The Industrial Development Corporation is inviting applications for its IDC External Bursary Scheme for the 2027 academic year. This full-time study bursary supports financially needy South African students in selected finance, management, STEM, law and limited honours fields.
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
- Opportunity type: External bursary scheme
- Who it is for: Unemployed eligible South African citizens with financial need
- Study level: First qualification / undergraduate studies, with limited honours funding in selected fields
- Fields: Finance, management, STEM, law and selected honours fields
- Application window: 1 June to 30 September 2026
- Last verified: 24 June 2026
About the bursary
The IDC External Bursary Scheme is aimed at students who are studying or intend to study full-time at a South African public university or university of technology. The programme focuses on qualifications linked to South Africa’s scarce skills and industrial-development priorities.
What the bursary may cover
- Full tuition fees
- University accommodation or university-accredited off-campus accommodation
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance
Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must not be older than 26 years.
- Must be unemployed and financially needy.
- Must be studying or intending to study full-time in one of the listed IDC-funded fields.
- Must be admitted to a South African public university or university of technology.
- Must generally be applying for a first qualification / undergraduate study only, except for approved honours fields such as Law, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Statistics.
- Applicants from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools, previously disadvantaged communities and rural areas receive preference.
Documents to prepare
- Recently certified South African ID document, not older than 3 months
- Latest results, including 2026 mid-year results where applicable
- Matric certificate if Matric has been completed
- Grade 11 results and June 2026 results for current Matric learners
- Proof of parent or guardian household income, such as payslips, bank statements, affidavit where unemployed, SASSA letter or other documents requested by IDC
- Parent or guardian ID copies, death certificates, divorce certificate or separation statement where applicable
- Recently certified proof of residence
How to apply
- Open the IDC bursaries page and read the 2027 field-of-study and eligibility requirements carefully.
- Confirm that your qualification appears on the IDC-funded field list before applying.
- Prepare certified copies of all compulsory supporting documents before starting the online form.
- Complete the IDC online bursary application and interview questionnaire.
- Submit before the 30 September 2026 closing date and keep proof of submission.
Closing date
30 September 2026. Applications opened on 1 June 2026 and close on 30 September 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Useful tips before applying
- Do not apply for a qualification that is not listed on the IDC page, as non-listed qualifications are not considered.
- Make sure certification dates are recent enough, as the IDC requires certification not older than 3 months.
- Check that household-income documents are complete before submitting.