The closing date for the FEM Bursary Programme 2027 is only days away. Many students worry they will miss the chance because they do not understand the rules or cannot gather papers in time. If you are a South African university student who has finished your first year and needs help with fees, this bursary is open now and the deadline is 16 November 2026.
What Is the FEM Bursary Programme?
Federated Employers Mutual (FEM) runs this bursary to support education and skills development in South Africa. It helps talented students who are studying full-time for an undergraduate degree or national diploma. The fields covered are Engineering, the Built Environment and Health Sciences. FEM works with public universities and approved institutions and supports students from their second year of study.
The 2027 advert was published on 2 November 2026 under the title “Application for a Bursary for Full Time Study 2027”. You apply through FEM’s official bursary recruitment portal. The bursary is meant for academically strong students from disadvantaged backgrounds who can show financial need.
Who Can Apply for the FEM Bursary 2027?
You must meet every requirement listed in the official vacancy. Many applicants are turned away because they miss one simple rule, so check carefully before you start.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must have been accepted at an approved institution or a South African public university.
- You must be studying Engineering, the Built Environment or Health Sciences.
- You must have successfully completed your first year of study.
- You must have a good academic record.
- You must be in good financial standing with your university and have no outstanding fees from previous years.
- Your combined household income must not exceed R360,000 per year.
Preference is given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. First-year students who have not yet finished their first year and all postgraduate students are not eligible under these rules.
You will also need to prepare supporting documents. Certified copies must not be older than three months. The list includes:
- A valid South African ID.
- Your most recent official academic record.
- The FEM bursary application form (you receive this only if shortlisted).
- Proof of income from parents or guardians, such as payslips.
- Social grant documentation if it applies.
- An affidavit if a parent or guardian is unemployed or does not support you financially.
- A death certificate of a parent, where applicable.
- A divorce certificate of parents, where applicable.
Depending on your household you may also need parent or guardian ID copies, pension slips, bank statements showing pension payments, affidavits for informal employment or no income, and proof of registration. Always follow the full instructions on the portal so nothing is missing.
What You Gain from the FEM Bursary
Successful applicants may receive help with full-time tuition fees, prescribed textbooks and a monthly stipend. Accommodation and meals can also be included, but only if FEM approves them. These two benefits are not automatic and are decided solely at FEM’s discretion. The advert does not state the exact amount of the monthly stipend, so do not plan your budget around an estimated figure.
This support can reduce the cost of continuing your studies in 2027. It does not guarantee a job or further funding after the bursary period ends.
How to Apply for the FEM Bursary 2027
The process has two stages. You first complete a short online questionnaire. Only shortlisted students then receive the full FEM bursary application form to complete and submit with documents. Completing the questionnaire does not guarantee funding. Competition is high because many eligible students apply for limited places.
- Visit the official FEM bursary recruitment portal.
- Open the 2027 full-time study bursary vacancy.
- Read the eligibility criteria and application instructions carefully.
- Complete the online questionnaire.
- If you are shortlisted, complete the additional bursary application form.
- Attach all requested supporting documents and submit everything by the deadline.
The official application link is https://fembursaries.simplify.hr/Vacancy/210062. The closing date is 16 November 2026. Start early so you have time to gather certified documents if you are shortlisted. Make sure you are on the official FEM platform and that all your details are accurate before you submit.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Many students struggle with the document requirements and run out of time. Gather your papers now and check that every certified copy is less than three months old. Double-check your household income calculation and keep proof ready. Make sure your academic record is strong and that you have no outstanding fees. Read every instruction on the portal more than once. Applying early also gives you a better chance if technical problems appear close to the deadline. Even a complete application does not guarantee selection because preference goes to students who best meet the disadvantaged-background criteria.
Next Steps
If you meet the requirements and still need financial help to continue your studies in 2027, visit the official portal today and start the questionnaire. Prepare your documents while you wait to see if you are shortlisted. The deadline of 16 November 2026 will not move, so acting now is the practical next step. Good luck with your application.