early and submit their applications through the official Feenix platform.
