IDC Bursary Programme 2026 – Invest in Your Future Today!

Are you a bright, ambitious student with dreams of becoming South Africa’s next engineer, scientist, or innovator — but financial limitations are standing in your way? The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is here to help!

🎓 Applications for the IDC Bursary Programme 2026 are now OPEN!

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🧠 About the IDC Bursary Programme

The IDC Bursary Programme is a full-cost bursary designed to support financially disadvantaged but academically talented South African students who wish to pursue careers in key economic sectors that drive industrial growth and development.

IDC is committed to empowering the youth through education in science, engineering, technology, and related fields.

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📚 What the Bursary Covers:

✅ Full tuition fees (at registered South African public institutions)
✅ Accommodation and meals
✅ Textbooks and prescribed study materials
✅ A monthly allowance
✅ Academic and career mentoring
✅ Vacation work opportunities and possible future employment

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📌 Fields of Study Funded:

The IDC funds undergraduate studies in fields aligned with South Africa’s industrial and economic needs, including:

• Engineering: (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, Mining, Metallurgy, etc.)

• Computer Science & Information Technology

• Data Science / Artificial Intelligence

• Environmental Science

• Agriculture & Agricultural Economics

• Financial Studies / Accounting / Economics

• Industrial Policy & Development Studies

📍 Preference is given to students from rural or previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

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👤 Who Can Apply?

You may apply if you:

✔️ Are a South African citizen under 25 years old
✔️ Are currently in Grade 12 OR already enrolled in your first year at a university
✔️ Have achieved a minimum level 6 in Mathematics and Science
✔️ Have at least 70% average overall
✔️ Demonstrate financial need and leadership potential

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📅 Application Details

📬 Applications for 2026 are now OPEN
🗓️ Closing Date: 30 September 2025
🌐 Apply Online At: https://www.idc.co.za/bursaries

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📝 Required Documents:

• Certified copy of your South African ID

• Grade 12 results or most recent academic transcript

• Proof of university/TVET acceptance

• Proof of household income

• Motivational letter

• Proof of residence

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🌍 Why Choose the IDC Bursary?

The IDC does more than fund your studies — it opens doors to a career in building South Africa’s economy. Many IDC bursary recipients go on to work in industries that contribute to infrastructure, job creation, sustainability, and innovation.

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🚀 Empower Your Future. Apply Now!

If you’ve got the brains, ambition, and heart to build a better South Africa — the IDC Bursary Programme 2026 is your opportunity to go further, with full financial support and long-term career potential.

📲 Apply today and take your first step toward success with IDC!

 

NB: APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED FOR THE FIELDS OF STUDY LISTED ABOVE. ANY QUALIFICATION NOT LISTED ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

STEM COURSES:

 

NB: APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED FOR THE FIELDS OF STUDY LISTED ABOVE. ANY QUALIFICATION NOT LIST ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

 

LAW COURSES: 

• BCom Law (Commercial Law)
• Bachelor of Law (LLB)
• Diploma Law Studies

 

NB: APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED FOR THE FIELDS OF STUDY LISTED ABOVE. ANY QUALIFICATION NOT LIST ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

 

POST GRADUATE COURSES:

• Post Grad in Law
• Mathematics or Statistics
• Actuarial Science
• Accounting CTA

 

NB: APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED FOR THE FIELDS OF STUDY LISTED ABOVE. ANY QUALIFICATION NOT LIST ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

 

ELIGIBILITY

• The IDC External Bursary will be granted to applicants studying towards their first qualification and undergraduate studies only. Second, qualifications & post-graduate qualification will not be funded.
• Funding for postgraduate qualification(s) will only be granted to applicants who are studying: Law Qualifications, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, M athematics & Statistics
• South African citizens, who are not older than 26 years.
• Applicants who are studying or matriculated at Quintile 1,2 & 3 schools (public schools), schools from previously disadvantaged communities, and rural areas will be given first preference.
• The IDC External Bursary S cheme is for applicants whose parents earn a combined household income of up to R350 000,00 p/a.
• Eligible applicants whose parents earn a combined household income between R350 000,00 per annum and R600 000,00 per annum may be considered and are therefore invited to apply. An affordability assessment will be carried out as part of the selection criteria.
• A weighting system, with due consideration of the following aspects, will be applicable:
  • Applicants living with disability will be given first preference.
  • Matriculants with a minimum of 75% average of the most recent results.
  • Applicants at a tertiary level with a minimum of 65% average of the most recent results. You must maintain a 60% GPA score for the duration of study.
  • Applicants must be admitted to study at a South African public university or university of technology.

REQUIREMENTS (mandatory documents for submission)

NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS’ CERTIFICATION MUST NOT BE OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS

• South African recently certified ID document (not older than 3 months)
• 2025 mid-year (first semester) results or latest results if not studying this year.
• Matric certificate if completed Matric.
• 2025 Matriculants must use their grade 11 results and June 2025 results to apply
• Required documents to verify parents or guardians’ household income:
  • Recently certified copy of latest pay slip if employed.
  • Both parents 3 months bank statement if employed.
  • Affidavit if unemployed stating annual income.
  • 6 months’ bank statement if unemployed & self-employed.
  • SASSA Letter stating the grants received if applicable.
  • Parent(s) death certificates if parent(s) are deceased.
  • Both parents recently certified ID copies.
  • Divorce certificate if parents are divorced or sworn statement from the one parent if parents are separated.
  • A recently certified copy of proof of residence.

 

BURSARY BENEFITS

• The IDC bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:
  • Full tuition fees,
  • University Accommodation & University Accredited Off-Campus Accommodation
  • Laptop ( once-off)
  • Meal allowance
  • Transport allowance

APPLICATION FORM

Applications must be completed online, and applicants should submit clear copies of all mandatory supporting documents and complete the interview questionnaire.

 

NB: To apply for the IDC External Bursary, click here or visit the IDC Website: www.idc.co.za – select About IDC, then select Bursaries. Successful applicants will be notified via email.

 

Should you have any queries, please contact Noluthando Baepi on 011 269 3374 or email noluthandob@idc.co.za or ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za

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