Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027: Requirements and Application

Meta description: Learn about the Motsepe Foundation Bursary, including eligibility, supported study fields, funding benefits, required documents and the official application portal.

What Is the Motsepe Foundation Bursary?

If you have strong academic results but your family cannot afford the cost of university, the Motsepe Foundation Bursary may be an option to investigate. The Foundation’s 2027 STEAM Undergraduate Bursary supports eligible South African students with financial need who meet the academic, study-field and geographical requirements. The advertised 2027 application deadline was 16 October 2026, which has passed; check the Foundation’s official website for any updated announcement or future application round.

The Motsepe Foundation is a South African philanthropic organisation founded by Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. Its work includes higher education, community development, employment and entrepreneurship, gender equality, wellness, leadership, sports and social cohesion. Through its higher-education programmes, the Foundation aims to help academically capable students access tertiary education.

Who Qualifies for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary?

The requirements for the 2027 undergraduate programme include academic achievement, financial need and residence in one of the areas listed in the application information.

Applicants should check whether they meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must meet the programme’s South African citizenship requirements.
Academic performance: The published requirement is an average pass mark of more than 70%, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language.
Financial need: You must provide evidence of your financial circumstances.
Study level: The programme is for eligible undergraduate degree studies, subject to the current rules.
Academic status: The 2027 call included qualifying current matric learners and recent matric graduates. Check the official criteria for the precise matric years and university-study status accepted.
Geographical eligibility: Applicants must meet the residence requirements for the listed areas.
Institution: Your intended institution and qualification must be eligible under the programme.

Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee funding. Applicants should use the Foundation’s own pre-screening and application process to confirm eligibility.

Which Fields of Study Does the Bursary Support?

The 2027 call focuses on STEAM and selected humanities fields. The published areas of study include:

Science
Technology
Engineering
Accounting
Mathematics
Music
Law (LLB)

This does not mean every qualification within these broad areas will automatically qualify. Check the application form’s list of supported faculties and qualifications before applying.

Which Areas Are Included?

The 2027 application information identifies selected districts and communities across South Africa. These include:

Limpopo: Sekhukhune, Capricorn, Vhembe and Mopani
Free State: Thabo Mofutsanyana and Mangaung
KwaZulu-Natal: Umgungundlovu, eThekwini and King Cetshwayo
Eastern Cape: OR Tambo, Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City
Mpumalanga: Bushbuckridge, Mbombela and KwaMhlanga
North West: Mmakau, Madibeng and Bojanala
Gauteng: Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Sedibeng
Western Cape: Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain
Northern Cape: John Taolo Gaetsewe and Frances Baard

Confirm the exact geographic rules with the Foundation. A district name or nearby suburb may not be enough to establish eligibility if the programme applies a more specific residence requirement.

What Does the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Cover?

The published 2027 funding package includes several costs associated with undergraduate study:

University registration fees
Tuition fees
University-accredited accommodation
Books and stationery, including a laptop
A meal allowance
A tutor allowance
Mental wellness support

The Foundation’s funding package is designed to assist with more than tuition alone. However, applicants should read the award terms carefully to understand which expenses are approved, how payments are arranged and whether any limits apply. Do not assume that all personal or travel expenses will be covered.

Documents Required for an Application

Applicants should prepare the documents specified by the official application process. Published guidance lists items such as:

A certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID
Certified ID copies for parents or legal guardians, where requested
A certified copy of the latest academic results or transcript
Proof of income for the parent or parents or legal guardian, as required
A testimonial letter from a school principal, religious leader or traditional leader
Any other documents requested during pre-screening or the online application

Make sure your documents are readable and contain consistent personal details. The online portal may specify additional documents according to your circumstances.

How to Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary

Applications are handled through the Foundation’s online student portal.

Visit the official website: Go to www.motsepefoundation.org.
Open the bursary information: Find the higher-education or bursary section and review the latest announcement.
Complete pre-screening: New applicants are required to complete and pass the bursary pre-screening before creating an account.
Create your student account: Follow the instructions provided by the official portal.
Upload the required documents: Submit the academic results, identity documents, proof of financial need and any required testimonial.
Review your information: Check every section before submitting.
Monitor updates: Use the portal and the contact details published by the Foundation to follow up on your application.

Official student portal: https://www.motsepefoundation.org/student-portal

Only use application links reached through the Foundation’s official website. Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee your selection or request your personal information through an unverified link.

Is the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Still Open for 2027?

The published closing date for the 2027 STEAM Undergraduate Bursary was 16 October 2026. As that date has passed, applicants should not assume that the 2027 application window is still open.

Visit the official Motsepe Foundation website or student portal to check for any extension, late-application notice or future funding round. If no updated announcement is available, prepare for the next opportunity and monitor the Foundation’s official channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Motsepe Foundation fund all undergraduate courses?

No. The 2027 programme focused on selected fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics and the specified humanities fields of Music and LLB. Confirm that your exact qualification is eligible.

What average do I need?

The published academic requirement is an average above 70%, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language. The Foundation’s pre-screening process should be used to confirm how your average is assessed.

Does the bursary cover accommodation and books?

The published funding package includes university-accredited accommodation, books and stationery, including a laptop. Meal support, tutor support and mental wellness support are also listed. The final award terms determine the benefits available to each recipient.

Can students from any part of South Africa apply?

The 2027 call listed specific eligible districts and communities. Applicants must check the geographical requirements rather than assume that residence anywhere in South Africa qualifies.

Can I still apply for the 2027 bursary?

The published closing date was 16 October 2026, so the deadline has passed. Check the official Foundation website and student portal for any extension or updated announcement.

Where can I find the official application portal?

Visit the Motsepe Foundation student portal. New applicants should complete the required pre-screening before creating an account.

Final Advice for Students

The Motsepe Foundation Bursary can help eligible students meet university costs, but applicants need to satisfy more than the academic requirement. Confirm your financial eligibility, residence, study field and university requirements, and make sure you understand which expenses the bursary covers.

Because the advertised 2027 deadline has passed, check for an official update before attempting to apply. You can also explore other opportunities through our guide to bursaries in South Africa, read about the NSFAS application process, or learn how to check your NSFAS application status.

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Official Sources

Disclaimer

mynsfas.org.za is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the Motsepe Foundation, NSFAS or nsfas.org.za. We publish information to help students understand bursaries, funding opportunities and application processes. Information may change, so readers should verify eligibility, deadlines, funding benefits and application requirements through official foundation, government or institutional channels. This website is for informational purposes only and does not replace official guidance.

Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027: Requirements, Funding and How to Apply