HCI Foundation Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on HCI Foundation Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with strong academic potential but limited financial means? The HCI Foundation Bursary Programme for 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering funding to deserving students who wish to pursue tertiary studies in critical and high-impact fields. The Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) Foundation is a well-established South African non-profit organisation committed to transforming lives through education, skills development, and youth empowerment, with a strong focus on previously disadvantaged communities.

The HCI Foundation Bursary provides financial support that may cover tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other essential study-related costs, depending on the student’s needs and the level of study. The bursary primarily supports studies in areas such as commerce, accounting, actuarial science, information technology, engineering, mathematics, science, and other scarce skills fields that contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and transformation. Beyond financial assistance, the HCI Foundation aims to nurture future leaders by investing in education that creates long-term social and economic impact.

By applying for the HCI Foundation Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just funding, they gain access to an opportunity that supports academic excellence, personal development, and career readiness. This bursary is ideal for motivated students who are committed to completing their studies and making a meaningful contribution to their communities and the country at large.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility criteria, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the HCI Foundation Bursary Application 2026/2027.

About HCI Foundation

The HCI Foundation is an independent trust established as the corporate social investment (CSI) arm of Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (HCI). The Foundation is governed by a board of trustees comprising members of the HCI Board of Directors, employees from HCI subsidiary companies, and independent experts who support the Foundation’s developmental objectives.

Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (HCI) is a JSE-listed investment holding company, listed since 1973. The company generates most of its revenue from the casino gaming and hotel industry, while also maintaining diversified investments across several sectors, including:

Property
Hotel and leisure
Transport
Clothing and textiles
Mining
Interactive gaming
Media and broadcasting

HCI is a proudly black-empowered company, with its main shareholder being the Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) Investment Group. The group has operations not only in South Africa, but also across Africa, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.

Through the HCI Foundation, the organisation is committed to uplifting disadvantaged South Africans, with a strong focus on education as a tool for long-term, sustainable impact.

About HCI Foundation Bursary Programme 2026/2027

The HCI Foundation is inviting applications for its 2026 bursary programme, aimed at supporting students studying at selected South African universities.

Fields and Study Levels Covered

The bursary programme supports the following categories of students:

New bursary applicants
Funding for Honours and Postgraduate Diploma studies at selected public universities.
Current HCI bursary recipients
Funding for continuing undergraduate studies at any recognised public university or university of technology in South Africa.

Approved Universities for New Applicants

New applicants must be studying or planning to study at one of the following universities:

University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
University of Pretoria (UP)
University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Stellenbosch University (SU)
Rhodes University (RU)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of the Free State (UFS)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
North-West University (NWU)

Expenses Covered and Expectations

Bursary Coverage

The HCI Foundation awards partial bursaries, covering:

Up to 75% of tuition fees
A maximum value of R40,000 per year

Payments are made directly to the student’s university fee account, usually around July each year.

Expenses Not Covered

The bursary does not cover:

Textbooks
Accommodation or residence fees
Transport costs
Living expenses
Meals

Service Contract and Community Involvement

There is no work-back or repayment obligation attached to the bursary. However, beneficiaries are expected to:

Participate in community development projects
Take part in tutoring and mentoring programmes
Volunteer within their communities
Complete surveys and attend workshops during and after their studies

This approach aligns with the Foundation’s mission to produce graduates who actively give back to society.

Eligibility Requirements for HCI Foundation Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:

Must be a South African citizen, refugee, or asylum seeker
Must be 35 years old or younger on the closing date (31 March 2026)
Must be studying full-time (part-time and distance learning are not funded)
Must not be studying at a TVET College
Must have a gross household income below R38,000 per month
Must not already hold a full-cost bursary or a large partial bursary from another source
(NSFAS, loans, or smaller partial bursaries are acceptable)

Additional Study-Specific Requirements

Current HCI bursary holders must be continuing undergraduate studies at a public university or university of technology
New applicants must be registered for or accepted into an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma programme at one of the approved universities listed above

Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in the application not being considered.

How to Apply for HCI Foundation Bursary 2026/2027

Applications for the HCI bursary are not submitted directly to the Foundation. Instead, the process is managed through participating universities.

Application Process

Contact your university’s Financial Aid Office or Advancement Office
Express interest in applying for the HCI Foundation Bursary
If shortlisted, you will receive a direct link to the online application platform from your university’s Postgraduate Office
Complete and submit your application online

Application period: 1 February to 10 March

Applications are managed exclusively through the university’s internal systems

Supporting Documents Required

Applicants must upload clear, certified copies of the following documents:

South African ID document (citizen applicants)
Proof of permanent residency, refugee or asylum seeker status (if applicable)
Full academic record (on institution letterhead)
Proof of registration or acceptance for 2026 (new applicants only)
Parent or guardian proof of income:
- Payslips (if employed)
- Affidavit (if unemployed)
- Bank statements (if self-employed)
- Grant or pension slip (if applicable)
Death certificate of parent or guardian (if deceased)
Affidavit if living with only one parent
Motivational letter (550–750 words), saved as a separate Word document, addressing:
- Personal qualities and ethics
- Leadership potential
- Capacity for critical thinking
- Commitment to giving back to the community

Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Closing Date for HCI Foundation Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Closing date: To be confirmed (varies by university)

Applicants are encouraged to apply well before their university’s internal deadline, as late submissions will not be accepted.

Contact Details of HCI Foundation Office

For further enquiries, contact the bursary provider directly:

HCI Foundation – Bursary Department

Tel: 021 424 6010

Email: bp@hcifoundation.co.za