The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) external bursary for the 2027 academic year is open to unemployed South African citizens with financial need, who are not older than 26 and are studying, or intend to study, full-time in a listed qualification. The criteria below come from the IDC bursaries page.
Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 1 June 2026 and closed on 30 September 2026. The 2028 dates have not been published, so check the IDC page for the next cycle.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
- South African citizens only, not older than 26, unemployed and with financial need
- Studying or intending to study full-time in a listed qualification at a South African public university or university of technology, with admission to study there
- A field of study from the IDC list, which covers finance and management (for example accounting for CA, economics and actuarial science), STEM (including engineering disciplines, data science, computer science and IT) and law (LLB). The IDC only considers applications in the listed fields
- First qualification and undergraduate study only. Honours is funded only for law, accounting (CA), actuarial science, and mathematics and statistics
These are the IDC eligibility criteria for 2027. Check the IDC page for the full list of qualifications, since it is set each year.
Income and Affordability Requirements
The programme is for applicants whose parents earn a combined household income of up to R350 000 a year. Applicants from households earning between R350 000 and R600 000 a year may be considered after an affordability assessment.
The IDC gives first preference to applicants with a disability and those from Quintile 1 to 3 schools, previously disadvantaged communities and rural areas. For academic results it asks matriculants for a minimum of 75% APS and tertiary applicants for a minimum 65% average. Funded students must maintain a 60% GPA.
Credit and Financial Requirements
The IDC page does not describe a credit check. What the bursary covers is:
- Full tuition fees
- University accommodation or university-accredited off-campus accommodation
- A once-off laptop
- A meal allowance
- A transport allowance
The IDC page does not state whether a work-back obligation applies. Read your award letter and contract carefully, and ask the IDC if anything is unclear.
Documents and Verification Required
All certified documents must not be older than three months. The IDC asks for:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your mid-year 2026 results, or your latest results
- Your matric certificate
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income
- Certified copies of both parents’ IDs, plus death or divorce certificates where relevant
- Proof of residence
For parents’ income, the IDC accepts payslips and three months’ bank statements for each employed parent, an affidavit if a parent is unemployed, six months’ bank statements if a parent is unemployed or self-employed, or a SASSA letter.
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Apply online through the IDC bursary portal: upload your documents and complete the interview questionnaire. Successful applicants are notified by email. The 2027 window has closed, so watch the IDC bursaries page for the next opening.
The IDC does not charge to apply. Questions go to [email protected] or 011 269 3374.
- Check that your qualification is on the IDC’s list before you apply
- Have your documents certified within three months of submitting them
- Put your parents’ income evidence together early, because it depends on their employment status
- Apply to other funders in parallel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the IDC bursary eligibility criteria?
For the 2027 intake: be an unemployed South African citizen with financial need, not older than 26, studying full-time in a listed finance, STEM or law field at a South African public university or university of technology. Household income should be up to R350 000, with R350 000 to R600 000 considered after an affordability assessment. Matriculants need 75% APS and tertiary applicants a 65% average.
What fields does the IDC fund?
Finance and management, STEM and law, including accounting (CA), economics, engineering disciplines, actuarial science, data science, computer science, IT and LLB. Other qualifications are not considered.
What does the IDC bursary cover?
Full tuition, accommodation, a once-off laptop, a meal allowance and a transport allowance.
Can I apply now?
Not for 2027. That window closed on 30 September 2026. The 2028 dates are not yet published.
Does the IDC fund postgraduate study?
Only a first qualification at undergraduate level is funded. Honours is funded only for law, accounting (CA), actuarial science, and mathematics and statistics.
Confirm the current criteria and dates on the IDC bursaries page. See also loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.