Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027: The Complete Guide to Requirements, Documents and How to Apply
Every year, thousands of South African matriculants earn good marks and then face a hard question: how will I pay for university? Fees, accommodation, textbooks and food add up fast, and for many families the numbers simply don’t work.
The Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027 exists to close that gap. This guide explains who the Foundation is, what the bursary offers, who qualifies, which documents you need and how to apply, so you can submit a complete application with confidence.
About the Motsepe Foundation
The Foundation was started by the Motsepe family, who pledged to support disadvantaged South Africans. It funds work in cancer research, environmental conservation and education. Over a five-year period it reported awarding more than 1,800 bursaries to students from poor families across the country. That track record is why this bursary draws so much attention each year.
Bursary or scholarship?
Many students search for “Motsepe scholarship,” but the opportunity is a bursary. A bursary is usually based on financial need combined with academic results. A scholarship is often based on merit alone. The Motsepe programme looks at both marks and need, so you must show strong results and prove your family needs support.
Important date: the deadline
The most recent source lists the closing date for the 2027 bursary as 16 October 2026. Older pages mention other dates. One lists early June 2026 and another mentions mid-September in earlier years. Because dates have shifted between cycles, treat the official portal as the final authority. If the portal shows the application open, apply now. Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027: Fully Funded University Funding for South African Students – Global South Opportunities +2
What the bursary covers
Successful applicants can receive funding for:
- Registration and university tuition fees
- University-accredited accommodation
- Books and stationery, including a laptop
- A meal allowance
- A tutor allowance
- Mental wellness support
This is more than tuition alone. Tutoring and wellness support recognise that university is hard in ways that go beyond money. Terms can change, so read the official conditions to see exactly how each benefit applies to you.
Eligibility: who can apply
Read each requirement carefully, because failing one means you can’t proceed.
1. Academic results. You need an average above 70%, with Life Orientation and Home Language left out of the calculation. Work this out yourself before you begin. Add up your relevant subject marks and divide by the number of subjects. Some guides describe the requirement slightly differently, so follow the portal’s wording.
2. Financial need. You must show that your household can’t afford university fees. This is why parent or guardian income documents are compulsory.
3. Citizenship. Other guides list South African citizenship as a requirement.
4. Location. The bursary is targeted at selected districts and municipalities across all nine provinces. Your home area matters, so check it early
5. Field of study. Your course must fall within the supported fields below.
Supported fields of study
The 2027 list includes:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Mathematics
- Humanities: Music
- Humanities: LLB
Earlier information says the bursary supports undergraduate degrees only, and doesn’t fund diplomas, extended programmes or postgraduate study. If you plan to study something outside this list, don’t assume you’ll be considered. Check first.
Supported areas by province
The listed areas include:
- 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: Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain
- Northern Cape: John Taole, Frances Baard
If your area isn’t listed, check the portal’s current criteria before assuming you’re ineligible.
Documents you need
The portal lists these documents:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of your parents’ or legal guardians’ IDs
- A certified copy of your latest results or transcript
- Proof of income for both parents or guardians
- A testimonial letter from a principal, religious leader or traditional leader
Certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by an authorised person, such as a commissioner of oaths. Many police stations offer this service. Certify everything in one trip to save time.
Proof of income. This might be recent payslips, an employer letter, or a SASSA grant letter. If a parent works informally or is unemployed, an affidavit explaining the situation is commonly used. Some guides also mention death certificates where applicable. Follow the portal’s instructions on what is accepted.
Testimonial letter. Ask your principal, religious leader or traditional leader as early as possible. It should describe your character and your circumstances honestly and be signed.
Step-by-step: how the application works
The online process has four stages.
Step 1: Screening. You enter your contact details, province, subjects and latest marks. The system then checks whether you meet the academic requirement. If your marks fall below 70%, you can’t move forward from this stage. Enter your marks accurately, because they will be checked against your documents.
Step 2: Profile. If you pass screening, you create your profile on the student portal. Use an email address you check daily and a password you’ll remember.
Step 3: Apply. You complete the full application and upload your supporting documents. Use clear scans in the format the portal asks for.
Step 4: Track. You can log in to follow your application’s progress. Check regularly and respond quickly if the Foundation asks for more information.
Apply now
👉 Direct application link: Motsepe Foundation Bursary
👉 Student portal: Motsepe Foundation Student Portal
Use only the official Foundation website. Never pay anyone to apply, and be careful of pages or messages that ask for money or banking details.
A simple one-week plan
- Day 1: Calculate your average and check your area and course against the lists above.
- Day 2: Collect IDs and your latest results. Make photocopies.
- Day 3: Ask your principal or leader for the testimonial letter. Collect parent or guardian income documents.
- Day 4: Get all copies certified.
- Day 5: Scan everything clearly and name the files neatly.
- Day 6: Complete screening and create your profile.
- Day 7: Submit the application, then double-check every upload.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the last day. Portals slow down near deadlines.
- Miscalculating your average. Remember to exclude Life Orientation and Home Language.
- Uncertified or blurry documents. These can delay or sink an application.
- Missing parent or guardian documents. Both parents’ or guardians’ income proof is requested.
- Applying for an unsupported course. Check the field list first.
- Ignoring your email. Funders often contact applicants by email, so check your spam folder too.
- Using unofficial links. Always start from the Foundation’s own website.
Frequently asked questions
Does admission to university guarantee the bursary?
No. Admission and funding are separate decisions. Apply to both.
Can I apply if my average is below 70%?
The portal stops applicants below the threshold at the screening stage, so you’d need to meet it.
Does meeting every requirement guarantee funding?
No. Selection is competitive, and meeting the minimum only makes you eligible.
Can I apply for other bursaries too?
Yes, and you should. Applying widely improves your chances. Check each funder’s rules about holding more than one award.
Who can I contact with questions?
The Foundation has listed [email protected] and 011 324 1500. That information is older, so verify it on the official site.
Final thoughts
The Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027 can cover tuition, accommodation, learning materials, meals, tutoring and wellness support. That is life-changing for a student who has the marks but not the means. The recipe is simple: strong results above 70%, an eligible course and area, honest proof of need and a complete, well-prepared application.
Start the screening today, gather and certify your documents this week, and submit before the deadline. Your future may depend on that first click.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not affiliated with the Motsepe Foundation. Requirements, dates and links can change. Always verify details on the Foundation’s official website before applying.
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