Motsepe Foundation 2027 STEAM Undergraduate Bursary Applications now OPEN
Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027 applications are open to eligible South African students who are looking for financial support for undergraduate studies in 2027. The programme is aimed at academically strong students who can demonstrate financial need, with funding available for selected fields of study. Current information places the application closing date on 16 October 2026.
Important Information
- Bursary: Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027
- Organisation: Motsepe Foundation
- Location: South Africa
- Study Level: Undergraduate/Tertiary Studies
- Closing Date: 16 October 2026
- Minimum Academic Requirement: Average above 70%, subject to the Foundation’s stated exclusions
- Financial Need: Required
- Funding Type: Bursary
- Salary/Stipend: Not applicable
The published 2027 information indicates that the bursary supports selected areas including Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics and certain Humanities disciplines such as Music and LLB.
About the Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027
The Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027 is intended to help academically deserving South African students access higher education where financial circumstances could otherwise make tertiary studies difficult. Academic performance and demonstrated financial need are both important parts of the application process.
For students preparing for university in 2027, the opportunity can provide support towards several major costs associated with studying. Applicants should nevertheless check the current eligibility criteria carefully because the bursary is not designed to cover every qualification or every applicant automatically.
What Does the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Cover?
According to current information about the 2027 programme, successful bursary recipients may receive support for a number of study-related expenses, including:
- Registration fees
- University tuition fees
- University-accredited accommodation
- Books and stationery
- A laptop
- Meal allowance
- Tutor allowance
- Mental wellness support
For students who qualify, this type of support can help reduce some of the financial pressure associated with university. It is important, however, to understand that meeting the minimum requirements does not by itself guarantee that an applicant will receive funding.
Motsepe Foundation Bursary Requirements
Applicants should make sure that they meet the main requirements before beginning the application. The current 2027 information indicates that applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be currently in Grade 12 or have completed Grade 12.
- Have an average pass mark of over 70%, according to the published criteria.
- Meet the Foundation’s rules concerning which subjects are included when calculating the average.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be studying or intending to study towards an eligible undergraduate degree.
- Study or intend to study at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa.
- Select a qualification within one of the supported study areas.
Students should not simply assume that any course will qualify. The Foundation’s current bursary information should be checked to confirm whether a particular qualification is supported.
Academic Requirements
Academic performance is one of the key considerations for this bursary. Current information states that applicants need an average pass mark of over 70%, with the published criteria specifying exclusions from the calculation.
Grade 12 learners should use their official academic results when checking whether they meet the requirement. Students who are already studying should also have their latest academic record available if requested during the application process.
Strong marks are important, but academic performance is not the only consideration. Applicants must also meet the financial-need and other programme requirements.
Financial Need
The Motsepe Foundation Bursary is intended for students who can demonstrate financial need. Applicants may therefore be required to provide information or documentation relating to the income and financial circumstances of their parents or legal guardians.
Students should prepare relevant financial documents in advance rather than waiting until the final days of the application period. Where a family has an unusual or informal income situation, applicants should follow the instructions provided by the Foundation’s application system.
Fields of Study
The 2027 bursary information identifies several areas of study that can be supported. These include:
- Science: Students pursuing eligible Science-related undergraduate qualifications may be considered under the Foundation’s supported study areas.
- Technology: Technology-related studies form part of the programme’s focus, making this relevant to students interested in technology and related careers.
- Engineering: Engineering is among the fields specifically identified in the 2027 bursary information.
- Accounting: Accounting is also included among the supported areas.
- Mathematics: Students pursuing eligible Mathematics-related undergraduate studies can check the current programme criteria to determine whether their qualification qualifies.
- Humanities: The published information specifically identifies Music and LLB within the Humanities category.
- Because funding fields can have specific qualification requirements, applicants should verify their exact course before submitting an application.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity may be relevant to Grade 12 learners planning to enter university in 2027 as well as eligible students who have already completed Matric and are preparing for undergraduate study. The bursary information also indicates a preference for students completing Matric in 2026. Applicants should still review all current criteria rather than relying solely on this preference.
Students who are considering university should also remember that bursary applications and university applications are separate processes. Being eligible to apply for funding does not automatically mean that a student has been admitted to a university.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should prepare their supporting documentation before starting the application. Current information associated with the 2027 bursary lists documents such as:
- Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
- Latest certified academic results or academic transcript.
- Proof of household income.
- A testimonial letter from an appropriate person, where required.
The application process may require additional information, so students should use the official Motsepe Foundation application platform as the final reference for the documents required in their individual circumstances.
How to Prepare Before Applying
A bursary application should be treated as an important application rather than something to complete in a hurry. Students can start by checking their academic average, confirming their intended field of study and gathering the necessary certified documents.
It is also worth checking every section before submitting the application. Names, identity numbers, academic information and contact details should match the supporting documents. Missing information or unclear documents can create unnecessary problems during the application process. Students should also keep copies of documents submitted and retain any confirmation received after completing the application.
Important Note About the Closing Date
The current 2027 bursary information places the closing date at 16 October 2026. The official Motsepe Foundation page is the appropriate place to confirm the application status and final requirements before submission. Applicants should avoid waiting until the closing date to start the process, particularly where certified documents, financial information or testimonial letters are required.
Beware of Bursary Scams
Students should be careful when applying for bursaries online. A legitimate bursary application should not require an applicant to pay an individual who promises to secure funding. The Motsepe Foundation has also used its official social media channels to warn the public about false information concerning its bursaries and to direct applicants to official announcements.
For this reason, students should use the official Motsepe Foundation website and application platform when submitting an application.
About the Motsepe Foundation
The Motsepe Foundation is a South African philanthropic organisation founded by Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The Foundation’s work covers several areas, including higher education, employment and entrepreneurship, community development, gender equality, wellness and leadership, sport and music, and social cohesion.
Education is one of the Foundation’s areas of focus, with its programmes intended to create opportunities and support young people and communities. The Foundation has also highlighted the importance of values including Ubuntu, integrity, excellence, passion and innovation in its work.
Through its higher education initiatives, the Motsepe Foundation provides opportunities aimed at helping students pursue their academic goals. The bursary programme forms part of this broader focus on education and development, giving eligible students an opportunity to seek financial assistance for tertiary studies.
How to Apply
Students who meet the requirements should visit the official Motsepe Foundation bursary page, review the current 2027 criteria and complete the application through the prescribed online process.
Applicants should make sure that the academic, financial and study-field requirements have been checked before submitting the application. The stated closing date is 16 October 2026.
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