Studying chemistry, engineering, or science is expensive, and for many talented young women the cost is the biggest obstacle. The BASF South Africa Trust Bursary for 2027 aims to remove that obstacle by covering the costs of study for Black female students who qualify.
What Is the BASF South Africa Trust Bursary?
The Trust is a public benefit organisation that supports Black South African women through education. The 2027 bursary covers tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation and a monthly stipend, for undergraduate and Honours studies. It does not fund Master’s or PhD studied
Fields of Study
Funding is available for Chemistry, Engineering and Sciences. Medical Sciences and Economic Sciences do not count as Sciences here. Confirm that your qualification fits before you spend time on an application.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet all of these requirements:
- Be a South African citizen and female.
- Be Black under the BBBEE codes (African, Coloured and Indian applicants are included).
- Be finishing Matric in 2026, or have already completed it.
- Be studying, or planning to study, an eligible undergraduate or Honours qualification at a recognised South African institution.
- Have a strong academic record and no criminal record.
- Have a combined household income of no more than R630,000 a year.
- Not be receiving another bursary or scholarship for 2027.
Documents to Prepare
Have these ready before you start the online form:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate or results
- Certified full academic record with your latest results
- Proof of university acceptance
- Certified proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income (payslips, an affidavit if unemployed, audited financials if self-employed, or proof of a grant or pension)
- A CV of no more than three pages
Missing compulsory documents can lead to disqualification, so check every upload.
Closing Dates
Current tertiary students must apply by 15 January 2027. Current Matric students have until 22 January 2027. Late applications are not accepted. Aim to submit at least a week early. Certifying documents and getting income proof can take longer than you expect.
How to Apply
Direct application link: https://www.basftrust.co.za/application.php
Complete the online form, upload your documents, and submit. If the form asks how you heard about the bursary, you can enter www.zabursaries.co.za.
Important: the Trust’s application portal currently shows applications as closed, even though published 2027 information lists January closing dates. This is probably because the portal hasn’t opened for the 2027 cycle yet. Check it regularly, and if it still says closed close to the deadline, email the Trust. Older listings gave the address as [email protected], but confirm the current contact on the official site.
What Happens After You Apply?
Shortlisted candidates are contacted and may be asked for more information or invited to an interview. If you hear nothing after the closing date, treat the application as unsuccessful.
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Get your documents certified early, and scan them clearly.
- Keep your CV focused on academic results, leadership, and anything related to your field.
- Be honest and precise about your household income, and attach matching proof.
- Double-check that your degree is not Medical or Economic Sciences.
- Save a copy of everything you submit.
Before You Apply: Checklist
- I meet the citizenship, gender and BBBEE requirements
- My qualification is eligible
- Household income is R630,000 or less
- I have no other 2027 bursary
- All documents are certified and uploaded
- I’ve noted my deadline: 15 or 22 January 2027
Final Word
This bursary is a real opportunity for young women in science and engineering. Start gathering documents now, watch the portal for it to open, and submit early.
Details come from third-party bursary sites and may change, so confirm everything on the official BASF South Africa Trust website before applying.
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