If you are a young person living in the Free State with big dreams of studying at a university or TVET college but worried about finances — this is your moment.
The Free State Provincial Government (Office of the Premier) is officially inviting unemployed youth aged 18–35 to apply for the 2026 Full-Time Bursary Programme. This funding opportunity covers full-time studies in a wide range of scarce and critical skills fields needed within the province.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
Whether you’re a current Grade 12 learner, already enrolled at a higher education institution, or recently accepted for your 2026 academic year — this bursary could be your bridge to a future you deserve.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Free State Provincial Government Full-Time Bursary 2026 |
| Who Can Apply? | SA citizens, Free State residents, unemployed youth aged 18–35 |
| Fields Covered | 30+ scarce & critical skills (Nursing, Engineering, IT, Data Science, Agriculture, Medicine, Social Work, Education & more) |
| Funding Covers | Registration, tuition, accommodation, meals, books, study materials, special equipment |
| Household Income Limit | Below R600 000 per annum |
| Closing Date | 16 January 2026 @ 16:00 |
| Application Method | Submit required documents physically at 124 Nelson Mandela Drive (Brahman Building) or Thusong Centres |
| Contact | bursariesfs@fspremier.gov.za |
About the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme
The bursary programme is a flagship initiative driven by the Office of the Premier, Free State Province, aimed at empowering young people who want to study full-time at an accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI).
The programme focuses on addressing critical skills shortages across the province by funding qualifications that directly contribute to economic growth, service delivery improvement, and future employability.
The bursary is specifically designed for:
- Financially needy students
- High-performing learners and university students
- Youth with no access to other sponsorships
According to the bursary guidelines, the province reserves the right to determine the number of bursaries annually based on the available budget
Who Should Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African Citizen
This bursary is strictly for South African nationals.
- Must be a Free State Resident
Proof of residence is required (e.g., municipal account or affidavit) as per page 1 of the document
- Age Requirement: 18–35
The programme specifically targets unemployed youth.
- Household Income Must Be Below R600 000 Per Year
Proof of income is required, such as:
- Salary advice
- Affidavit
- SARS ITR12
- SASSA proof
- Must Not Have Other Funding
No double dipping. If you already have a bursary or sponsorship, your application will be automatically disqualified.
- Must Have Been Accepted or Be Studying at an Accredited HEI
You must attach an acceptance letter or proof of registration.
- Academic Requirements
- Current Grade 12 learners must submit September results.
- University students must attach a recent academic transcript.
- Priority is given to financially needy but academically strong applicants.
- Persons with Disabilities Are Encouraged to Apply
Accessible equipment and support may be provided upon request and recommendation from the HEI Disability Office.
Fields of Study Funded (Scarce & Critical Skills)
The bursary covers 33 priority study fields, including:
Health & Medical Sciences
- MBChB (Medicine)
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography / Radiation Therapy
- Nuclear Medicine
- Dietetics
- Medical Orthotics & Prosthetics
- Emergency Medical Care
Engineering & Built Environment
- Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Mining, Nuclear, Architectural Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Structural / Quantity Surveying
- Construction Management
- Town & Regional Planning
- GIS
- Disaster Management
- Occupational Health & Safety
Information Technology & Digital Skills
- Cyber Security
- Software Development
- Network Systems
- Artificial Intelligence Techniques
- Robotics
- Information Security
- Information Resource Management
- Data Science, Analytics, Business Analytics
Human & Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Psychology (Bachelor, Honours, Masters in Clinical Psychology)
- Community Development
- Publicity & Marketing
- General Arts & Social Studies
Education
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Accounting
- Early Childhood Development
Commerce & Finance
- Actuarial Science
- Economics
- Development Studies
- Finance
- Supply Chain Management
- Fraud Investigation (Forensic Auditing)
- Internal Auditing
- Risk Management
- Investment Management
Agriculture
- Agriculture
- Veterinary Science
- Soil Science
- Pasture Science
This is one of the most comprehensive bursary lists offered by a provincial government.
