The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has officially opened applications for its highly sought-after External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary is aimed at academically talented South African students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue studies in critical and scarce skills fields that contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and development.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply
For many young South Africans, funding remains one of the biggest barriers to accessing higher education. The IDC Bursary Programme helps bridge that gap by covering key study-related expenses and enabling deserving students to focus on their academic success.
If you are a matric learner planning to study in 2027, or a current undergraduate student studying in one of the approved fields, this opportunity could provide the financial support you need to achieve your career goals.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
| Programme | IDC External Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Organisation | Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) |
| Opening Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Closing Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Location | South Africa |
| Funding Type | Full Study Bursary |
| Age Requirement | Not older than 26 years |
| Citizenship | South African citizens only |
| Household Income | Up to R350 000 preferred; up to R600 000 may be considered |
| Institution Type | Public Universities and Universities of Technology |
| Qualification Level | Undergraduate and First Qualification |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
The Industrial Development Corporation is one of South Africa’s leading development finance institutions. Established in 1940, the IDC plays a significant role in promoting industrial growth, economic development, job creation, entrepreneurship, and investment across various sectors of the economy.
Through initiatives such as its bursary programme, the IDC invests in developing the country’s future professionals, engineers, scientists, accountants, economists, legal experts, and technology specialists.
The bursary programme aligns with South Africa’s national development goals by helping students gain qualifications in fields where there is a high demand for skilled professionals.
Fields of Study Funded by the IDC Bursary 2027
The IDC supports a wide range of qualifications aligned with national development priorities.
Engineering Fields
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgy Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Quantity Surveying
Science and Technology Fields
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physics
- Biotechnology
- Geology
- Environmental Science
- Bachelor of Science Programmes
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Information Science
- Information Technology
- BCom Information Systems
Agricultural Studies
- Agricultural Studies
- Agriculture-related qualifications
Finance and Commerce Fields
- Accounting (CA)
- Financial Management
- Internal Audit
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Investment Management
- Risk Management
- Finance Studies
- Economics
- Econometrics
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Engineering
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
Supply Chain and Logistics
- Transport Management
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
Law Qualifications
- BCom Law (Commercial Law)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Diploma Law Studies
- Postgraduate Law Qualifications
Quantitative Fields
- Actuarial Science
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the IDC External Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Possess a valid South African ID document
- Be unemployed
Age Requirement
Applicants must:
- Not be older than 26 years
Academic Requirements
Current Matric Learners
2026 Grade 12 learners must submit:
- Grade 11 final results
- June 2026 Grade 12 results
Preference will be given to learners with:
- A minimum APS of 75%
Current University Students
Applicants currently studying must:
- Achieve at least a 65% average in their latest academic results
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 60% throughout the bursary period
Institution Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be admitted or planning to study at a South African public university or university of technology
- Study full-time
Financial Need Requirement
The bursary is intended primarily for students from financially disadvantaged households.
Preference is given to applicants whose:
- Combined household income is R350 000 per annum or less
However:
- Applicants from households earning between R350 000 and R600 000 annually may still be considered
- An affordability assessment will be conducted
Preference Criteria
The IDC applies a weighting system during the selection process.
Additional consideration is given to:
- Students living with disabilities
- Learners from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools
- Learners from rural communities
- Students from historically disadvantaged communities
- Academically strong candidates
- Applicants demonstrating financial need
What Expenses Does the IDC Bursary Cover?
The IDC bursary offers substantial financial support.
Successful bursary recipients may receive funding for:
Tuition Fees
- Full registration fees
- Full tuition fees
- Examination fees where applicable
Accommodation
- University residence accommodation
- University-accredited off-campus accommodation
Learning Support
- Laptop (once-off allocation)
- Academic resources
Living Expenses
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
This comprehensive funding package allows students to focus on their studies without worrying about major educational expenses.
Qualifications That Will Not Be Funded
Applicants should note that:
- Second qualifications are not funded
- Most postgraduate qualifications are not funded
The bursary primarily supports:
- First undergraduate qualifications
Exceptions for Postgraduate Funding
Honours-level funding may be considered only for:
- Law Qualifications
- Accounting (CA)
- Actuarial Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload clear copies of all mandatory supporting documents.
Personal Documents
- Recently certified South African ID copy (not older than 3 months)
- Recently certified proof of residence
Academic Documents
- 2026 mid-year results or latest academic results
- Matric certificate (if already completed)
- Grade 11 final results and June 2026 results for current matric learners
Parents or Guardians Financial Documents
Where applicable:
- Latest payslips
- Three months’ bank statements
- Affidavit for unemployed parents
- Six months’ bank statements for self-employed parents
- SASSA grant confirmation letter
- Death certificates if parents are deceased
- Certified copies of parents’ IDs
- Divorce certificate if parents are divorced
- Sworn statement if parents are separated
Failure to submit complete supporting documentation may result in disqualification.
How to Apply for the IDC Bursary 2027
Applications must be submitted online.
Applicants should:
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Complete the interview questionnaire
- Ensure all information is accurate and complete
- Submit before the closing date
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
APPLY FOR THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (IDC) BURSARY PROGRAMME 2027 HERE
Contact Details
For bursary-related enquiries:
Noluthando Baepi: Tel: 011 269 3374
Email:
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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
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How to Find Fully Funded Bursaries in South Africa: A Complete Guide for Students
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Edupstairs Advice
The IDC Bursary is one of the strongest bursary opportunities currently available for South African students pursuing scarce skills qualifications. Because the programme receives thousands of applications annually, candidates should focus on submitting a complete application package with clear supporting documents and strong academic results.
Do not wait until September to apply. Start gathering financial documents, certified copies, academic records, and supporting evidence as early as possible. Many applications are rejected simply because documents are incomplete or unclear.
Students from rural areas, Quintile 1–3 schools, and financially constrained households are strongly encouraged to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can TVET students apply?
The bursary specifically requires applicants to study at public universities or universities of technology. Applicants should verify their qualification eligibility before applying.
- Can postgraduate students apply?
Generally, no. Only selected postgraduate fields such as Law, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Statistics may be considered.
- Can students older than 26 apply?
No. Applicants must not be older than 26 years.
- What is the minimum academic requirement?
Matric applicants should have an APS of at least 75%, while tertiary students should have a minimum average of 65%.
- Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. The bursary covers university accommodation and accredited off-campus accommodation.
- Does the bursary provide a laptop?
Yes. Successful students may receive a laptop as a once-off benefit.
- When will successful applicants be notified?
Successful applicants will be contacted via email after the selection process has been completed.
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Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Applicants should verify all requirements, eligibility criteria, funding conditions, and application procedures directly with the Industrial Development Corporation before applying.
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