The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) was established in 2005 as part of FirstRand Limited’s broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) initiative. The foundation aims to reduce poverty and inequality by supporting activities that align with B-BBEE principles. The leadership of FREF mainly consists of individuals classified as black under the Financial Sector Charter.
FREF dreams of a South Africa where everyone has fair access to economic opportunities, promoting inclusive growth. By empowering communities to actively take part in the national economy, the foundation has set key strategic areas to drive this vision forward.
About the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is inviting students to apply for their Bursary Programme for the 2025 academic year. The bursaries are for Postgraduate studies (Bachelor of Honours degree) in fields such as:
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural Sciences
- BA Honours Arts (Psychology)
- Biosciences
- Business Information
- Climate Sciences
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Economics
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Financial Management
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Information Management
- Information Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Law
- Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Renewable Energy
- Risk
- Sciences
- Society and Sustainability
- Statistics
Eligibility Requirements for the Bursary
To apply, make sure you meet these criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Age between 21 and 35 years old
- Completed Matric with at least 60% in Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy)
- Completed an Undergraduate degree between 2022 and 2024
- Enrolled in a full-time 1-year honours degree program
- Pursuing your first postgraduate qualification
- Studying at a public university in South Africa
- Achieved a minimum overall average of 60% in your undergraduate degree studies
- Have a combined gross family income of no more than R600,000 per annum
How to Apply for the Bursary
Applications must be submitted online at: https://frefbursary.feenix.org/apply-now/
When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter “busa.hlayiso.com”.
Submit clear copies of these supporting documents with your application:
- ID document (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
- Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Academic Records (certified copy)
- Proof of university acceptance/provisional acceptance for 2025
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, affidavit stating annual income if self-employed, most recent audited financial statement or 3 months’ bank statements if they own a business, SASSA letter stating the grants received if applicable)
- Completed EEA1 form (Download it here: https://www.csir.co.za/sites/default/files/Documents/EEA1%20Department%20of%20Labour%20form.pdf)
Closing Date
Be sure to apply before 15 December 2024.
Applications submitted after this date won’t be considered, so get yours in on time!
Contact Details
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Feenix (the administrators for this bursary) directly via their Contact Page at:
https://frefbursary.feenix.org/contact/