Act now – the Free State Provincial Government Full-Time Bursary Programme 2027 can lift the financial burden for unemployed youth who want to study, but the deadline is only 13 November 2026 at 16:00.
What the bursary offers
The province is funding full‑time Diploma or Degree studies for residents who need financial help. The award can cover tuition, accommodation, textbooks, learning‑aid devices, meals, transport and a monthly living allowance – depending on the individual agreement.
Who can apply – eligibility checklist
- South African citizen
- Resident of the Free State Province
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Currently unemployed
- Enrolled or intending to enrol full‑time
- Studying for a recognised Diploma or Degree
- Institution must be an accredited university or university of technology in South Africa
- Course must be in an approved priority field (see below)
- Meets the admission criteria of the chosen institution
- Not receiving any other government funding
Proof of Free State residence is mandatory. If you live outside the province, you are not eligible, even if you plan to study in the Free State.
Priority fields of study
The bursary focuses on qualifications that address skills shortages in the province. Acceptable areas include:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Commerce, Finance, Economics, Accounting
- Psychology and Social Sciences
- Aviation Studies
- Bachelor of Administration
- Public Governance
- Developmental Studies
Check that your exact qualification title matches one of these categories. Choosing a course outside these fields may disqualify you.
What you can receive
Funding may include any of the following, depending on the award conditions and your personal circumstances:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (where applicable)
- Prescribed textbooks
- Learning‑aid devices (where applicable)
- Meals
- Transport (where applicable)
- Monthly living support (where applicable)
Not every recipient will get all items – the final package is defined in your bursary agreement.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Visit the official Free State bursary application portal and click “Create Account”.
- Enter your full name, ID number, email address, a password, and select “Full‑Time Bursary”.
- Activate the account via the email you receive.
- Log in and complete the four sections:
- Personal information
- Additional information (including household income if required)
- Qualification details (exact title and institution)
- Document uploads
- Gather the required documents:
- South African ID
- Proof of Free State residence (e.g., utility bill, municipal account)
- Grade 12 certificate or latest academic results
- Proof of acceptance or provisional admission from an accredited university
- Parent/guardian income proof or affidavit (if asked)
- Any other documents requested by the system
- Upload each file clearly – ensure all pages are legible.
- Review every section, then click “Submit”. You will receive an acknowledgement email.
Applications opened on 21 September 2026. Remember, the system shuts down sharply at 16:00 on 13 November 2026 – late submissions will not be accepted.
Tips to improve your chances
- Create your online account early; you can save progress and add documents later.
- Have a professional email address you check daily.
- If you are a Grade 12 learner, apply for the bursary and the university at the same time.
- Ensure your course is listed under the priority fields; use the official qualification name exactly as the institution records it.
- Do not claim any other government bursary – honesty is checked during assessment.
- Provide genuine, up‑to‑date proof of residence and income; false information leads to disqualification.
- Double‑check that all four sections are marked complete before the deadline.
Next steps and final thoughts
If you meet the residency, age, unemployment and study requirements, start gathering your documents today. Register on the portal, fill in the form carefully, and hit submit before the deadline.
For any questions, email bursary@fs.gov.za or call 065 742 5935 / 060 533 4702. Keep an eye on your inbox (including spam) for updates.
This bursary is a real chance to study without the usual financial barriers, but it is limited and competitive. Follow the steps above, stay organised, and you’ll give yourself the best possible shot.