The Thebe Foundation is inviting South African students to apply for the Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Programme 2026.
Scholarship Application Closing Date: 17 October 2025 (at 12:00 midday)
Scholarship Location: South Africa
About the Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship
The Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship, offered by Thebe Foundation, aims to support financially needy students pursuing their first undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in specific fields of study. The programme seeks to empower young people with skills and competencies that will enable them to contribute positively to their professions and communities.
The scholarship will cover:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Accommodation (residence or accredited)
- Meals
- Transport allowance (for students living at home)
⚠️ Note: The scholarship will not cover historical debt (fees incurred before 2026).
Fields of Study Covered
Funding will be awarded for Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Masters) in the following fields:
- Accounting
- Agriculture
- Artisan Skills Programmes (Electricians, Plumbing, Mechanics, Solar Voltaic Service Technicians, Millwright, etc.)
- Corporate Finance
- Education (BEd specialising in Mathematics and Technology)
- Electrical Engineering
- Finance
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Media Information and Communication
- Mining Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Water and Energy
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be defined as a Black Designated Group according to BBBEE (African, Coloured, Indian, or Asian).
- Be under 35 years of age.
- Be unemployed.
- Be currently in Matric (2025) or have completed Matric.
- Be studying or intending to study full-time towards one of the listed qualifications.
- Be studying or intending to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Master’s – PhD not funded).
- Be pursuing the qualification level for the first time.
- Be studying or intending to study at a registered public tertiary institution (university, community college, or TVET college).
- Have a minimum average of 60%.
- Have a total household income less than R600 000 per year.
- Have no outstanding student debt.
- Not be receiving any other bursary funding, including NSFAS.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear, certified copies of the following:
- ID document.
- Academic reports (Grade 9, Grade 11, Matric Term 2 if still in school).
- Matric certificate (if completed).
- Most recent academic transcript (if studying).
- Proof of registration for 2025 (if studying).
- Proof of acceptance/provisional acceptance for 2026.
- Parents/guardians’ ID documents or death certificates.
- Parents/guardians’ proof of income (payslips/affidavit/SASSA proof).
- Motivational letter (1 page).
- EEA1 Form and Doctor’s letter (if disabled).
- Proof of other bursary/NSFAS funding, if applicable.
- Consent form (if under 18).
⚠️ All documents must be certified within the last 3 months. Combine multiple pages into one file for submission.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at the official portal:
Click here to apply for the Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship 2026
Selection Process
- Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their application is submitted.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
- If no feedback is received within 3 months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.