The closing date has passed. Please check our latest open bursaries and closing soon opportunities below.
The FNB Bursary Program is all about helping young South Africans get a good education without worrying too much about money. It started as part of FirstRand’s way to support black economic empowerment, which means giving more chances to people who were left out before. The program is run by the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, set up in 2005, and it works with groups like Study Trust to give out the money.
The FNB Bursary Programme is a key initiative to help South African students get into university. It focuses on giving money to those who are smart but do not have enough cash for studies. This bursary comes from First National Bank, part of the big FirstRand group, and aims to build future leaders in important fields like business, building things, and science.
Why does FNB do this? They want to grow leaders who can help South Africa’s economy. Many students have great marks but cannot afford university fees, books, or even a place to stay. This bursary steps in to make sure those students can study and become pros in fields that South Africa needs, like engineering or finance. It’s not just cash; it’s an investment in the country’s future. FNB says there’s “no work-back or pay-back condition on the bursaries; these funds are a pure investment by FNB towards developing future leaders.”
Over the years, FNB has partnered with different groups to reach more students. For example, they work with the Rural Education Access Program for kids from farms and small towns, or the South African Actuary Development Program for math whizzes. This means the bursary can help students in different ways, from full funding to partial help, depending on the partner. In 2026, the focus is on undergraduate degrees, but sometimes they look at honors if it leads to jobs.
South Africa has big problems like unemployment, especially for young people. Bursaries like this one help by training students in skills that companies want. Think about it: if you study accounting or computer science, you could work at a bank like FNB or start your own business. The program also likes to pick more girls and students from poor areas, to make things fairer. They even try to include students with disabilities.
What makes this bursary special? It’s not just about passing exams. They look at your whole story – where you come from, your family money, and how hard you work. Many winners get mentors too, who guide them through university life. This extra support helps students not drop out and finish their degrees strong.
If you’re dreaming of a career in business or tech, this could be your start. But remember, it’s competitive. Lots of students apply, so you need top marks and a real need for help. For other options, check Open Bursaries to see what’s available now.
In simple words, the FNB Bursary Program is a chance for bright kids from tough backgrounds to go to university and change their lives. It fits with South Africa’s goals to build a better economy for everyone. Past winners have gone on to big jobs, showing how this help pays off.https://www.fnb.co.za/graduates/looking-for-bursary.html
Table of Contents
- Bursary Overview
- Who the Bursary is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Bursary Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches Section
Quick Summary for FNB Bursary Program
| Bursary Name | FNB Bursary Program |
|---|---|
| Company / Organization | First National Bank (FNB) / FirstRand Empowerment Foundation |
| Fields Covered | Commerce, Engineering, Science (including Agricultural Sciences, Arts: Psychology, Commercial Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Information Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Law) |
| Who Can Apply | South African citizens, Black (per BBBEE), under 21 in first year, strong academics, family income < R600,000/year |
| Closing Date | 5 October 2025 (extended, now closed) |
| How to Apply | Online via Study Trust platform |
Who the FNB Bursary Program is For
This bursary is mainly for South African students who are good at school but come from families without much money. It’s aimed at Black students, as defined by the rules for black economic empowerment. They want to help those under 21 when starting university, and prefer girls, rural kids, and those with disabilities.
It’s not for everyone – you need to show you really need the cash and have strong marks. If you’re from a historically disadvantaged area, that’s a plus. The program wants to include people who might not get chances otherwise. Parents’ income should be less than R600,000 a year total.
In short, if you’re a motivated matric leaver ready for university but short on funds, this is for you. It’s for full-time undergrads only, mostly first-years. For more like this, see Closing Soon bursaries.
Fields of Study Covered
The FNB Bursary Program covers degrees that South Africa needs most. These are critical skills areas to help the economy grow
- Commerce/Commercial Sciences: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Auditing, Economics, Financial Management, Investment Management, Management, Quantitative Finance, Statistics, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Law, Psychology, Organizational Psychology.
- Engineering: Aeronautical, Agricultural, Building Technology, Chemical, Civil, Construction Management, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Metallurgical, Mining, Mining Survey, Architecture.
- Science/Sciences: Mathematical Statistics, Business Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Software Development, Biosciences, Electronics, Physics, Climate Sciences, Renewable Energy, Data Science, Information Management.
Other areas like Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Law are included if they fit. No natural sciences alone, and focus on undergrad, but honors in accounting sometimes.https://www.fnb.co.za/graduates/looking-for-bursary.html?srsltid=AfmBOopoelqd48kyV9GEH_OP8E4eHZkNRHH6Ovm8WVZy3l6aYJOuDBVe
If your dream is engineering, look at Engineering Bursaries for more.
What the FNB Bursary Program Covers
This bursary can be partial or full, depending on your needs. It often pays for tuition fees, books and learning stuff, a laptop for first-years, place to stay, food, and even a monthly pocket money.
For example, full ones cover everything so you can study without stress. Partial might help with some costs. No need to pay back or work for FNB after. It’s pure help to build your future.
Eligibility Requirement FNB Bursary Program
To get in, you must:
- Be South African.
- Be Black (per BBBEE Act).
- Be under 21 in first year.
- Have matric with min level 5 (60%) in Math, and for engineering/science, 60% in English and Physical Science.
- Family income < R600,000/year.
- Accepted at a public SA university for full-time undergrad in listed fields.
- Not finished matric more than 3 years ago.
- Strong overall marks.
They like female, rural, disabled students.
Required Documents FNB Bursary Program
You need:
- ID copy.
- Matric results or June marks.
- Uni acceptance letter.
- Family income proof (pay slips, affidavits).
- Death certs if parents passed.
- Court letter for child support if divorced.
- Two testimonials (school and community).
- Essay about your life.
- Photo.
All certified.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for FNB Bursary Program
- Go to Study Trust site or FirstRand bursary portal.
- Fill online form with your details.
- Upload docs.
- Write essay or get recommendations.
- Submit before deadline.
Closing Date for the FNB Bursary Program
5 October 2025 (extended). Closed now. Check for 2027 later.
Selection Process
They look at marks first, then need and story. Exam results are key. Shortlist based on that, maybe interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions When Applying for the FNB Bursary Program
Is it full or partial?
Can be either, but often covers main costs like fees and living.
Do I pay back?
No, no work-back.
Can I apply if over 21?
No, strict age limit.
What if no Physical Science?
Only if not needed for field.
For postgrad?
Rare, only if leads to job, like honours.
Bias to who?
Females, rural, disabled.
Excluded if race?
No, but focus on Black per BBBEE.
Matric old?
Max 3 years.
Disability help?
Yes, included.
Contact?
StudyTrust: 011 403 1632.
Important Notes & Warnings
- Closed for 2026; no late apps.
- No fakes; disqualified.
- Only public unis.
- Full-time only.
- Check official sites.
- No exclusion on race/gender, but biases.
- Update on partners like Career Wise.
- For queries, use email, not after close.
Related Searches Section
Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Commerce bursaries SA Science funding 2026 Undergraduate bursaries Africa Study Trust opportunities Partial bursaries SA Black empowerment funding Critical skills bursaries Rural student aid Female bursaries 2026 Disability scholarships FNB alternativeshttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/