The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd (IDC) is committed to empowering the next generation of South African professionals through strategic investment in education. One of its flagship initiatives is the IDC Bursary Programme, which forms part of broader efforts to address the national skills shortage, build capacity, and nurture future talent for the country’s growth sectors.
Through this initiative, the IDC provides financial support for academically strong students who wish to pursue studies in fields aligned with South Africa’s development priorities. The programme is also a pathway for identifying and recruiting future IDC professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
Age Requirement
- Must be between the ages of 16 and 26 at the time of application.
Academic Requirements
- Matric Students must have achieved a minimum average of 75% in their final results.
- Tertiary Students must have achieved a minimum average of 65% and passed all previously registered courses.
Citizenship
- Only South African citizens with a valid SA ID number will be considered.
Fields of Study Covered
The IDC Bursary Programme supports full-time academic studies in the following fields at accredited public South African universities or universities of technology:
- Engineering: A multidisciplinary field combining science and mathematics to design, build, and maintain systems, materials, machines, and structures that impact all areas of life.
- Business and Economics
- Agricultural Science
- Computer Science
Note: Bursaries are not available for studies at private institutions (e.g., Damelin, Boston) or non-accredited colleges.
Application Instructions
To apply for the IDC Bursary Programme:
- Register as a new user via the Application portal.
- Log in using your credentials to begin the bursary application process.
- Complete the application form, including all required academic and personal details.
- Upload a valid South African ID and a provisional acceptance letter from a South African public university or university of technology.
- Submit all supporting documentation through the portal before the application closing date.
Important Notes
- Bursaries are only available for full-time undergraduate degrees.
- Students already enrolled in a course for which they are applying must have passed all subjects from the previous academic period.
- Applicants currently receiving financial aid from another bursary or their employer are not eligible.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who can apply for this bursary?
Only South African citizens aged 16–26, not currently funded by another bursary or employer, who meet the academic requirements and plan to study full-time at a public South African university or university of technology.
2. What documents are needed?
You will need:
- Valid South African ID
- Latest academic transcripts or results
- Provisional acceptance letter from a university
- Proof of residence and household income (if requested)
3. How are applicants selected?
Selection is based on academic performance, financial need, chosen field of study, and alignment with IDC development objectives.
4. What is the bursary worth?
The bursary typically covers tuition fees, prescribed books, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses. Final terms are communicated upon successful award.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding/hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding/hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
