Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2027: Full Guide, How to Apply, and Requirements

Every year, thousands of academically talented South African students are forced to abandon their dreams of a university education simply because they cannot afford it. The Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme exists to close that gap. For the 2027 academic year, applications are now open, and this guide breaks down everything a prospective applicant needs to know — who qualifies, what the bursary covers, the documents you’ll need, and exactly how to apply.

What Is the Tomorrow Trust?

Tomorrow Trust is a South African non-profit organisation that has spent more than two decades working to break the cycle of poverty through education. The organisation supports children and young people from under-resourced communities, walking with them from as early as Grade R all the way through university and into their first steps in the working world. Its tertiary bursary initiative is one of its flagship programmes, designed not just to hand out money, but to build capable, independent young professionals who are ready to lead.

What sets Tomorrow Trust apart from many other funders is its holistic philosophy. Rather than treating a bursary as a once-off financial transaction, the organisation views it as an ongoing relationship — one that includes emotional support, skills development, and career preparation alongside the cheque.

Who Can Apply for the 2027 Bursary?

Before diving into the application itself, it’s worth checking whether you meet the baseline criteria. While exact requirements can shift slightly year to year, the general eligibility framework for the 2027 intake includes:

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You should generally fall within the 18–35 age bracket.
• You need to be studying, or planning to study, full-time at a South African public university.
• Your intended qualification should fall within a STEM-related field.
• You must meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen institution and programme.
• Financial need is a central consideration, so applicants from households facing genuine financial constraints are prioritised.

Because Tomorrow Trust reviews applications holistically, meeting the minimum criteria doesn’t guarantee funding — but it does mean you’re eligible to be considered, which is the first hurdle.

Which Fields of Study Are Covered?

The 2027 bursary is aimed squarely at STEM disciplines, reflecting the high demand for these skills in South Africa’s economy. Covered fields typically include:

• Engineering (all disciplines)
• Information Technology and Computer Science
• BSc degrees in the pure and applied sciences
• Property Sciences
• Other closely related STEM qualifications

If your intended degree falls outside of these categories, it’s still worth checking directly with Tomorrow Trust, as programme scope can be adjusted from one intake to the next.

What Does the Bursary Actually Cover?

This is where Tomorrow Trust distinguishes itself from many other funding schemes that only pay tuition and leave students to cover everything else out of pocket. A Tomorrow Trust bursary is designed to remove financial pressure as completely as possible, and generally includes:

1. Tuition fees at a public university
2. Textbooks and study equipment needed for coursework
3. Accommodation, whether in residence or private housing
4. A living allowance to cover food, transport, and day-to-day expenses

Beyond the financial component, successful applicants also gain access to:

• One-on-one mentorship and coaching
• Psychosocial support, including access to in-house psychologists
• Career masterclasses and workshops on workplace-readiness
• Networking opportunities with potential employers and alumni
• Lifetime membership in the Tomorrow Trust Alumni community once you graduate

This combination of financial and personal support is intended to reduce dropout rates — a real risk even for funded students who face emotional or academic pressure without a support system.

Documents You’ll Likely Need

Application requirements can vary depending on whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning student, but you should generally prepare the following before you start:

• A certified copy of your South African ID
• Your Matric certificate, or your latest Grade 11/12 results if you’re still in high school
• A full academic transcript if you’re already studying at university
• An updated fee statement from your institution
• A motivational letter explaining your goals and financial circumstances
• Proof of household income, such as payslips or grant slips
• An affidavit in place of a payslip if a parent or guardian is unemployed
• A death certificate or affidavit, where applicable, if a parent has passed away

Incomplete applications, or those containing inaccurate information, are typically disqualified outright, so it pays to gather every document in advance rather than rushing at the deadline.

How to Apply for the Tomorrow Trust Bursary 2027

Applying is a straightforward process if you prepare properly:

1. Visit the official Tomorrow Trust website at www.tomorrow.org.za to access the current bursary application portal.
2. Create an account on the application platform if you don’t already have one.
3. Complete the online application form carefully, making sure every section is filled in accurately.
4. Upload all supporting documents listed above in clear, legible copies.
5. Review your application thoroughly before hitting submit — check for spelling errors, incorrect contact details, and missing attachments.
6. Submit before the closing date. Late applications are generally not accepted, so don’t leave this until the final week.

If you run into any issues during the process, or have questions about your eligibility, you can reach Tomorrow Trust directly at [email protected] or by phone on +27 11 447 7707.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Apply as early as possible rather than waiting for the deadline.
• Write a genuine, specific motivational letter — avoid generic templates and explain why your chosen field matters to you.
• Double-check that every required document is attached, current, and clearly legible.
• Use a phone number and email address you check regularly, since the selection committee will need to reach you.
• Be honest about your financial situation. Overstating or understating your circumstances can lead to disqualification.

Final Thoughts

For a talented but financially constrained South African student, funding is often the single biggest obstacle standing between matric and a university degree. The Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2027 offers a genuine pathway past that obstacle — not just through money, but through mentorship, emotional support, and a community that stays invested in your success long after your first year on campus. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a genuine interest in a STEM career, this is an opportunity worth taking seriously. Start gathering your documents today, visit the official Tomorrow Trust website to begin your application, and give yourself the best possible chance of securing life-changing support for your studies.

Always confirm the latest deadlines, requirements, and application links directly on the official Tomorrow Trust website, as bursary details can be updated from year to year.