What the Bursary Covers
According to page 4, the bursary provides full financial support, including:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- On-campus or accredited accommodation
- Meals
- Books and study materials
- Special equipment required for your field of study
- Special equipment/support for disabled students (case-by-case)
This means students can focus on studying without worrying about finances.
Required Documents (Checklist Summary)
You must submit a complete application, including the following key documents:
Compulsory Attachments
- Certified copy of applicant ID
- Certified matric results or academic record
- Acceptance letter from the university/TVET college
- Proof of residence
- Certified proof of income (parents/guardian/spouse)
- 3-month bank statements
- SASSA proof (if applicable)
- Affidavits for unemployment, single parenthood, or guardianship
- Death certificates (if orphaned)
- CIPC documents and tax certificate for self-employed parents
- Curriculum plan
- Confirmation from banks regarding parent/guardian account status
- Proof of NSFAS status (if applicable)
- Signed declaration
IMPORTANT:
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Step 1 — Collect an Application Form
Forms are available at:
- Office of the Premier (FSTDI & OR Tambo Building)
- Thusong Centres
- Free State Government Facebook Page
- University of the Free State / Central University of Technology
- Or Download the application form here
Step 2 — Prepare All Required Documents
Ensure everything is certified and up to date.
Step 3 — Submit Your Application
Hand-deliver documents to:
124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein (Brahman Building)
or submit at Thusong Centres.
Step 4 — Wait for Feedback
If you do not receive feedback within 4 months, consider your application unsuccessful
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
Edupstairs Advice
Here’s how to increase your chances:
- Apply Early — Don’t Wait for January
Government bursaries get extremely busy just before the deadline.
- Make Sure ALL Documents Are Certified
Expired, missing, or uncertified documents = automatic rejection.
- Choose a Scarce Skill You Are Good At
Don’t pick a field just because it’s funded — pick one matching your strengths.
- Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Explain:
- Why you selected the course
- Your financial need
- Your long-term goals
- How you will give back to your community
- Keep Copies of Everything
You may need them for future correspondence.
- Use Edupstairs Tools to Prepare
- Scholarship Motivation Letter Generator
- Career Personality Test
- TVET College Eligibility Checker
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
This bursary sets you up for careers with strong demand and high employability such as:
- Medical Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, Radiographer
- Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineer
- Data Scientist, Cyber Security Specialist, AI Engineer
- Teacher (Maths, Science, Accounting, ECD)
- Town Planner, GIS Specialist, Quantity Surveyor
- Actuary, Economist, Auditor, Investment Analyst
- Agricultural Scientist or Veterinarian
Because the bursary prioritises scarce skills, graduates are more likely to secure employment quickly — and some may even qualify for internships within provincial departments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I apply if I am already studying?
Yes — if you are enrolled full-time and meet the requirements.
- I have NSFAS. Can I apply?
No. You cannot have another sponsor. This results in automatic disqualification.
- Must documents be certified?
Yes — certified copies are compulsory.
- What if my parents are unemployed?
Submit an affidavit + 6-month bank statement + SARS ITR12.
- Does the bursary pay for off-campus accommodation?
Only if recommended by the HEI and approved by the bursary office.
- Can I change my course after being funded?
Not unless major modules overlap and approval is granted.
- How long does it take to receive feedback?
Up to 4 months after the closing date.
- Can I work while studying?
No. Full-time employment during studies is not allowed.
- Are disabled applicants supported?
Yes — assistive devices may be funded on a case-by-case basis.
- Is the bursary renewable each year?
Yes — provided you pass and meet all contractual obligations.
CLOSING DATE: 16 JANUARY 2026
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
Disclaimer
Edupstairs does not represent the Free State Provincial Government or any of its departments. All information in this article is sourced directly from the official bursary document provided by the Office of the Premier and is published for informational and educational purposes only.
While we strive to keep all opportunities accurate and up to date, details such as requirements, closing dates, and application processes may change at any time without notice. Applicants are strongly encouraged to:
- Verify all information with the official issuing authority.
- Contact the Free State Bursary Office directly for the latest updates.
- Ensure all documents are correctly completed and submitted on time.
Edupstairs is not responsible for the outcome of any application, missed deadlines, or changes made by the bursary provider. Applying for this bursary is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE