Motsepe Foundation Bursary 2027: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, Documents and How to Apply

Apply here (official site): https://www.motsepefoundation.org/bursary

I couldn’t open the official page myself, so confirm the details below there before you submit anything.

Closing date: act now

Most of the newest sources I found say applications for the 2027 bursary programme close on 16 October 2026. That is only about 12 days from today, 4 October 2026.

Some older pages list 6 June as the deadline. That date appears to come from an earlier or different intake, so treat 16 October as the working deadline and check the official page. If you meet the requirements, start gathering documents today.

What is the Motsepe Foundation Bursary?

The Motsepe Foundation was founded by Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. It invites students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for the 2027 General Bursary intake, aiming to remove financial barriers to higher education. The goal is to back young South Africans who could become future entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders.

You may see this called a “scholarship” on some sites. The official programme is a bursary, meaning funding based on financial need plus good marks.

Who can apply?

You generally need to meet all of these:

• South African citizenship. You must be a South African citizen.
• Good marks. You need at least 70% in Matric, excluding Life Orientation. One source adds that Home Language is excluded too, so check which subjects count on the official criticism
• Proven financial need. You will need to prove it.
• An approved field of study. See the list below.
• A supported area. The bursary is open to students currently in Matric or who have completed Matric, living in one of the supported areas.

Which areas are supported?

The bursary is geographically targeted. It covers selected communities across Limpopo, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, Western Cape and Northern Cape. Not every town qualifies, so check that your district or municipality is on the official list before you invest time in the application.

Which fields of study are funded?

The 2027 intake covers Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics and selected Humanities, namely Music and LLB.

It is also undergraduate only. The bursary does not cover diplomas, extended programmes or postgraduate studies. If you plan to start with a diploma or an extended degree programme, this bursary is probably not the right fit.

What does the bursary cover?

The support goes beyond tuition. It reportedly includes tuition, registration, accommodation, books, stationery, a laptop, meals, tutoring and mental wellness support. Exact benefits can vary by programme, so confirm them in your award letter if you are successful.

Documents to prepare

Sources agree you will need to submit certified ID copies, certified academic transcripts, proof of income, a testimonial letter and proof of residence.

• Certified ID copy. Get this done at a police station or a commissioner of oaths.
• Academic results. Use your latest certified transcript or Matric results.
• Proof of household income. Examples include recent payslips, employment letters, SASSA grant letters, affidavits for informal income and death certificates where applicable. –
• Testimonial letter. It should come from a school principal, religious leader or traditional leader. Ask early, because people take time to write these.
• Proof of residence. A recent utility bill or a letter from your ward councillor or traditional authority usually works.
• University acceptance or application proof. Include it if the form asks for it.

Scan or photograph every document clearly. A blurry or cropped upload is one of the easiest ways to lose a strong application.

How to apply, step by step

The process may be online or by email, and sources differ. The most recent ones describe an online portal, while some older guides mention emailing [email protected]. Follow whatever the official page shows today.

1. Go to the official page: https://www.motsepefoundation.org/bursary
2. Check your eligibility. The portal reportedly provides pre-screening, profile creation, application and tracking functions.
3. Create your profile with accurate personal and academic details.
4. Complete the application form. Leave no section blank.
5. Upload your supporting documents.
6. Review everything, then submit before the deadline.
7. Track your application and watch your email and phone for messages.

If an email address is required, follow up if you don’t receive an acknowledgment within a few

Tips to strengthen your application

• Apply early. Systems get slow close to deadlines, and late applications may not be considered.
• Be consistent. Names, ID numbers and addresses should match across every document.
• Explain your situation honestly. Use any open sections to describe your household circumstances clearly and truthfully.
• Apply to your university too. Funding doesn’t help without an acceptance, so keep your university applications moving.
• Apply for other bursaries. Meeting the criteria doesn’t guarantee an award, so have backups.

Frequently asked questions

Is the bursary open for 2027?
Yes. Recent sources say the Foundation has published criteria for the 2027 intake.

Can I apply if I’m not yet in university?
Yes. Matric learners and recent matriculants are the main audience.

Can I apply for a diploma?
Based on current information, no. The programme targets undergraduate degrees.

Is there an application fee?
I found no mention of one. Never pay anyone to submit or “fast-track” a bursary application, because that is a common scam.

What if my area isn’t listed?
Check the official criteria. If your area isn’t covered, look at other bursaries such as NSFAS or company-funded programmes.

Final word

The Motsepe Foundation Bursary can change a student’s future, but the window is short. Start your documents now, apply through the official page, and keep proof of everything you submit. Details can change, so verify the closing date, eligible areas and application method on the Foundation’s site before you apply.

I can also turn this into a Word document or PDF, or write a short checklist you can use while collecting your documents.