JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE JEF BURSARY COVER?

The JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Honours level) studies, within the following fields, at selected universities (as listed below):

• Accounting
• Actuarial Science
• Computer Science
• Data Analytics
• Economics
• Finance
• Informatics
• Information Technology
• Mathematics

** RELATED BURSARIES **

• View our other Science Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Computer & IT Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Bursaries and Scholarships OPEN for application here.

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE JEF BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, textbooks, laptop, accommodation, meals and a living allowance.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the JSE Empowerment Fund Bursary.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE JEF BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be from a previously disadvantaged background
• You must be from the designated group
• You must have completed Matric
• You must be studying full-time towards a degree qualification, within one of the fields of study listed above
• You must be entering your 2nd, 3rd or Postgraduate (Honours) level of study in 2027
• You must be studying at one of these Universities in South Africa:
  • University of Pretoria (UP)
  • University of Johannesburg (UJ)
  • University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
  • University of Cape Town (UCT)
  • University of Limpopo (UL)
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
  • University of the Free State (UFS)
  • University of Fort Hare (UFH)
  • Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
  • North-West University (NWU)
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70%
• You must have a total household income of NOT more than R650 000 per annum

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE JEF BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at: JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary Application 2027
(Reference number: jse_000734)

Applicants will be required to Register an account before they can Login and apply.

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE JEF BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• Full academic record/ transcripts, including most recent results (on institutions letterhead)
• Proof of university registration (on institutions letterhead)
• Proof of parents/ guardians household income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ proof of grant or pension if applicable) (certified copies)
• Proof of residence
• An affidavit to confirm that all the information provided on the application is correct read about what an affidavit if here

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE JEF BURSARY?

31 October 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Johannesburg Stock Exchange directly:

Please do NOT contact the JSE or JEF if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES THE JSE AND JEF DO?

The JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) is a South African initiative focused on creating opportunities for education, skills development and economic empowerment. Established with the aim of contributing to meaningful transformation, the fund supports initiatives that can help individuals gain access to opportunities that improve their future prospects.

Through its empowerment programmes, the JEF seeks to address barriers to education and development by providing support to deserving beneficiaries. Its initiatives may include financial assistance for students and other programmes aimed at developing skills that are relevant to South Africa’s economy.

The JSE Empowerment Fund forms part of the broader commitment to promoting inclusive growth and expanding access to opportunities for people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. For students looking for funding, the JEF can be an important source of financial support, depending on the requirements and funding opportunities available each year. Applicants should carefully review the latest eligibility criteria, application requirements and closing dates before applying.

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This bursary listing was last updated in October 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.