Tiso Foundation Bursary 2027: Eligibility and Application

Meta description: Learn about the Tiso Foundation Bursary in South Africa, including eligibility requirements, academic marks, funding benefits, required documents and how to apply.

 

What Is the Tiso Foundation Bursary?

If you are a financially disadvantaged student who wants to study at a South African public university but cannot afford the costs, the Tiso Foundation Bursary may be worth considering. The programme supports eligible students pursuing undergraduate degrees and national diplomas, combining financial assistance with academic development and career preparation. The advertised application period for the 2027 funding cycle closed on 8 October 2026. Students should check the Foundation’s official website for information about any future application round.

The Tiso Foundation is a South African public benefit organisation established to expand educational opportunities and develop young people’s potential. Its tertiary bursary programme focuses on academically capable students who face financial barriers to higher education. Beyond funding, the Foundation aims to help beneficiaries build skills, develop professionally and prepare for employment after graduation.

Who Qualifies for the Tiso Foundation Bursary?

The Foundation assesses applicants according to academic performance, financial need and the programme’s eligibility conditions. Published requirements for the 2027 undergraduate bursary included the following:

• South African citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old.
• Background: The programme targets students from previously disadvantaged groups, specified in the published criteria as Black, Coloured or Indian.
• Academic results: First-time applicants generally need a matric average of at least 70%. Students already studying at university generally need an average of at least 65% in their latest academic results.
• Study programme: Applicants must be pursuing, or intending to pursue, a full-time undergraduate degree or national diploma.
• Institution: The qualification must be offered by a recognised and accredited public university or university of technology in South Africa.
• Financial need: Applicants must demonstrate that they need financial assistance.
• Employment status: Applicants must be unemployed.
• Personal commitment: Applicants are expected to demonstrate dedication to their studies, a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to their communities.

The Foundation does not fund higher certificates or distance-learning studies under the published programme criteria. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection, as funding is limited and applications are assessed.

Which Courses Does the Tiso Foundation Bursary Fund?

The Tiso Foundation undergraduate bursary has been advertised for degrees and national diplomas across a broad range of study fields.

Depending on the programme requirements, eligible qualifications may include studies in areas such as:

• Engineering
• Science
• Commerce and accounting
• Information technology
• Business and economics
• Law
• Health-related fields
• Other undergraduate disciplines offered by eligible public institutions

This is an illustrative list, not a guarantee that every course will be funded in every cycle. Applicants should consult the latest official bursary announcement to confirm whether their qualification is eligible.

What Does the Tiso Foundation Bursary Cover?

The Foundation describes its bursary as financial assistance for eligible undergraduate students. The support package and amount awarded may depend on the programme’s terms and the student’s circumstances.

The programme also offers development opportunities that may include:

• Academic support
• Life-skills training
• Mentorship and personal development
• Networking with corporate and institutional partners
• Career exposure and preparation for employment after graduation

Do not assume that every student automatically receives a fixed allowance for accommodation, meals, books or transport. Confirm the precise financial benefits and payment arrangements in the official award conditions.

Documents Required for the Tiso Foundation Bursary

Applicants should prepare the documents requested in the official application instructions. These may include:

• A certified copy of your South African ID
• Your latest matric results or matric certificate
• Your latest tertiary academic transcript, if you are already studying
• Proof of acceptance, provisional acceptance or registration at an eligible institution
• Proof of household income, such as payslips or other documents relevant to your family’s circumstances
• An affidavit or supporting documents where required to explain unemployment or income circumstances
• References or testimonials, if requested by the Foundation

Make sure that your documents are clear, complete and certified where required. Check the official checklist before submitting, because missing information may cause an application to be rejected.

How to Apply for the Tiso Foundation Bursary

Applications should be submitted through the official channel specified by the Foundation.

1. Visit the official website: Go to www.tisofoundation.co.za.
2. Find the tertiary bursary programme: Read the latest announcement and check whether applications are open for the academic year you want to enter.
3. Review the eligibility requirements: Confirm your age, citizenship, academic marks, financial circumstances and intended qualification.
4. Prepare your documents: Gather your ID, academic results, proof of admission and household-income information.
5. Complete the online application: Use the application link provided through the Foundation’s official website.
6. Check your submission: Make sure every required field is completed and the supporting documents have been uploaded.
7. Keep copies of your documents: Save your application confirmation and any correspondence from the Foundation.

Official website: https://tisofoundation.co.za/

Use the Foundation’s official website to confirm the correct application link for the next funding cycle. Avoid third-party services that promise guaranteed bursary approval in exchange for payment.

Is the Tiso Foundation Bursary Open for 2027?

The published closing date for the 2027 undergraduate bursary was 8 October 2026. That date has passed, so students should not assume that applications are still being accepted.

Visit the official Tiso Foundation website to check whether there has been an extension or a new announcement. If the application period has closed, prepare your documents and monitor the Foundation’s official channels for future opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am already studying at university?

The programme has accepted students already enrolled in undergraduate studies, subject to its eligibility requirements. Published criteria specify a minimum average of 65% for applicants already studying. Confirm the current requirements for your year of study.

What matric average do I need?

First-time applicants generally need a matric average of at least 70%. Applicants already studying at university generally need a minimum average of 65% in their latest academic results.

Does the Tiso Foundation fund every course?

The programme supports undergraduate degrees and national diplomas across a broad range of fields at eligible public institutions. Higher certificates and distance-learning studies are excluded under the published criteria. Check the current announcement for any additional restrictions.

Does the bursary include mentorship?

Yes. In addition to financial assistance, the Foundation describes academic support, life-skills development and networking opportunities as part of its student-development approach.

Can employed students apply?

The published 2027 eligibility criteria required applicants to be unemployed and demonstrate financial need. Confirm the conditions for any future funding round before applying.

When is the next application period?

The 2027 application deadline was 8 October 2026. A future opening date should not be assumed until the Foundation announces it. Check the official website for updates.

Final Advice for Students

The Tiso Foundation Bursary may be valuable for students who have good academic results but lack the financial resources to complete their undergraduate studies. However, applicants must meet the programme’s requirements for academic performance, financial need, age, employment status and institution.

If you missed the 2027 deadline, prepare your documents for a future application round and look for other funding opportunities in the meantime. You can 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 Source

• Tiso Foundation official website

Disclaimer

mynsfas.org.za is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the Tiso 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.