If you are a passionate young South African dreaming of pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) — but financial constraints stand in your way — the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026 could be your opportunity to break barriers and build a better future.
- 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
This bursary is specifically designed to uplift orphaned and vulnerable youth, first-generation university students, and those from low-income households who want to access quality tertiary education.
Quick Overview
| Programme | Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Fields Covered | Undergraduate & Postgraduate STEM degrees (No Masters funding) |
| Eligible Institutions | Public universities in South Africa |
| Who Can Apply | First-generation university students aged 18–31 |
| Household Income Limit | Less than R350 000 per year |
| Closing Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Method | Online – Upload all required supporting documents |
About the Tomorrow Trust
The Tomorrow Trust is a highly respected South African non-profit organisation committed to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children throughout their educational journey — from primary school to university and beyond.
Their mission is to develop well-rounded, independent young adults through:
- Holiday & Saturday School Programme (Grade 1–7 and Grade 8–12)
- Tertiary Programme (bursaries & academic support for university students)
- Shift Programme (future-skills training for the modern workplace)
- “I Am Little Wings” Programme (psycho-social support for vulnerable youth)
- Stepping Stones Career Programme (career guidance & development)
- Alumni Programme (networking and empowerment for graduates)
Through these initiatives, the Trust creates a stable pathway for young people to grow, succeed, and uplift their communities.
About the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2026
The Tomorrow Trust invites eligible students to apply for the 2026 bursary, aimed at supporting young South Africans pursuing STEM-related undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications (excluding Masters degrees).
The bursary focuses on:
- Funding first-generation university students
- Supporting financially needy households
- Developing STEM talent for South Africa’s future workforce
- Empowering students through academic and psychosocial support
This bursary is more than financial assistance — it’s a holistic development programme that ensures students thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Tomorrow Trust Bursary 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Citizenship & Age
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be 18–31 years old
Academic Criteria
- Must be in Matric (2025) OR have completed Matric
- Must intend to study or be studying full-time toward an undergraduate or postgraduate STEM degree
- Must be pursuing their first qualification
- Must attend or plan to attend a public university in South Africa
- Masters degrees will NOT be funded
First-Generation University Student Requirement
- Your parents must not hold a degree, except in these cases:
- One parent attended but did not finish university
- Parents funded by employer for a short course/diploma
- Parents earn R350 000 or less per year
- Parents are SASSA recipients (documentation required)
- Parents are self-employed (affidavit + 3 months bank statements)
Funding & Employment Rules
- Must NOT be employed full-time
- Must NOT receive full study funding, including NSFAS
- Partial funding allowed
- Merit awards allowed
- If NSFAS is approved later, you must choose one (bursary OR NSFAS)
- Household income must be below R350 000 per year
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online:
APPLY FOR THE TOMORROW TRUST BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Required Supporting Documents (Certified)
You must upload clear copies of:
- ID document
- Latest Matric results (if currently in Matric)
- Matric certificate (if completed)
- Full academic record (if studying)
- Certificates of completed qualifications (postgraduates only)
- Proof of registration at your university
- Parents/guardians income documents, e.g.:
- Latest payslips
- Affidavit if unemployed
- Bank statements
- SASSA letter (if applicable)
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does the Tomorrow Trust fund TVET College studies?
No. This bursary is strictly for public universities in South Africa.
- Can I apply if I receive partial NSFAS funding?
Yes. Partial funding is allowed — but full NSFAS funding disqualifies you.
- Does the bursary cover postgraduate studies?
Yes — but NOT Masters degrees. Only postgraduate diplomas or Honours-level STEM programmes are eligible.
- What fields are included under STEM?
STEM includes:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- IT
- Data Analytics
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
…and other related disciplines.
- Can someone over 31 apply?
Unfortunately not. The age limit is 18 to 31.
CLOSING DATE: 10 DECEMBER 2025
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 Tomorrow Trust. The information provided is for educational and awareness purposes only. Always verify details on the official Tomorrow Trust website before applying. Requirements and dates may change without notice.
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
