The Monocle Foundation is opening applications for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year, offering financial support to previously disadvantaged female students in South Africa. This initiative is aimed at empowering talented young women to further their education in fields relevant to Monocle’s work.
Closing Date
Applications close on 1 November 2025.
About the Monocle Foundation
Monocle is an independent management consulting firm established in 2002, specialising in the banking and insurance sectors. The company has a strong international presence, with offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, and Amsterdam.
In 2014, the Monocle Foundation was established to provide bursary funding for female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Its mission is to reduce financial barriers and give women access to higher education in fields critical to the future of finance, technology, and healthcare.
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will be awarded to black female students (African, Coloured, Indian, or Asian) pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in South Africa. Fields of study include, but are not limited to:
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance
- Mathematics
- Medicine
Other related fields may also be considered at the discretion of the Foundation.
What the Bursary Covers
The Monocle Foundation bursary provides comprehensive funding, covering:
- Full tuition fees
- Book and study material allowance
- Laptop
- Accommodation
- Subsistence allowance
In addition to financial support, students will also receive:
- Career counselling
- An MS Office course to strengthen digital skills
Selection Process
Applications will go through a multi-stage process:
Useful links:
- Telephonic screening with the Trust Administrator.
- Personal meeting with the Trust Administrator.
- One-on-one interview with one of the Trustees.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in November 2025.
- Final bursary recipients will be confirmed by mid-December 2025.
- All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications.
Obligations of Bursary Recipients
- Students are not required to pay back or work back the bursary after graduation.
- Recipients must provide regular academic updates and submit their final results each year to the Trust.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Monocle Foundation Bursary, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be female
- Be black (African, Coloured, Indian, or Asian)
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant field
- Be in their second year or higher of study
- Be registered at a recognised South African tertiary institution
- Be in financial need with limited or no funding
- Not be receiving any other bursary support
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online via the official portal:
👉 Apply for the Monocle Foundation Bursary 2026
When applying, you will need to upload the following supporting documents (all must be certified where required):
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate
- Full academic transcripts (on university letterhead and stamped)
- Degree certificate (for postgraduate applicants)
- Breakdown of required funds for 2026 (fees, study support, books, accommodation, subsistence)
- Updated CV
- Motivational letter addressed to the Trustees, including:
- Background and personal details
- Field of study
- Career ambitions
- Reasons you should be awarded the bursary
Contact Details
For any queries about this bursary programme, contact the Monocle Foundation directly through their official contact page:
https://www.monoclesolutions.com/en-za/contact-us
Conclusion
The Monocle Foundation Bursary 2026 is a unique opportunity for black female students who are determined to succeed but face financial barriers. With full academic support, career guidance, and no work-back obligations, this bursary is designed to unlock doors to success and empower the next generation of leaders in finance, technology, and healthcare.
If you meet the requirements, be sure to submit your application before the 1 November 2025 deadline.
