The Free State Office of the Premier is inviting eligible students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. The bursary specifically supports students living within the Free State province who wish to pursue studies in critical and scarce skills fields that are essential for provincial and national socio-economic development.
Closing Date: 6 January 2026 (at 16:00)
This bursary is ideal for financially needy students with strong academic potential who want to study full-time at recognised South African higher education institutions.
Fields of Study Funded by the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary
Bursaries will be awarded for the following scarce and critical skills qualifications:
Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Dietetics
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Radiography
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor in Radiography / Radiation Therapy
- Bachelor of Nuclear Medicine
- Diploma / Bachelor in Emergency Medical Care
- MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine)
Social Sciences & Community Development
- Bachelor of Community Development
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor / Honours of Psychology
- Masters in Clinical Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychometry
Accounting, Finance & Auditing
- Bachelor / Postgraduate Diploma / Honours in Accounting
- Bachelor of Data Science / Data Analytics / Financial Analytics / Investment Management / Business Analytics
- Bachelor of Risk Management / Fraud Investigation (Forensic Auditor) / Internal Auditing
- Diploma / Bachelor of Supply Chain Management / Finance
Engineering & Technical Fields
- Diploma / Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Mining, Nuclear, Architectural, Aerospace, Mechatronics, Structural, Quantity Surveying, Agricultural)
- Bachelor of Construction Management / Quantity Survey / Construction Project Management
Education
- Bachelor of Education in: Accounting, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Early Childhood Development
Economics & Development
- Bachelor of Economics / Econometrics / Developmental Studies
IT, Computer Science & Digital Fields
- Diploma / Bachelor of IT (Cyber Security, Information Security, Software/Network Systems, AI Techniques, Information Resource Management, Robotics)
Built Environment, Planning & Safety
- Diploma / Bachelor of Disaster Management
- Diploma / Bachelor of Town & Regional Planning / Property Valuation / Land & Property Administration / GIS / Occupational Health & Safety / Built Environment
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Diploma / Bachelor of Agriculture
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- Soil Science / Pasteur Science
Creative Arts & Publicity
- Diploma / Bachelor of Publicity & Marketing
- Diploma / Bachelor of General Arts Management or Fine Arts
- Diploma / Bachelor of Social Studies
Actuarial Science
- Bachelor / Honours of Actuarial Science
What the FS Office of the Premier Bursary Covers
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Registration fees (per semester/year)
- Approved modules (tuition fees)
- University residence fees
- Meal allowances
- Books and study materials
Additional Support
The bursary will also cover:
- Special equipment, if required for your field of study
- Assistive devices for students with disabilities
These will be paid upon request and with confirmation from the relevant Higher Education Institution (HEI).
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 4 months of the closing date. If no feedback is received within this timeframe, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for the FS Office of the Premier Bursary
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must reside in the Free State province
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Household income must be below R600 000 per annum
- Must NOT be receiving another bursary or sponsorship
- Must intend to study full-time in one of the listed fields
- Must be accepted at a recognised and accredited Higher Education Institution in South Africa
- Preference given to academically strong and financially needy students
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Required Supporting Documents
Submit clear copies of the following documents (certified where required):
- Certified ID document
- Matric September results (if currently in Matric)
- Matric certificate (if completed Matric)
- Proof of acceptance from a Higher Education Institution
- Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents OR death certificates
- Proof of household income:
- Latest certified payslips (not older than 3 months)
- Affidavit if unemployed
- Proof of SASSA grant or pension, if applicable
Missing documents may result in your application being rejected.
How to Apply for the FS Office of the Premier Bursary 2026
Click here to apply for the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary 2026 (link it):
➡️ Download the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form 2026
Application Forms Can Also Be Collected At:
- Office of the Premier (FSTDI and OR Tambo Building)
- Thusong Centres
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
Submit Applications By Hand To:
FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301
(Bursary Unit – Reception Area)
FS Office of the Premier Bursary 2026 Closing Date
📅 16 January 2026 (at 16:00)
Late applications will not be accepted. Apply early to avoid last-minute challenges.