Free State Provincial Government 2026 Full-Time Bursary Applications Now Open

The Free State Provincial Government has officially opened 2026 Full-Time Bursary Applications for unemployed youth and deserving students who want to study at a recognised higher education institution in 2026. This bursary is offered through the Office of the Premier and is aimed at supporting financially needy students in priority skills areas.

If you are a Grade 12 learner or a student already accepted at a university or TVET college, this could be your opportunity to study without financial stress.

Who Can Apply?

The bursary is open to unemployed youth aged 18–35 who live in the Free State Province and meet the following requirements:

You must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be a Free State resident
• Have a total household income of less than R600 000 per year
• Be accepted or enrolled at a recognised Higher Education Institution (HEI)
• Be studying in a scarce or critical skills field
• Not be funded by another bursary or sponsor (no double funding)

Current Grade 12 learners must attach their September matric results, while current students must submit their latest academic record or transcript.

Students who are financially needy and performing well academically will be given priority.

Who Cannot Apply?

You will not qualify if:

• You already have another bursary or sponsor (including NSFAS with full funding)
• You do not meet the income or residency requirements
• Your application is incomplete or missing documents

Required Documents

When applying, you must submit the following:

• A request letter
• Completed application form (including checklist)
• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Certified copies of parents’ IDs or proof of guardianship
  (If orphaned, include death certificates and SASSA proof)
• Matric results or latest academic transcript
• Proof of residence
• Acceptance letter from a university or TVET college
• Proof of household income (salary advice, affidavit, SASSA or SARS IRP12)

Self-employed parents must submit:

• Business registration documents
• CIPC report
• Valid tax clearance certificate

Where to Get the Application Form

Application forms are available at:

• Office of the Premier (FSTDI and OR Tambo Building)
• Thusong Centres
• Free State Provincial Government Facebook Page
• Central University of Technology (CUT)
• University of the Free State (UFS)

Where to Submit Your Application

You can submit your application by hand at:

124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301
FSTDI Brahman Building, Bursary Unit (Reception Area)
Or at Thusong Centres

If posting your application, make sure it arrives before the closing date.

Closing Date

• 16 January 2026
• 16:00

Late applications will not be accepted.

Important Notes

• Applications with missing documents will not be considered
• False information will lead to disqualification
• If you do not receive feedback within four months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful
• The department does not provide individual feedback on unsuccessful applications
• People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Contact Details

• [email protected]
• Office hours: 07:30 – 16:00
• Mr ME Makhetha – 065 742 5935
• Ms NB Thekiso – 060 533 4702
• Ms MC Motau – 065 742 6737

Final Tip

Apply as early as possible and make sure every document is included. Many students lose funding not because they don’t qualify, but because their applications are incomplete.

This bursary could be the key to unlocking your future in 2026 — don’t miss it.