Motsepe Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER?

The Motsepe Foundation is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students from selected areas, for undergraduate studies within STEAM fields, including the following:

  • Science
  • Technology
  • Engineering
  • Accounting
  • Mathematics
  • Humanities (Music and LLB)

** RELATED BURSARIES **

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, books and stationery, laptop, university accredited accommodation fees, meal allowance and a tutor allowance.

Students will also receive mental wellness support during their studies.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION 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 reside in one of these areas:
    • 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: Khayelistha, Mitchells Plein
    • Northern Cape: John Taole, Frances Baard
  • You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
  • You must be studying or intend on studying towards an undergraduate degree qualification, within one of the fields of study listed above
  • You must have achieved a minimum average of 70% for core subjects (excluding Life Orientation and Home Language)
  • You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised tertiary institute within South Africa
  • You must have proven financial need

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at: Motsepe Foundation Bursary Application 2027

Applicants will be required to complete a “screening” to verify they meet all the criteria. If they meet all the criteria, they will be directed to an application page.

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Motsepe Foundation bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION BURSARY?

The following supporting documents will be required in phase 2 of the application process, from shortlisted candidates:

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric mid-year results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
  • Full academic record, if currently studying (certified copy)
  • Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copies)
  • Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips/ employment letter/ SASSA grant letter/ affidavit for informal traders/ death certificate if deceased)
  • Testimonial letter from the principal, religious leader or traditional leader
  • Proof of residence

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION BURSARY?

16 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 Motsepe Foundation directly:
Tel: 011 324 1500

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

WHAT DOES THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION DO?

The Motsepe Foundation was established by South African business leaders Patrice and Precious Motsepe, with a vision of addressing poverty, inequality and unemployment through philanthropy and community development. The Motsepe family made history by becoming the first African family to join The Giving Pledge, a global initiative founded by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett that encourages wealthy individuals and families to commit the majority of their fortunes to charitable causes. As part of this commitment, the Motsepe family pledged to donate at least half of their wealth to improving the lives of disadvantaged communities.

The Foundation focuses on uplifting poor, unemployed and marginalised individuals across South Africa. Its work supports initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities, improving access to essential resources and promoting long-term economic independence. Through its various programmes and partnerships, the Foundation seeks to empower communities to become self-reliant, create sustainable livelihoods and improve their overall quality of life.

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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.