Founded in 2005 as part of FirstRand Limited’s broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) initiative, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is all about reducing poverty and inequality. They focus on supporting activities that align with B-BBEE principles. The foundation’s leadership mainly comprises individuals classified as black under the Financial Sector Charter.
FREF envisions a South Africa where everyone has equal access to economic opportunities, promoting inclusive growth. They aim to empower communities, encouraging active participation in the national economy through various strategic initiatives.
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 cover critical skills programmes, specifically for Undergraduate Degree studies in fields like:
- Agricultural Sciences: All specialisations
- Arts: Psychology
- Commercial Sciences: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Financial Management
- Engineering: All specialisations
- Environmental Sciences: Climate Sciences, Renewable Energy
- Information Sciences: Business Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Management, Information Technology
- Mathematical Sciences: Mathematics, Risk, Statistics
- Natural Sciences: Biosciences, Electronics, Physics
- Social Sciences and Law: Society and Sustainability, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Law
Expenses Covered & Other Opportunities
The bursary will cover:
- Tuition fees
- Learning resources
- Computer (for first-year students)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Monthly stipend
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be classified as Black under the B-BBEE Act
- Be 21 years old or younger in your first year of study
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric within the last 3 years
- Have achieved at least level 5 in Mathematics in Matric
- Have a strong academic record
- Plan to study full-time towards a first undergraduate degree in one of the specified fields in 2025
- Have applied and been provisionally accepted to study at a public university in South Africa in 2025
- Have a combined gross family income of no more than R600,000 per annum
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at:
https://studytrust.devman.co.za/devman/bursary/application/fref-bursary/
When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter “busa.hlayiso.com”.
Before applying, make sure to read the Study Trust Bursary Applications Page:
https://studytrust.org.za/bursary-applications/
Submit clear copies of these supporting documents along with your application:
- Clear photograph (head and shoulders)
- Certified South African ID (not older than 6 months)
- Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (if currently in Matric)
- Matric certificate (if completed Matric)
- 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 grants received if applicable)
- Parents’ death certificates if deceased
- Letter from the court stating child support amounts if parents are divorced or affidavit from the parent stating the child support amount received if parents are separated
Closing Date
Apply before 15 December 2024 to make sure your application is considered.
Late applications won’t be accepted.
Contact Details
For any questions, get in touch with StudyTrust (the administrators for this bursary) directly:
- Tel: 011 403 1632
- Email: [email protected]