FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2027: Requirements and Closing Date

Meta description: Learn about the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary 2027, including Honours eligibility, approved fields, funding benefits and how to apply online.

What Is the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary?

If you have completed your undergraduate degree and want to pursue an Honours qualification but cannot afford the costs, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) Postgraduate Bursary may help you continue your studies. The 2027 programme supports eligible students from under-resourced communities who are applying for their first full-time Honours degree in selected fields at recognised South African public universities. Applications opened on 28 September 2026, and the published provisional closing date is 31 December 2026.

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation works with Feenix to provide financial assistance alongside additional student support. The programme aims to help talented students overcome financial barriers, complete their qualifications and develop the skills needed to contribute to South Africa’s economy. It focuses on selected science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related fields, with Psychology included under a specific Honours qualification.

Who Qualifies for the FREF Bursary 2027?

Applicants must meet the programme’s academic, financial, age and study requirements. The published eligibility criteria include:

Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen.
Eligibility group: You must meet the programme’s criteria for Black South African applicants, as defined in the bursary information.
Age: You must be between 18 and 35 years old as at 31 December 2027.
Study level: You must be applying for your first full-time Honours degree in 2027.
Academic results: You need an overall undergraduate average of at least 60%.
Mathematics: You must have achieved at least 60% in National Senior Certificate Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy does not meet this requirement.
Household income: Your combined household income must be R700,000 or less per year.
Institution: You must meet the admission requirements for an eligible South African public university.
Financial need: The programme targets students from under-resourced communities who require financial assistance.
Other funding: The bursary rules do not allow recipients to receive duplicate funding for the same studies. You must disclose other funding you have received or secured.

Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a bursary. Complete applications are subject to screening, verification, selection and the availability of funding.

Which Fields of Study Are Funded?

The 2027 FREF Postgraduate Bursary supports approved fields at Honours level. The published list includes:

Actuarial Science
Agricultural Sciences
Biosciences
Climate Sciences
Computer Science
Data Science
Electronics
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Information Management
Information Science
Information Systems
Information Technology
Mathematical Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Renewable Energy
Risk
Sciences
Statistics
BA Honours Arts (Psychology)

Important: Psychology is limited to the specified BA Honours Arts (Psychology) qualification. Commerce-related qualifications are not eligible under the published programme criteria. Check the official application page to confirm that your exact degree is included.

What Does the FREF Bursary Cover?

The bursary offers financial support and additional services designed to help students complete their Honours studies. The published benefits include:

Full tuition fees
Accommodation support, up to the applicable programme threshold
A monthly travel or living allowance loaded onto a Feenix pay card
A book allowance
Food vouchers
Airtime vouchers
Student support and development services
Professional development opportunities

The programme does not pay the monthly travel or living allowance as unrestricted cash; the published guidance explains that it is loaded onto a pay card. Food vouchers are also provided through a specified redemption process.

Funding is subject to the programme’s conditions and verification process. Applicants should check the official bursary information for current limits and payment arrangements.

Documents to Prepare Before Applying

Applicants should prepare the documents requested in the official online application. Depending on their circumstances, these may include:

A certified South African ID
Undergraduate academic transcripts or final results
Proof of admission or application to an eligible Honours programme
National Senior Certificate results showing Mathematics marks
Proof of household income for parents, guardians or other relevant household members
Supporting affidavits where applicable
Additional documents requested during the screening process

The application portal provides instructions on file formats and upload limits. Make sure your documents are legible and follow the specified requirements before submitting them.

How to Apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary

Applications are submitted online through the FREF bursary platform administered in partnership with Feenix.

Visit the official bursary website: Go to bursaries.feenix.org/fref.
Read the eligibility requirements: Confirm your academic average, Mathematics results, age, household income and qualification meet the criteria.
Check your Honours course: Make sure the exact programme appears on the approved list for 2027.
Prepare your supporting documents: Gather your ID, academic records, income evidence and admission documents.
Complete the online application: Follow the portal’s instructions and provide accurate information.
Upload all required documents: Use the specified file format and size limits.
Review and submit: Check the application carefully and save the confirmation or application link so you can return to it if necessary.

Official application portal: https://bursaries.feenix.org/fref/apply/

For questions about the application, use the support channels listed on the official Feenix bursary website.

What Is the Closing Date for the 2027 Bursary?

The published provisional closing date for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary is 31 December 2026. Applications opened on 28 September 2026.

Because the date is described as provisional, applicants should confirm it on the official portal before relying on it. It is best to submit a complete application early rather than wait until the final day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does FREF fund master’s or PhD studies through this bursary?

The 2027 FREF bursary administered through Feenix is specifically for a student’s first full-time Honours qualification. FirstRand also has separate international postgraduate scholarship opportunities for selected master’s and doctoral programmes. These are different programmes with separate requirements and deadlines.

Can I apply if I studied Mathematical Literacy at school?

No. The published FREF bursary criteria require at least 60% in National Senior Certificate Mathematics; Mathematical Literacy does not qualify.

Can Commerce students apply?

Commerce-related qualifications are excluded from the published 2027 FREF bursary. Applicants should consult the approved field list before starting an application.

Does the bursary cover accommodation?

Yes, accommodation support is included up to the applicable FREF threshold. Check the official programme terms for the current limit and conditions.

Is the monthly allowance paid in cash?

The published programme information states that the monthly travel or living allowance is loaded onto a Feenix pay card. Food vouchers and other support may be delivered separately.

Does meeting the requirements guarantee funding?

No. Eligible applications still undergo screening and verification, and awards depend on the selection process and available funding.

Final Advice for Applicants

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary is an opportunity for eligible students who want to progress from an undergraduate degree to their first Honours qualification. Before applying, make sure your course is on the approved list, your Mathematics and undergraduate marks meet the minimum requirements, and your household income falls within the stated limit.

Start your application through the official Feenix portal, prepare your supporting documents carefully and check the provisional deadline for updates. You can also explore 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 FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, Feenix, 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, bursary, government or institutional channels. This website is for informational purposes only and does not replace official guidance.

FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary 2027: Requirements and How to Apply