South African students who intend to study towards an undergraduate qualification in 2027 may apply for the Motsepe Foundation 2027 bursary, so long as they have satisfied academic, financial, study field and geographical criteria.
The 2027 bursary details from the Trust indicate a closing date of 16 October 2026. The bursary covers selected undergraduate fields of study, as well as several tertiary-related expenses, including tuition, accommodation, learning materials and student support. The Trust has also confirmed the availability of applications for the 2027 STEAM Undergraduate bursary.
The most significant consideration for the target audience is that the academic requirement alone is not sufficient, and that there are further financial, study field and geographical criteria that applicants must satisfy.
Who May Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary?
The requirements listed by the Trust indicate that all candidates must meet the academic and financial requirements.
The bursary is applicable to students in Grade 12 or those who have passed Grade 12 and intend to pursue an eligible undergraduate qualification at an approved tertiary institution in South Africa.
The financial requirements must also be met by the candidate.
Academic requirement
The candidate must have passed with an average of more than 70%, with Life Orientation and Home Language not taken into consideration, in accordance with the 2027 criteria.
Students should calculate their average using actual results, rather than estimated marks.
In Which Fields of Study is the Bursary Available?
The 2027 bursary covers selected fields within the following areas:
Science
Technology
Engineering
Accounting
Mathematics
Humanities, specifically Music and LLB
The bursary is therefore not available for students who wish to pursue any undergraduate qualification.
Applicants should therefore confirm that their intended qualification is covered by the Trust.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The advertised funding package covers a range of tuition-related costs.
The 2027 coverage includes:
Registration fees
Tuition fees
University-accredited accommodation
Books and stationery
A laptop
Meal allowance
Tutor allowance
Mental wellness support
The bursary therefore extends beyond standard tuition assistance, covering several additional student-supporting costs.
Students should nevertheless carefully reread the final terms of the bursary to confirm whether all costs associated with their intended programme of study will be covered.
In Which Areas are Students Eligible?
The bursary is only applicable to students from specific geographical areas.
Limpopo
Sekhukhune
Capricorn
Vhembe
Mopani
Free State
Thabo Mofutsanyana
Mangaung
KwaZulu-Natal
Umgungundlovu
Ethekwini
King Cetshwayo
Eastern Cape
OR Tambo
Nelson Mandela Bay
Buffalo City
Mpumalanga
Bushbuckridge
Mbombela
Kwamhlanga
North West
Mmakau
Madibeng
Bojanala
Gauteng
Tshwane
Ekurhuleni
Johannesburg
Sedibeng
Western Cape
Khayelitsha
Mitchells Plain
Northern Cape
John Taole
Frances Baard
The geographical requirement is an additional factor that students should consider, as it is possible to meet the academic and financial requirements, only to find that one does not reside in one of the Trust’s designated areas.
Documentation Required by the Trust
Applicants should compile the necessary supporting documents prior to beginning the application process.
The requirements include the following:
Certified copy of the applicant’s ID
Certified ID copies for parents or legal guardians
Certified latest academic results or transcript
Proof of income for both parents or legal guardians
Testimonial letter from a principal, religious leader or traditional leader
Students should ensure that copies are legible and that the application form and supporting documents contain the same information.
Some of the Trust’s information indicates that further documentation, depending on the applicant’s particular circumstances, may be requested, such as proof of residence.
What is the Closing Date for Applications?
The closing date for applications for the 2027 Motsepe Foundation bursary is 16 October 2026.
Students should make provision to submit the application form prior to this date, particularly as it may take time to obtain some of the required supporting documents, such as testimonials and certified copies.
Applications submitted after the stipulated closing date may be rejected.
What Should Applicants Consider Before Submitting the Application?
The main requirements for the bursary should be considered in the following order:
- Academic performance: Confirm that the necessary average is met after excluding Life Orientation and Home Language.
- Financial need: Confirm that the necessary income information can be provided.
- Study field: Confirm that the intended qualification is among those covered by the Trust.
- Location: Confirm that one resides in one of the Trust’s designated areas.
- Institution: Confirm that the tertiary institution in which one intends to study is approved.
- Documents: Ensure that all required certified copies, income information and testimonials can be submitted.
- Deadline: Submit the application form prior to 16 October 2026.
This approach enables potential applicants to identify possible obstacles to receiving the Trust bursary, before having invested too much time in the application process.
The bursary does not replace university admission
Students who apply for the Trust bursary should also address university or tertiary admission requirements separately.
Eligibility for the bursary does not automatically entitle a candidate to admission to a particular degree programme.
Applicants should therefore continue to research university admission requirements, closing dates and acceptance criteria for the qualification of their choice.
Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027: Main Points
Detail Information
Bursary provider Motsepe Foundation
Academic year 2027
Study level Undergraduate
Academic requirement Over 70%, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language
Financial requirement Proof of financial need
Supported fields Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics, Music and LLB
Accommodation University-accredited accommodation
Laptop Included in published funding coverage
Additional support Meals, tutor allowance and mental wellness support
Closing date 16 October 2026
Final Tips for the Applicants
The Motsepe Foundation bursary covers a range of tuition-related expenses, but applicants must first meet several criteria, not least the academic requirement.
Students should carefully consider their marks, financial situation, intended qualification and area of residence prior to submitting an application, and should also ensure that the necessary supporting documents are prepared.
They should finally submit the application form prior to the 16 October 2026 closing date.
Editorial and Fact-Checking Information
Author: SSETA Blog Editorial Team
Fact-checking: The academic requirement, fields of study, funding coverage, geographical areas and submission deadline were fact-checked against current 2027 Motsepe Foundation bursary information and corroborating educational sources.
Important: Bursary requirements are subject to change, and applicants should confirm the final eligibility requirements and application instructions with the Motsepe Foundation.
Corrections: If any errors are detected, the editorial team should recheck the relevant information against the latest source and update the post accordingly.
