Are you a financially deserving South African student with a passion for business, law, engineering, or science? The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is offering you the opportunity to pursue your academic dreams through the IDC External Bursary Scheme for the 2027 academic year. Applications opened on Monday, 1 June 2026 and will close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 — don’t miss your chance to secure funding for the year ahead.

About the IDC

The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (Ltd) is one of the country’s leading development finance institutions. With decades of experience driving industrial and economic growth, the IDC is committed to investing not only in businesses but in the people who will shape South Africa’s future. The IDC External Bursary Scheme is a direct expression of that commitment — giving talented, financially deserving students the support they need to complete their qualifications and enter the workforce ready to make an impact.

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Who Can Apply?

The bursary is open to unemployed South African citizens who demonstrate financial need and are currently studying or intend to study full-time in one of the qualifying fields listed below.

Qualifying Fields of Study

The IDC bursary covers a wide range of disciplines across four categories:

Finance, Management & Related Courses:
Accounting (CA), Financial Management, Internal Audit, Cost and Management Accounting, Investment Management, Risk Management, Transport or Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance Studies, Economics, Econometrics, Business Management, Financial Accounting, and Financial Engineering.

STEM Courses — specific qualifying programmes apply.

Law Courses — specific qualifying programmes apply.

Postgraduate Studies — Honours level qualifications are supported.

⚠️ Important: Applications will only be considered for the fields of study listed above. Any qualification not on the approved list will not be considered. Please verify your field of study before applying.

What Does the Bursary Cover?

The IDC bursary package is designed to give recipients a meaningful support system throughout their studies. Benefits include financial assistance covering key costs of study. Full details on bursary benefits, eligibility requirements, and compulsory supporting documents are available on the official IDC website.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the IDC’s official bursary portal. Ensure that you have all compulsory documents ready before beginning your application, as incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Application Period:
📅 Opens: 1 June 2026
📅 Closes: 30 September 2026

APPLY FOR THE IDC BURSARY HERE

Report Fraud or Corruption

The IDC maintains a zero-tolerance stance on fraud and corruption. Students, clients, and service providers are encouraged to report any suspicious activity via:

• Hotline: 0800 303 336
• Email: idc@tip-offs.com
• SMS: 39640

Invest in your future with the backing of one of South Africa’s most respected institutions. Apply before 30 September 2026.