The Free State Provincial Government, through the Office of the Premier, invites unemployed South African youth residing in the Free State to apply for the Full-Time Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
Bursary Location: Free State, South Africa
Academic Year: 2027
Age Requirement: 18–35 years
Study Level: Diploma or Degree
Application Method: Online
About the Free State Provincial Government Bursary
The Free State Provincial Government Full-Time Bursary Programme provides financial support to deserving unemployed young people who want to pursue tertiary studies in 2027.
Applications are open to current Grade 12 learners as well as students who have already been accepted or enrolled at recognised higher education institutions.
The programme prioritises qualifications linked to skills shortages within the Free State Province.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
According to the bursary advertisement, funding may cover the full cost of studies, including:
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation, where applicable.
- Prescribed textbooks and learning-aid devices, where applicable.
- Meals.
- Transport, where applicable.
- Monthly living allowance, where applicable.
Applicants should note that some benefits are provided where applicable, meaning the exact funding package may differ depending on the successful applicant’s circumstances and bursary award conditions.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Reside within the Free State Province.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be unemployed.
- Be studying or intending to study towards a Diploma or Degree.
- Study at a recognised and accredited university or university of technology in South Africa.
- Pursue studies within one of the programme’s priority fields.
- Be willing to work within the relevant service sectors.
- Not be engaged in another form of government funding.
Preference may be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Can Grade 12 Learners Apply?
Yes. Current Grade 12 learners may apply for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary for 2027.
Applications are also open to students who have already been accepted or enrolled at an eligible higher education institution.
Prospective students should remember that applying for the bursary does not replace the university application process. Applicants must separately meet the admission requirements of their chosen institution and qualification.
Priority Fields of Study for 2027
The Free State Provincial Government has identified several priority study areas for the 2027 bursary programme.
These include:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
- Commercial-related studies.
- Finance.
- Economics.
- Accounting.
- Psychology-related studies.
- Social Sciences.
- Aviation Studies.
- Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin).
- Public Governance.
- Developmental Studies.
Applicants should ensure that their specific Diploma or Degree falls within the identified priority areas.
Eligible Higher Education Institutions
The supplied bursary information states that applicants must study towards a Diploma or Degree at a recognised and accredited university or university of technology in South Africa.
Applicants studying at other types of institutions should not assume that they qualify unless eligibility is confirmed by the Free State Provincial Government.
Government Funding Requirement
Applicants must not be engaged in another form of government funding.
Students who apply to more than one funding programme should provide accurate information and carefully check the conditions attached to any funding offers they receive.
Important Information Before Applying
Applicants should ensure that:
- Their personal information is correct.
- They meet the Free State residency requirement.
- They meet the 18–35 age requirement.
- Their intended qualification falls within a priority field.
- Their university or university of technology is recognised and accredited.
- All documents required for their circumstances are uploaded.
- Their online application is completed before the deadline.
Incomplete applications may affect an applicant’s chances of being considered.
How to Apply
Applications for the Free State Provincial Government Full-Time Bursary Programme 2027 must be completed online.
Click here to apply for the Free State Provincial Government Full-Time Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants should complete all required sections of the online application and upload the supporting documents required for their individual circumstances.
Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
Bursary Enquiries: bursariesfs@fspremier.gov.za
Telephone: 065 742 5935 / 060 533 4702
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.