Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027: Apply for Full Funding

South African learners and students preparing for tertiary education in 2027 have an important funding opportunity to consider through the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme for 2027.

The Motsepe Foundation is inviting eligible students with strong academic results and demonstrated financial need to apply for bursary funding covering selected fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics and Humanities, with Music and LLB specifically included under the supported Humanities fields.

This is potentially substantial financial support. The advertised bursary package includes registration and tuition fees, university-accredited accommodation, books and stationery, a laptop, meal support, tutoring and mental wellness support.

Applicants should, however, pay particular attention to the academic, financial and geographical criteria before applying.

Applications close on 16 October 2026.

Quick Overview: Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027

Details	Information
Bursary	Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme
Academic Year	2027
Organisation	Motsepe Foundation
Opportunity Type	Tertiary education bursary
Academic Requirement	Average above 70%, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language
Financial Requirement	Evidence of financial need
Main Fields	Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting and Maths
Humanities	Music and LLB
Accommodation	University-accredited accommodation included
Laptop	Included
Meals	Meal allowance included
Additional Support	Tutor allowance and mental wellness support
Application Method	Online
Closing Date	16 October 2026

What Is the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme?

The Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme provides educational funding to academically strong students who require financial assistance to continue their studies.

For the 2027 intake, applicants should understand that this is not an unrestricted bursary covering every qualification or every applicant nationally without additional criteria.

The Foundation has identified particular academic fields and geographical areas that applicants need to consider before submitting an application.

Students should therefore check three major questions first:

Do I meet the academic requirement? → Is my field of study supported? → Do I fall within a supported geographical area?

Only after checking these conditions should you start preparing the supporting documentation.

Who Can Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027?

According to the Foundation’s published 2027 bursary criteria, applicants need to satisfy two particularly important requirements.

Academic Performance

Applicants must have an average pass mark of over 70%, excluding:

Life Orientation; and
Home Language.

Students should calculate their academic performance carefully rather than assuming that simply having several subjects above 70% automatically satisfies the criterion.

Use your official academic results when preparing your application.

Financial Need

Applicants must provide evidence of financial need.

This means academic achievement alone is not enough.

The Foundation requires financial information that helps establish the applicant’s household circumstances. Applicants are therefore required to provide proof of income for their parents or legal guardians.

If your family circumstances do not fit neatly into a conventional salary or payslip situation, follow the instructions provided in the official application process and contact the Foundation where clarification is necessary rather than submitting unsupported assumptions.

Fields of Study Supported for 2027

The Motsepe Foundation identifies the following broad study areas:

Science
Technology
Engineering
Accounting
Mathematics
Humanities — specifically Music and LLB

Students who are still deciding which qualification to pursue should use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate South African careers, OFO occupations, SAQA qualifications, NQF levels and possible career-to-qualification connections.

The Explorer currently contains more than 1,500 OFO careers and over 22,000 SAQA qualification records, making it particularly useful when you know the broad field you want to enter but are unsure which qualification could lead there.

Science

Science is a broad academic area and can connect to careers and qualifications involving disciplines such as chemistry, physics, biological sciences and other scientific specialisations.

Because the Foundation uses the broad term Science, applicants should check the official application system carefully when determining whether their exact qualification is accepted.

Do not assume that every qualification containing the word “science” automatically qualifies.

Technology

Technology can encompass a wide range of modern careers and qualifications.

Students considering ICT and technology-related careers can investigate relevant qualifications and occupations through the Career & Qualification Explorer.

You can also explore skills-development pathways in ICT through the Edupstairs SETA Platform, including programmes associated with MICT SETA.

Engineering

Engineering is another major supported area.

Depending on your interests and university admission requirements, engineering pathways can include fields such as:

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mining Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Computer Engineering
and other engineering specialisations.

Before choosing an engineering degree, investigate both the career and the qualification.

Use the Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate engineering occupations and qualifications, and then use the University Explorer to compare university programmes and admission requirements.

Engineering applicants should pay especially close attention to Mathematics, Physical Sciences and APS requirements imposed by universities.

Meeting the Motsepe Foundation bursary’s academic threshold does not automatically mean that you meet the admission requirements for an engineering programme.

Accounting

Accounting students are also included among the supported fields.

Possible career directions associated with accounting and finance can include accounting, auditing, taxation, management accounting and other financial professions, depending on the qualification and professional route followed.

Students interested in this area can also explore the Edupstairs SETA Platform, particularly programmes associated with FASSET, which covers finance, accounting, auditing, taxation and related professional services.

Mathematics

Mathematics is specifically identified as a supported area.

Mathematical study can eventually connect to fields including statistics, data analysis, actuarial work, quantitative finance, research, education and other analytical careers, depending on the qualification pursued.

Use the Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate the qualifications and careers connected to your particular interests.

Law – LLB

The Foundation specifically includes LLB within the Humanities category.

This is an important distinction.

Applicants interested in law should therefore check that the qualification they intend pursuing corresponds with the supported LLB route rather than assuming every programme within the wider humanities or social-science environment qualifies.

Prospective law students can use the University Explorer to investigate universities, programmes and admission requirements.

Students interested in the broader legal and justice sector can also investigate SASSETA through the SETA Platform.

Music

Music is the other Humanities field specifically identified in the published criteria.

Prospective music students should check the admission requirements of their chosen university carefully because some music programmes may involve additional selection processes, practical assessments, auditions or programme-specific requirements.

What Does the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Cover?

One of the strongest features of this bursary is the breadth of support advertised.

Registration and Tuition Fees

The bursary covers registration and tuition fees.

For students from financially constrained households, this addresses two of the largest direct costs associated with university study.

University-Accredited Accommodation

The bursary also provides for university-accredited accommodation fees.

Applicants should pay attention to the word “accredited.”

Do not assume that any private room, flat or residence you independently select will automatically qualify for payment.

Successful students should follow the accommodation conditions communicated by the bursary provider and their institution.

Books and Stationery

Funding includes books and stationery.

These costs can become substantial, particularly in programmes requiring specialised textbooks, technical material or other academic resources.

Laptop

A laptop is also included in the advertised support.

For university students, access to a suitable computer is increasingly essential for online learning systems, assignments, research, academic communication and assessments.

Meal Allowance

The bursary includes a meal allowance.

Applicants who eventually receive funding should rely on the terms of their bursary award for the precise payment arrangements and conditions.

Tutor Allowance

An unusually useful component is the tutor allowance.

Financial support can help a student enter university, but academic support can be equally important once the student encounters demanding first-year and subsequent coursework.

Mental Wellness Support

The Foundation also lists mental wellness support.

This means the advertised package extends beyond direct academic fees and incorporates an element of student wellbeing support.

Documents Required for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary

Applicants should begin collecting their supporting documentation before starting the final submission.

The published requirements include:

Certified ID copy of the applicant
Certified ID copies of parents or legal guardians
Certified copy of the latest academic transcript or results
Proof of income for both parents or legal guardians
Testimonial letter from a principal, religious leader or traditional leader

Check every scanned document before uploading it.

The text, certification stamps, signatures, ID numbers and academic results should be clearly readable.

The Testimonial Letter Is Important

Applicants should not leave the testimonial letter until the last minute.

The Foundation asks for a testimonial from a:

principal;
religious leader; or
traditional leader.

Contact the appropriate person early enough to allow them time to prepare the document.

Do not manufacture or alter a testimonial letter. All documents submitted as part of a bursary application should accurately reflect your circumstances.

Supported Areas for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary

The 2027 bursary information identifies supported areas across South Africa.

Limpopo

Sekhukhune
Capricorn
Vhembe
Mopani

Students in Limpopo can also investigate institutions and programmes through the University Explorer and vocational alternatives through the TVET College Explorer.

Free State

Thabo Mofutsanyana
Mangaung

Free State students should also consider the Free State Provincial Government Full Time Bursary Programme 2027 where they meet its separate requirements.

KwaZulu-Natal

Umgungundlovu
Ethekwini
King Cetshwayo

KwaZulu-Natal students interested specifically in Economics can additionally investigate the KZN EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme 2027.

Eastern Cape

OR Tambo
Nelson Mandela Bay
Buffalo City

Mpumalanga

Bushbuckridge
Mbombela
Kwamhlanga

North West

Mmakau
Madibeng
Bojanala

Gauteng

Tshwane
Ekurhuleni
Johannesburg
Sedibeng

Western Cape

Khayelitsha
Mitchells Plain

Northern Cape

John Taole
Frances Baard

Applicants should use the Foundation’s official application process as the final authority on geographical eligibility, particularly where the published area name may cover a district, municipality, community or designated catchment area.

Find a University for 2027

The Motsepe Foundation bursary application should form only one part of your 2027 education plan.

If you have not yet finalised where you want to study, use the Edupstairs University Explorer to research South African universities, programmes, APS requirements, subject requirements and application information.

The University Explorer currently brings together information across South African universities and is designed to help students move from:

Career → Qualification → University → Admission → Funding

Remember that applying for a bursary is not the same thing as applying for university admission.

You should complete your university applications separately.

What About TVET College Students?

The Motsepe Foundation’s advertised fields and funding information should not be interpreted as confirmation that every TVET College programme qualifies for this particular bursary.

Applicants should use the Foundation’s application criteria to determine whether their specific qualification and institution are supported.

However, students considering technical and vocational education can use the Edupstairs TVET College Explorer to investigate South Africa’s 50 public TVET Colleges, their programmes, campuses, admission information and 2027 application resources.

You can also read the Edupstairs guide to TVET College applications for 2027 if you are still looking for a place to study.

Explore SETA Funding and Skills Opportunities

A university bursary should never be the only opportunity you investigate.

The Edupstairs SETA Platform brings together all 21 South African SETAs and more than 1,000 programme records across different industries.

Depending on your field, you can investigate:

bursaries and funding;
learnerships;
apprenticeships;
Work Integrated Learning;
occupational qualifications;
internships; and
skills programmes.

This can be particularly useful if you do not receive a university bursary or if your eventual career requires workplace training in addition to academic study.

Apply for NSFAS for 2027 as Well

Eligible students should not depend on one bursary application.

The Edupstairs NSFAS Applications for 2027 guide explains the current funding process for qualifying students planning to study at public universities and TVET Colleges.

Submitting a Motsepe Foundation bursary application does not automatically constitute an NSFAS application, and submitting an NSFAS application does not constitute a Motsepe Foundation application.

Treat them as separate funding processes and follow the rules applicable to each.

Latest Bursaries to Apply for on Edupstairs

Students looking for 2027 funding should consider applying for several legitimate bursaries for which they qualify rather than relying on a single application.

Here are some of the latest bursary opportunities published on Edupstairs:

South African Geomatics Council Bursary 2027

Students pursuing Geomatics, Land Surveying, Engineering Surveying, GIS, Mine Surveying, Geoinformatics and related spatial-science qualifications can investigate the South African Geomatics Council Bursary Programme 2027.

ISFAP Bursary 2027

Students requiring university funding, particularly those within South Africa’s “missing middle”, should investigate the ISFAP Bursary 2027. ISFAP has its own financial, academic, institution and qualification requirements.

Magalies Water Bursary 2027

Engineering and science students can investigate the Magalies Water Bursary Programme 2027, which supports fields including Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering, Water Care, Chemistry, Biotechnology/Microbiology and ICT.

KZN EDTEA Economics Bursary 2027

KwaZulu-Natal students planning to pursue undergraduate Economics can investigate the KZN EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme 2027.

Harmony Gold Bursary 2027

Students interested in mining and engineering can also read about the Harmony Gold Mine Bursary Programme 2027, which includes fields such as Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geology, Survey and Planning and Extractive Metallurgy.

Free State Provincial Government Bursary 2027

Eligible Free State youth can investigate the Free State Provincial Government Full Time Bursary Programme 2027, which supports priority Degree and Diploma study areas.

How to Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027

Applications are completed through the Motsepe Foundation’s official bursary platform.

Before beginning, prepare:

your certified ID copy;
certified parent/guardian ID copies;
latest certified academic results or transcript;
proof of household income; and
testimonial letter.

Then carefully complete all required information on the application system.

Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027

Apply through the official Motsepe Foundation Bursary page

Applicants should use the clean official Motsepe Foundation page above rather than relying on social-media tracking links.

Closing Date

Applications close on 16 October 2026.

Do not wait until 16 October to start gathering documents.

Certified copies, proof of income and a testimonial letter may take time to obtain.

Continue Researching More Pathways

Before leaving Edupstairs, continue planning your study and funding journey:

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

Edupstairs Advice to Applicants

A strong bursary strategy is not simply to submit as many applications as possible.

It is to submit complete, accurate applications to programmes for which you genuinely qualify.

For the Motsepe Foundation bursary, check your application in this order:

Academic average → Financial need → Supported field → Supported area → University/qualification → Required documents → Application

If one of those elements is unclear, verify it before submitting.

Applicants should also continue applying for university admission and other legitimate funding opportunities while waiting for bursary outcomes.

Do not abandon your NSFAS application because you have applied for a private bursary, unless the relevant funding rules specifically require you to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Motsepe Foundation Bursary open for 2027?

Yes. The Foundation has published bursary criteria for the 2027 academic year.

When does the Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027 close?

Applications close on 16 October 2026.

What academic average do I need?

The published criterion requires an average pass mark of over 70%, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language.

Do I need to demonstrate financial need?

Yes. Evidence of financial need is one of the stated bursary criteria.

What fields does the Motsepe Foundation support?

The listed areas are Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Maths and Humanities, with Music and LLB specifically identified within Humanities.

Does the bursary pay university fees?

Yes. Registration and tuition fees are included in the advertised funding coverage.

Does it cover accommodation?

Yes. The published funding coverage includes university-accredited accommodation fees.

Does the bursary provide a laptop?

Yes. Books and stationery support includes a laptop according to the published 2027 information.

Is there a meal allowance?

Yes. A meal allowance is included.

Does it offer academic support?

Yes. A tutor allowance is included among the listed benefits.

Does it provide mental-health support?

The Foundation lists mental wellness support as part of the bursary coverage.

What documents do I need?

Applicants are asked for certified ID copies for themselves and their parents/legal guardians, certified latest academic results or transcripts, proof of parental/guardian income and a testimonial letter from a principal, religious leader or traditional leader.

Where do I apply?

Apply through the official Motsepe Foundation Bursary page.

Should I still apply for NSFAS?

If you meet the NSFAS criteria, it is sensible to investigate and complete that process separately. Read the Edupstairs NSFAS 2027 funding guide for guidance.

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

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Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not the Motsepe Foundation and does not administer, receive, shortlist, approve or award Motsepe Foundation bursaries.

This article is an independent Edupstairs Opportunity Explainer based primarily on the Motsepe Foundation’s published 2027 bursary information supplied for this article and the Foundation’s official bursary page, together with additional Edupstairs education, qualification, career and funding research.

Applicants should use the official Motsepe Foundation bursary platform as the final authority regarding eligibility, supported study fields, geographical eligibility, required documentation, funding coverage, selection and application procedures.

Never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you a Motsepe Foundation bursary, university admission, NSFAS funding or preferential selection.

Editorial Integrity

The over-70% academic criterion, exclusion of Life Orientation and Home Language from the stated average, financial-need requirement, supported fields, listed geographical areas, funding coverage, supporting-document requirements and 16 October 2026 closing date reported in this article come from the Motsepe Foundation 2027 bursary information provided for this article and checked against the Foundation’s current bursary page.

Information concerning careers, qualifications, universities, TVET Colleges, SETAs, NSFAS and other bursaries is additional Edupstairs guidance intended to help applicants plan their education and funding journey. These Edupstairs resources should not be interpreted as additional Motsepe Foundation eligibility requirements.

Official application: Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027

Closing date: 16 October 2026.

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