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FirstRand Bursaries 2027: A Complete Guide for South African Students
The FirstRand Bursaries play an important role in supporting talented South African students pursuing higher education who face financial challenges. Through these bursaries, FirstRand Limited invests in skills development that supports economic growth, transformation, and long-term sustainability in South Africa.
FirstRand Limited is one of the largest financial services groups in the country and includes well-known brands such as First National Bank (FNB), Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), WesBank, and Ashburton Investments. The group offers bursary funding through partnerships with organisations such as the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF), StudyTrust, and Feenix.
These bursaries mainly support students who demonstrate strong academic ability, financial need, and an interest in priority fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), commerce, finance, and sustainable development.
As of February 2026, most applications for the 2026 academic year are closed. However, several FirstRand bursary opportunities for the 2027 academic year are expected to open later in 2026. Applicants are advised to regularly check official platforms, as application dates may change from year to year.
Profile of the FirstRand Bursary Programmes
1. FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarship
The FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarship is one of the most competitive funding opportunities offered by the group. It supports outstanding South African graduates who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD at leading international universities. This scholarship focuses on developing future leaders who will return to South Africa and contribute meaningfully to national development upon completion of their studies.
Benefits of the Scholarship
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel costs
- Accommodation and study-related expenses, such as books
Some awards are linked to specific international institutions, including partnerships with Oxford University, particularly in areas such as African Studies, environmental sustainability, and enterprise development.
Qualification for Selection
- South African citizenship
- An excellent academic record
- Proven leadership potential
- Acceptance or provisional admission from a recognised international university
- A clear commitment to return to South Africa after graduation
The Application Procedure
Applications usually open around October and close by mid-February of the following year. Shortlisting and interviews normally take place between March and May, with final results announced by June. Applications are submitted online through the official FirstRand bursary portal. or at firstrandpgscholarship@firstrand.co.za
The deadline is on 19th February 2026
2. FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) Bursaries
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) provides bursary funding to disadvantaged students through partner organisations. These bursaries aim to improve access to higher education in high-demand fields. Moreover, the foundation enhances students’ employability.
The Undergraduate Scholarship
This bursary mainly supports first-year students enrolling at public universities in South Africa. It also includes recent matriculants who completed their studies within the past few years. The aim is to assist underprivileged young South Africans.
Fields of study may include:
- Commerce and finance
- Science and engineering
- Technology-related degrees
Basic requirements:
- Strong academic performance
- Proven financial need
- Provisional or confirmed admission to a public university
What the scholarship covers
Funding may include tuition fees and, in some cases, accommodation and learning materials.
Application period:
Applications typically open between May and October, depending on the academic cycle.
Applications typically open between May and October, depending on the academic cycle.
The Postgraduate and Honours Scholarship
The postgraduate bursary supports students pursuing Honours or Master’s degrees in priority areas, including statistics, risk management, sustainability, and applied sciences. The aim is to make sure that South Africa has experts in those strategic disciplines.
Coverage includes:
- Tuition fees
- Selected academic-related costs
Applications are submitted through the Feenix bursary platform, with closing dates often around December.
Important Information to Applicants
- Applications are online only through official platforms such as the FirstRand bursary portal, StudyTrust, or Feenix.
- Commonly required documents include a South African ID, academic transcripts, proof of university admission, financial information, and a motivation letter.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interviews or assessments, either online or in person.
- Late or incomplete applications are usually not considered, so early preparation is strongly recommended.
The Reasons FirstRand Scholarships are Useful
FirstRand bursaries do more than cover study costs. They help develop future professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s economy and society. Many beneficiaries also gain access to mentorship, professional networks, and potential career opportunities within the FirstRand Group. By supporting education in priority skills areas, these bursaries contribute to long-term transformation, inclusion, and sustainable development.
The Official Contact Pages
Preparing your documents early and staying informed through official sources can greatly improve your chances of success. These bursaries have helped many students achieve their academic goals and build meaningful careers. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on FirstRand Bursaries for 2027, including application dates and eligibility changes, applicants should visit:
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