The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has opened applications for the IDC External Bursary Scheme 2027, offering financial support to qualifying South African students who want to study full-time at public universities and universities of technology.
The bursary programme is aimed at academically deserving students who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing qualifications that support South Africa’s future skills requirements.
Funding is available for selected fields including Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, Science, Law, Management and other approved qualifications.
The IDC bursary provides an opportunity for young South Africans to access higher education while reducing the financial barriers associated with university studies.
IDC External Bursary Scheme 2027 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer / Provider | Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) |
| Programme Name | IDC External Bursary Scheme |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Opportunity Type | Undergraduate and selected Honours Bursary |
| Study Location | South African public universities and universities of technology |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Duration | Duration of approved qualification |
| Application Method | Online |
| Age Limit | 26 years and younger |
| Opening Date | 01 June 2026 |
| Closing Date | 30 September 2026 |
About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a South African development finance institution focused on promoting industrial development, economic growth, investment and job creation.
Through its External Bursary Scheme, the IDC supports the development of future professionals in fields linked to South Africa’s economic and industrial priorities.
What the IDC Bursary Covers
Successful applicants may receive funding for approved study expenses, including:
- Full tuition fees
- University accommodation
- Accredited off-campus accommodation
- Once-off laptop allowance
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
- Other approved study-related costs
The final funding package will depend on the bursary agreement and IDC funding conditions.
Fields of Study Funded
The IDC bursary supports selected qualifications in the following areas:
Finance, Management and Business
Approved fields include:
- Accounting leading to Chartered Accountancy
- Financial Management
- Internal Auditing
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Investment Management
- Risk Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Economics
- Econometrics
- Business Management
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Engineering
Engineering, Science and Technology
Approved qualifications include:
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Construction-related Engineering
- Quantity Surveying
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Geology
- Actuarial Science
- Data Science
- Environmental Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Information Systems
- Biotechnology
- Agricultural Studies
Law and Education
The IDC may fund selected qualifications including:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- BCom Law specialising in Commercial Law
- Diploma in Law Studies
- Education qualifications listed by IDC
Honours Programmes
Limited Honours funding may be available for:
- Postgraduate Law
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Actuarial Science
- Accounting CTA
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be 26 years old or younger
- Must be unemployed
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must study full-time
- Must be accepted or intending to study at a South African public university or university of technology
- Must study an IDC-approved qualification
- Must be completing a first undergraduate qualification
- Must meet academic requirements
- Must submit all required supporting documents
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Household Income Requirements
Applicants should have a combined household income of:
Up to R350 000 per year
Students with household income between:
R350 000 and R600 000 per year
may also be considered after an affordability assessment.
Applicants must provide accurate household income information.
Academic Requirements
Current Matric Learners
Preference may be given to learners with:
- Approximately 75% academic performance
- Strong subject results relevant to their chosen qualification
- University admission requirements
Matric learners applying must submit:
- Grade 11 results
- June 2026 results
Current University Students
Applicants must have:
- Minimum average of 65% in latest academic results
- Satisfactory academic progress
- Registration or admission into an approved qualification
- Ability to maintain required academic performance
Preference May Be Given To
IDC may prioritise applicants who are:
- From financially disadvantaged backgrounds
- From rural communities
- From Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools
- Living with disabilities
- Academically strong
- From previously disadvantaged communities
Salary / Stipend
Salary/Stipend: Not applicable.
The IDC provides bursary funding covering approved educational expenses.
Documents Needed
Applicants must prepare:
- Certified South African ID copy
- Latest academic results
- Matric certificate (if applicable)
- Grade 11 and June 2026 results (Matric learners)
- Proof of university admission/application
- Proof of household income
- Certified IDs of parents/guardians
- Proof of residence
- Certified payslips (where applicable)
- Bank statements (where required)
- Affidavits confirming unemployment or income status
Certified documents must not be older than three months.
How to Apply for the IDC Bursary 2027
- Visit the official IDC bursary application portal.
- Register an applicant profile.
- Complete personal and academic information.
- Provide household income details.
- Select your approved qualification.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Complete the interview questionnaire.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit before the closing date.
- Keep proof of submission.
Official Application Link
Applicants should apply through the official IDC website bursary portal:
Official IDC Bursary Portal:
https://www.idc.co.za
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow enough time to collect certified documents and financial information.
Expert Guidance
Expert Guidance
Career expert Mbalizuke Nkosi advises applicants to prepare all required documents before applying. Ensure your CV is updated, your qualifications are certified where required, and submit your application well before the closing date to avoid technical issues. Always apply only through the employer’s official recruitment website and keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.
Explore Related Opportunities
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse these categories to find your perfect fit:
Career pathway planning
| Explore More Opportunities Here | 2026 |
| Internships | Bursaries |
| Learnerships | SETAs |
| General Worker Jobs | Career Guides |
| Apprenticeships | Student News |
| Scholarships | Fellowships |
| Government Vacancies | Training Programmes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the IDC Bursary 2027?
South African citizens aged 26 years or younger who meet the academic, financial and qualification requirements can apply.
Is the IDC bursary fully funded?
The bursary may cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, transport, laptop support and other approved study expenses.
Which institutions are eligible?
Students studying or intending to study at South African public universities and universities of technology may apply.
Can Matric learners apply?
Yes. Current Grade 12 learners completing Matric in 2026 may apply if they meet the requirements.
Can postgraduate students apply?
Limited Honours funding is available for selected fields such as Law, Accounting CTA, Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.
What household income qualifies?
The main threshold is up to R350 000 per year, although households earning up to R600 000 may be considered after assessment.
Do I need work experience?
No. The bursary is intended for students pursuing approved studies.
When is the IDC bursary closing date?
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
Disclaimer
YouthScope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official employers to help South Africans access career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees. Always verify information on the employer’s official website before submitting your application.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
For inquiries or support, please contact admin@youthscope.co.za.