Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and creating opportunities. In South Africa, many talented students dream of pursuing careers in Information Technology but often face financial barriers that make higher education difficult to access.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 aims to bridge this gap by providing financial assistance to deserving students who wish to build careers in technology-related fields.
Since launching its bursary programme in 2021, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa has focused on supporting students from the “missing middle” income group—families that earn too much to qualify for some financial aid programmes but still struggle to afford university fees.
If you are studying Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering in 2027, this opportunity could help you continue your studies and achieve your career goals.
Quick Overview
- Bursary Provider: Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa
- Programme: CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027
- Application Opening Date: 01 June 2026
- Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Eligible Fields of Study:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizens
- Students entering first to fourth year in 2027
- Honours students (NQF Level 8)
- B Tech students (NQF Level 7)
- Students at registered public or private institutions
- Students from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 annually
Preference Given To:
- Equity candidates
- Financially needy students
- Academically deserving students
Fields of Study Funded
The bursary supports students studying the following qualifications:
Computer Science
Computer Science students learn how to design, develop, and improve software systems, algorithms, databases, and computing solutions.
Potential careers include:
- Software Developer
- Systems Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Artificial Intelligence Specialist
- Machine Learning Engineer
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science.
Career opportunities include:
- Hardware Engineer
- Embedded Systems Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Systems Architect
Software Engineering
Software Engineering focuses on designing, building, testing, and maintaining software applications.
Possible careers include:
- Software Engineer
- Application Developer
- Mobile App Developer
- DevOps Engineer
Information Technology
Information Technology focuses on managing and supporting computer systems and business technology infrastructure.
Career opportunities include:
- IT Administrator
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Cloud Engineer
- Database Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Cisco South Africa Bursary Programme 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
Academic Requirement
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Show the ability to successfully complete their qualification
Financial Need Requirement
Applicants must come from households with a combined annual family income between:
- R350,000 and R600,000 per year
This category is commonly referred to as the “missing middle.”
These are students whose families often earn too much to qualify for full government funding but not enough to comfortably pay university costs.
Study Requirement
Applicants must be:
- First-year students in 2027
- Second-year students in 2027
- Third-year students in 2027
- Fourth-year students in 2027
- B Tech students (NQF Level 7)
- Honours students (NQF Level 8)
Institution Requirement
Students must be accepted or registered at:
- Public universities
- Private higher education institutions
The institution must be registered with the Department of Education.
Equity Consideration
Preference will be given to:
- Students from designated equity groups
- Historically disadvantaged students
What Does the Cisco Bursary Cover?
Although applicants should review the official bursary application guidelines for complete details, bursaries of this nature generally assist with educational expenses such as:
- Tuition fees
- Registration costs
- Prescribed textbooks
- Study-related expenses
The final benefits awarded may differ based on individual circumstances and funding allocations.
Applicants should carefully review the official bursary information before submitting an application.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare certified copies of the following documents before applying:
- South African ID document
- Latest academic results
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter
- Parent or guardian proof of income
- Affidavits where required
- Any additional documents requested during the application process
Having these documents ready can help avoid delays when completing the application.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Read the Application Guidelines
Carefully review all instructions on the bursary application page before starting your application.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Ensure all required documents are:
- Complete
- Certified where necessary
- Clearly scanned
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Fill in all required personal, academic, and financial information accurately on the StudyTrust Platform here
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Submit all requested documentation before the deadline.
Step 5: Submit Before Closing Date
Late applications are generally not considered.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
| Applications Open | 01 June 2026 |
| Applications Close | 30 September 2026 |
| Study Year Funded | 2027 |
Students are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the final days before the deadline.
Related Articles:
Bursary Application Calendar for South African Students: When to Apply and Never Miss a Deadline
How to Prepare for Bursary Interviews: A Complete Guide for South African Students
What Happens After You Apply for a Bursary? Understanding the Selection Process
How to Find Fully Funded Bursaries in South Africa: A Complete Guide for Students
Common Reasons South African Bursary Applications Get Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)
NSFAS vs Bursaries vs Scholarships: What Is the Difference?
How to Write a Professional Student CV for Bursary Applications
How to Write a Winning Bursary Motivational Letter (With Examples)
How to Appeal an NSFAS Application Rejection (Step-by-Step Guide) 2026
How to Create a myNSFAS Account for 2026 Applications
How to Check NSFAS Application Status: A Detailed Guide
How to Apply for NSFAS: A Step-by-Step Application Process
Edupstairs Advice
The Cisco South Africa Bursary Programme is one of the valuable funding opportunities available to students pursuing technology-related qualifications.
If you meet the requirements, do not wait until September to begin your application. Start preparing your supporting documents, update your academic records, and ensure your financial information is ready.
Competition for technology bursaries is often high because IT qualifications are in demand both locally and internationally.
Strong academic performance, a complete application, and accurate supporting documents can improve your chances of success.
Students should also apply for multiple bursaries simultaneously rather than relying on a single funding opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can first-year students apply?
Yes. Students entering their first year in 2027 may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Can students at private institutions apply?
Yes. Students accepted or registered at private institutions registered with the Department of Education may apply.
- Is the bursary only for university students?
No. Eligible students studying at registered public or private higher education institutions may apply.
- What is the income threshold?
The combined annual household income must be between R350,000 and R600,000.
- When is the closing date?
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
- What fields of study are funded?
The bursary funds:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
Have you applied for this opportunity?
Disclaimer
This article is intended to provide information about the CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027. Eligibility requirements, benefits, and application procedures may change at the discretion of the bursary provider. Applicants should always consult the official bursary application information before submitting an application.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY