If you are a hardworking South African student with strong academic potential but limited financial resources, the PPS Foundation Bursary Programme 2026 could be the opportunity that changes your life. The PPS Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 Bursary Programme, reaffirming its commitment to developing future professionals who will make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s economy and communities.
- 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
In this detailed guide, Edupstairs breaks down everything you need to know about the PPS Foundation Bursary Programme 2026 — from eligibility requirements and required documents to practical application tips and long-term career growth opportunities.
Quick Overview
| Bursary Name | PPS Foundation Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Bursary Provider | PPS Foundation |
| Opening Date | 15 October 2025 |
| Closing Date | 20 December 2025 |
| Who Can Apply | South African students with academic merit & financial need |
| Minimum Academic Average | 65% |
| Household Income Threshold | R1,000,000 or less per annum |
| Funding Type | Merit- and means-tested bursary |
| Application Method | Online application |
| Shortlisting | Based on academic results & financial verification |
What Is the PPS Foundation Bursary Programme?
The PPS Foundation Bursary Programme 2026 is a means-tested bursary aimed at supporting students who:
- Perform well academically
- Come from households with limited financial resources
- Show commitment to completing their studies
- Have the potential to positively impact their communities
The programme recognises that academic talent exists across all socio-economic backgrounds. As such, it prioritises students who have the ability to succeed at tertiary level but lack sufficient financial support to do so independently.
Application Period: Important Dates to Remember
Applicants must take note of the official application timeline:
- Applications Open: 15 October 2025
- Applications Close: 20 December 2025
Late applications are generally not considered, so it is strongly advised that students prepare their documents and apply well before the closing date.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the PPS Foundation Bursary Programme 2026, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- South African Citizenship
You must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.
- Academic Performance
You must have a minimum academic average of 65%. This demonstrates that you are capable of coping with the demands of higher education.
- Household Income Threshold
Your total household income must be R1,000,000 or less per annum. This bursary is designed for students who genuinely need financial assistance.
If you do not meet all three of the above requirements, your application is unlikely to be successful.
Required Supporting Documents
Submitting the correct documents is just as important as meeting the eligibility criteria. Missing or unclear documents can result in automatic disqualification.
- Academic Records
You must upload a full academic transcript or results on an official institutional letterhead, covering your current qualification to date.
- Matriculants / First-Year Applicants:
- Submit preliminary academic results by 20 December 2025
- Final academic transcripts will be requested from shortlisted candidates
- Final results must be submitted by 16 January 2026
- Proof of Household Income
You must provide one of the following, depending on your household situation:
- Payslip(s) of parent(s) or guardian(s) if employed
- Affidavit if parent(s) or guardian(s) are unemployed
- Death certificate(s) if parent(s) or guardian(s) are deceased
All income information must be truthful and verifiable.
- Certified Copy of South African ID
- Clear, certified copy
- Certification must be not older than 3 months
Important Notice on Verification
All information submitted to the PPS Foundation will be strictly verified.
The PPS Foundation reserves the right to withdraw funding if:
- Household income exceeds the stated threshold
- False or misleading information is provided
- Supporting documents are fraudulent or inaccurate
Honesty and transparency are critical when applying for this bursary.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE PPS FOUNDATION BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- 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
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- 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
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
At Edupstairs, we strongly encourage students to treat bursary applications like job applications. Preparation, accuracy, and honesty are key.
Before applying:
- Use a checklist to ensure all documents are ready
- Avoid rushing your application
- Keep copies of everything you submit
- Monitor your email regularly after applying
We also recommend applying for multiple bursaries to increase your chances of funding. Do not rely on a single opportunity.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Receiving the PPS Foundation Bursary can open doors far beyond graduation. Many bursary recipients go on to:
- Complete their qualifications without financial interruptions
- Access professional networks and mentorship opportunities
- Build strong academic and professional profiles
- Enter high-demand industries as skilled graduates
- Progress into leadership and specialist roles
In the long term, bursary support can significantly improve employability, earning potential, and career stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the PPS Foundation Bursary fully funded?
Funding structures may vary. Applicants should carefully review official bursary terms once shortlisted.
Can first-year students apply?
Yes. Matriculants and first-year students may apply using preliminary results.
What happens if my household income changes?
Any changes must be disclosed. Failure to do so may result in funding being withdrawn.
Can I apply if I already receive another bursary?
This depends on the terms of both bursaries. Always disclose existing funding.
Will late applications be accepted?
No. Applications submitted after 20 December 2025 are unlikely to be considered.
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 is an independent youth career and education platform. We are not affiliated with the PPS Foundation. All information provided in this article is based on official announcements and publicly available details at the time of publication. Applicants are advised to verify information directly with the bursary provider.
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
