Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary Programme 2027: Requirements and Closing Date
The Tiso Foundation has opened applications for its Tertiary Bursary Programme 2027, a comprehensive undergraduate bursary open to South African students in any field of study. Since its inception in 2001, the Foundation has invested over R100 million in more than 50 students, and aims to support around 20 students per year with full financial and personal development support.
If you are a financially needy South African student from a previously disadvantaged background, studying or planning to study an undergraduate degree or national diploma, this is one of the more flexible bursaries available, since it is not restricted to a specific set of degrees.
About the Tiso Foundation
The Tiso Foundation is a Public Benefit Organisation established in 2001 to provide bursaries, scholarships and other awards for research and teaching. Working in partnership with South African universities, the Foundation identifies previously disadvantaged and underprivileged students who have shown determination and academic talent, and supports them well beyond just tuition funding.
What the Bursary Covers
The Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary is described as a comprehensive bursary, covering:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books and study materials
- A monthly stipend
The specific Rand value of the funding package has not been publicly disclosed. Beyond financial support, recipients also receive:
- Academic support
- Mentorship
- Life-skills and leadership development training
- Networking opportunities with the Foundation’s corporate and institutional partners after graduation
Requirements
To qualify for the Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary Programme 2027, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Come from a previously disadvantaged background
- Be studying, or intend to study full-time, towards an undergraduate degree or national diploma
- Study, or intend to study, at a recognised and accredited University or University of Technology in South Africa
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, commitment to their studies, and a willingness to give back to their community
- Provide valid references
The bursary is open to any field of study at undergraduate level, which makes it more accessible than bursaries restricted to a narrow list of degrees.
Selection Criteria
Selection is based on two main factors:
- Financial need — applicants should ensure all household-income documents are complete and accurately reflect their financial circumstances.
- Academic performance — strong academic results form an important part of the selection process alongside financial need.
Required Documents
Have the following ready before starting your application:
- Certified latest tertiary academic results, if currently studying
- Proof of registration, acceptance, or provisional acceptance at a University or University of Technology
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income
- Latest payslips, if employed
- An affidavit, if unemployed
- Proof of pension, where applicable
- Proof of grant income, where applicable
- Death certificates, if parents or guardians are deceased
Because financial need is one of the two core selection criteria, incomplete or inconsistent income documentation is one of the most common reasons applications are turned down.
Key Dates
- Applications open: 8 August 2026
- Applications close: 8 October 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Tiso Foundation bursary application portal, accessible via the Foundation’s website. Make sure every document is certified before uploading, and that your form is completed in full, since incomplete applications will not be considered.
Visit the official website to apply online
Other Tiso Foundation Programmes
Beyond the Tertiary Bursary, the Tiso Foundation also runs separate funding programmes, including:
- A Master’s and PhD Scholarship programme
- An Apprenticeship Bursary programme
- The Tiso Skills Fund
- An Artisan Development programme, run in partnership with the Artisan Training Institute, covering trades such as boilermaking, electrical work, welding, fitting and turning, and diesel mechanics
If your circumstances do not fit the Tertiary Bursary Programme, it is worth checking whether one of these other Tiso Foundation programmes is a better match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary? South African citizens aged 18 to 34, from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, studying or intending to study full-time toward an undergraduate degree or national diploma in any field.
When does the Tiso Foundation Bursary close? Applications opened on 8 August 2026 and close on 8 October 2026.
What fields of study does the bursary cover? Any field of study offered at a recognised University or University of Technology in South Africa.
What does the bursary cover? Tuition fees, accommodation, books and study materials, and a monthly stipend, along with academic support, mentorship and leadership development.
What is the main selection criteria? Financial need and academic performance are the two primary factors used in selecting recipients.
Does the Tiso Foundation offer bursaries beyond undergraduate study? Yes. Separate Master’s, PhD Scholarship, Apprenticeship Bursary and Artisan Development programmes are also available.
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