Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027: Applications, Requirements and Coverage

South African students planning to study towards an undergraduate degree in 2027 may have an opportunity to receive financial support through the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme.

The Motsepe Foundation has opened applications for its 2027 STEAM Undergraduate Bursary Programme, aimed at supporting students with strong academic performance and demonstrated financial need. The programme supports selected fields including Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics and certain Humanities programmes.

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The bursary can provide comprehensive financial and student support, including registration and tuition fees, university-accredited accommodation, books and stationery, a laptop, meals, tutoring and mental wellness support.

Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027 – Quick Overview

Bursary: Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027
Study level: Undergraduate
Study location: South Africa
Academic requirement: More than 70% average for core subjects, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language
Financial requirement: Applicants must demonstrate financial need
Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics, Music and LLB
Closing date: 16 October 2026

What Does the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Cover?

One of the key advantages of the Motsepe Foundation Bursary is the range of expenses covered.

Successful applicants may receive support for:

• Registration fees

• University tuition fees

• University-accredited accommodation

• Books and stationery

• Laptop

• Meal allowance

• Tutor allowance

• Mental wellness support

This means the programme is designed to provide more than tuition assistance, with additional support intended to help students manage some of the other costs associated with university study.

Fields of Study Funded

The 2027 bursary supports undergraduate studies in selected fields.

These include:

Science

Students pursuing eligible Science-related qualifications may apply, provided their programme falls within the Foundation's supported fields.

Technology

Technology-related undergraduate programmes are included in the supported study areas.

Engineering

Students intending to study Engineering can also be considered for the bursary.

Accounting

Accounting is one of the Commerce-related fields specifically listed under the programme.

Mathematics

Mathematics is also included among the supported areas.

Humanities

The programme specifically identifies Music and LLB under Humanities. Applicants should verify that their exact qualification is supported before submitting an application.

Who Can Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary?

Applicants should meet the Foundation's academic, financial, study-field and geographic requirements.

The published criteria indicate that applicants must have an average pass mark of over 70%, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language from the calculation. Applicants must also provide evidence of financial need.

The programme is intended for undergraduate study at recognised tertiary institutions in South Africa, with eligibility also linked to specified geographic areas.

Prospective applicants should therefore carefully check all requirements before completing the application.

Geographic Areas

The 2027 programme is targeted at applicants from selected districts, municipalities and communities across South Africa.

Reported eligible areas include:

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

Because geographical eligibility is an important part of the programme, applicants should confirm their area against the latest official application requirements.

Academic Requirements

Academic performance is an important consideration for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary.

Applicants must have an average pass mark above 70%, with Life Orientation and Home Language excluded from the calculation. Evidence of financial need is also required.

Students should make sure that their latest academic results are available when preparing their application.

Meeting the minimum academic requirement does not necessarily guarantee that an applicant will be awarded a bursary, as applications are subject to the Foundation's selection process.

Documents to Prepare

Applicants should prepare their supporting documentation before starting the application process.

Depending on the application requirements, students may be asked to provide documents such as:

• South African identity documentation

• Latest academic results or transcript

• Proof of financial need

• Parents' or guardians' supporting financial documentation

• Proof of residence

• A testimonial letter from an appropriate community or school leader

Applicants should check the official Motsepe Foundation application portal for the current document list and certification requirements before submitting their application.

How to Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027

Applications are submitted online.

Applicants should follow these general steps:

1. Visit the official Motsepe Foundation bursary page.

2. Read the 2027 eligibility requirements carefully.

3. Confirm that your field of study is supported.

4. Check that your residential area falls within the programme's eligible areas.

5. Make sure you meet the academic requirement.

6. Prepare the required supporting documents.

7. Complete the online application.

8. Submit the application before the closing date.

9. Keep your application details or confirmation for future reference.

Official application information: Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme

When Is the Closing Date?

The closing date for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 is 16 October 2026. This deadline is also listed by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's bursary information page.

Students are encouraged to apply well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day. This allows enough time to obtain supporting documents and resolve any application problems.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Before applying, prospective students should carefully consider the following:

1. The bursary is not for every qualification.
Only selected fields of study are supported.

2. Academic performance matters.
Applicants need an average above 70% for the relevant core subjects, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language.

3. Financial need is required.
Applicants must be able to provide evidence of financial need.

4. Geographic eligibility applies.
The programme is targeted at selected areas, so students should confirm that they meet the geographic requirement.

5. Check the official source before applying.
Requirements, application procedures and supported programmes can change, so applicants should rely on the Foundation's latest information.

Why Consider the Motsepe Foundation Bursary?

University costs can create a significant financial challenge for South African students and their families. The Motsepe Foundation Bursary can provide support across several important areas, from tuition and registration to accommodation, learning materials and student wellbeing.

The inclusion of a laptop, meal allowance, tutoring and mental wellness support makes the programme particularly comprehensive for eligible students.

For students who meet the academic, financial and geographic requirements, the bursary could reduce the financial burden associated with completing an undergraduate qualification.

The Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 is an important funding opportunity for eligible South African students who want to pursue undergraduate studies in selected Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics and Humanities fields.

The bursary provides support that can include tuition, registration, accredited accommodation, books and stationery, a laptop, meals, tutoring and mental wellness support.

With applications closing on 16 October 2026, prospective applicants should check the official requirements, confirm that they qualify and submit their applications before the deadline.

Apply or Find Out More

Students should use the official Motsepe Foundation website for the latest application information and requirements:

Apply for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027

Closing date: 16 October 2026