The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is inviting eligible South African students to apply for the IDC External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. The bursary is aimed at supporting academically deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue studies in scarce and critical skills fields that contribute to South Africa's economic development. The IDC is one of South Africa's leading development finance institutions and is committed to investing in future professionals who will play a meaningful role in growing the country's economy and industrial sectors. Through this bursary programme, successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support throughout their studies at a recognised South African public university or university of technology. The bursary is open to South African citizens who are unemployed, 26 years old or younger, and studying or intending to study towards their first undergraduate qualification. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and show strong academic performance. Fields of study funded by the IDC include Accounting (CA), Financial Management, Internal Audit, Cost and Management Accounting, Investment Management, Risk Management, Transport and Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Econometrics, Business Management, Financial Accounting and Financial Engineering. Students pursuing STEM-related qualifications are also encouraged to apply. These include Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Agricultural Studies, Analytical Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Data Science, Quantitative Risk Management, Computer Science, Information Science, Information Technology and BCom Information Systems. Law students studying BCom Law (Commercial Law), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Diploma in Law Studies may also apply. Funding for Honours studies is only available for Accounting (CA), Law, Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Statistics. The IDC gives preference to applicants from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 public schools, students from previously disadvantaged communities, students from rural areas and persons living with disabilities. A weighting system is applied during the selection process to ensure fair consideration of all applicants. To qualify, matric learners must have achieved a minimum APS score of 75%, while current tertiary students must have obtained a minimum average of 65% in their most recent academic results. Successful bursary recipients will be required to maintain a minimum academic average of 60% throughout the duration of their studies. The programme primarily targets students whose parents or guardians have a combined household income of R350 000 or less per annum. Applicants whose household income falls between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum may also be considered, subject to an affordability assessment. The IDC Bursary provides extensive financial support, including full tuition fees, accommodation at university residences or university-accredited off-campus accommodation, a once-off laptop allowance, meal allowance and transport allowance. This ensures that students can focus on their studies without the financial pressures often associated with higher education. Applicants are required to submit certified copies of supporting documents, including their South African ID document, latest academic results, Matric certificate where applicable, proof of household income, parents or guardians' certified ID copies, proof of residence and any additional supporting documentation relating to their family circumstances. All certified documents must be dated within three months of submission. Current Grade 12 learners may apply using their Grade 11 final results together with their June 2026 results. Only qualifications specifically listed by the IDC will be considered. Applications for second qualifications, additional undergraduate qualifications or postgraduate qualifications outside the approved Honours categories will not be funded. Successful applicants will be notified via email after the selection process has been completed. Closing Date: 30 September 2026 Apply before the closing date to be considered for one of South Africa's most comprehensive fully funded bursary opportunities.