Applicants who match the field, location or academic requirements can now apply through StudyTrust for 2027 funding. The TFG Data Science and Leadership Fellowship 2027 is open for the 2027 academic year and applications are handled through StudyTrust.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: TFG (The Foschini Group) / StudyTrust
Opportunity type: Master’s fellowship
Who it’s for: South African students pursuing a research or coursework Master’s degree in Data Science or related qualifications
Study fields: Data Science and related Master’s qualifications at designated Tier One South African public institutions
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Last verified: 3 June 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
Applications must be completed through StudyTrust’s official online application process unless the individual StudyTrust page gives additional submission instructions. StudyTrust confirms that its 2027 application platform opened on 1 June 2026 and that most StudyTrust-administered bursaries close on 30 September 2026.
Check the eligibility rules carefully before applying. Some bursaries are field-specific, while the renewable-energy community bursaries are highly location-specific and may require proof of residence.
About the sponsor
TFG is a major omni-channel retail group with a large portfolio of retail brands. Its Data Science and Leadership Fellowship supports high-potential Master’s students in a scarce and strategic skills area.
StudyTrust bursary/application link: Official StudyTrust bursary page
Sponsor/entity link: TFG (The Foschini Group)
What it covers
Full tuition fees, living and meal allowances, equipment, textbooks, coaching and mentoring support, plus an event at TFG Head Office in Cape Town.
Eligibility
- Must be pursuing a research or coursework Master’s degree in Data Science or a related qualification
- Must study at one of the designated Tier One South African public institutions
- Selection is based on academic excellence, innovation, creativity and leadership
- Open to South Africans, with preference for under-represented groups
- Applications must be completed through StudyTrust
Documents to prepare
- Certified South African ID
- Full academic record
- Proof of acceptance or registration for Master’s study
- Motivation or essay responses required by StudyTrust
- Proof of household income if requested
Closing date
30 September 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without checking whether your study field, institution or year level is accepted
- Submitting an incomplete StudyTrust application
- Leaving out certified ID, academic results or household-income documents
- For community bursaries, applying without meeting the local residence rule
- Using AI-generated essays or generic motivation answers instead of your own personal responses
Sponsor/entity source link
Sponsor/entity page: TFG
Verification note: Sponsor-owned media release confirming the TFG Data Science and Leadership Fellowship programme.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the current StudyTrust bursary page for this opportunity and the StudyTrust bursary applications page for the 2027 application window. Sponsor/entity links have been included where a useful sponsor-owned page was available.
How to apply
- Open the official StudyTrust bursary page.
- Read the eligibility criteria and any location or study-field restrictions.
- Prepare your certified ID, academic record, household-income documents and any proof of residence or disability documents if relevant.
- Complete the StudyTrust online application and upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit before the closing date.