The Free State Office of the Premier has opened applications for its 2027 Full-Time Bursary Programme, aimed at supporting unemployed youth in the province who want to study at a university or university of technology. Here’s everything you need to know before you apply.
👉 Apply directly here: https://fsh-careinfo.fshealth.gov.za/bursaries/
What Is This Bursary?
This is a full-cost funding programme run by the Free State Office of the Premier, targeting scarce and critical skills the province needs. It’s open to both matric learners still finishing Grade 12 and students already accepted or enrolled at a recognised institution. Note: applying doesn’t replace your university application — you still need to be accepted or enrolled separately.
Who Can Apply
- South African citizen
- Resident of the Free State Province
- Between 18 and 35 years old
- Unemployed
- Studying (or planning to study) towards a Degree or Diploma
- Willing to work in a related service sector after graduating
- Not receiving any other government funding (this includes fully-funded NSFAS)
Preference goes to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and those who are financially needy with strong academic results.
Priority Fields of Study
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Commercial fields — Finance, Economics, Accounting
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Aviation Studies
- Public Administration / Public Governance and Developmental Studies
Applying outside these fields significantly lowers your chances, since the programme is built around the province’s skills shortages.
What the Bursary Covers
Where applicable, funding can include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks and learning-aid devices
- Meals
- Transport
- A monthly living allowance
Recipients also get access to a Student Liaison and Support Unit for academic and emotional support, plus a Stakeholder Support Unit that coordinates with your institution on your behalf.
Documents You’ll Need
Have these ready before you start the online form:
- ID document
- Latest matric results (if you’re still in Grade 12) or matric certificate (if completed)
- Proof of acceptance from your university/university of technology
- Proof of residence
- Parent or guardian’s ID (or death certificate, if deceased)
- Proof of household income — recent payslips, SASSA grant letter, or pension proof
Scan everything clearly before you begin; blurry or missing documents are a common reason applications get rejected.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Check eligibility against the list above.
- Gather your documents so you’re not scrambling mid-application.
- Go to the online portal: fsh-careinfo.fshealth.gov.za/bursaries and follow the guided application tutorial.
- Complete the form carefully — incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
- Upload all supporting documents in the required format.
- Submit before the deadline and keep your confirmation/reference number as proof.
Closing Date
13 November 2026 at 16:00. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances, so don’t wait until the last day — servers tend to slow down closer to the deadline.
Quick Tips Before You Hit Submit
- Double-check that your chosen institution is officially recognised/accredited — unaccredited institutions won’t qualify.
- If you’re relying on a SASSA grant or pension as proof of income, get an updated letter rather than an old one.
- Save a PDF or screenshot of every screen before you submit, in case you need to query your application later.
- This bursary cannot be combined with full NSFAS funding or another government bursary — check what you’re currently receiving before applying.
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 065 742 5935 or 060 533 4702
- Info page: freestateonline.fs.gov.za/bursaries
A quick note: bursary criteria and portals can shift slightly as the closing date approaches, so it’s worth double-checking the live application page above right before you submit, and confirming details directly with the Office of the Premier if anything looks unclear.
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