Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a strong passion for law and a desire to build a successful career in the legal profession? The Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to high-achieving law students who aspire to study towards an LLB degree. Herbert Smith Freehills is one of the world’s leading international law firms, renowned for its excellence in corporate, commercial, finance, and dispute resolution law, and is committed to developing future legal talent in South Africa.
The HSF Bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance, which may include tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and a living allowance, allowing students to focus fully on their academic success. Beyond financial support, bursary recipients gain valuable exposure to the legal profession through vacation work opportunities, mentorship, and potential pathways into the firm’s graduate recruitment and candidate attorney programmes. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically supported but also professionally developed.
By applying for the Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary 2026/2027, students secure more than just funding; they gain access to world-class legal training, practical experience, and long-term career opportunities within a globally respected law firm.
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 requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
As one of the world’s leading international law firms, Herbert Smith Freehills is known for delivering premium, full-service legal advice to some of the largest and most influential organisations globally. With a workforce of over 5,000 professionals, including more than 3,500 lawyers and 2,000 business specialists, HSF operates across a vast international network that spans Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
HSF takes pride in recognising excellence and nurturing potential. The firm fosters a high-performance work environment that values professionalism, innovation, and integrity. By investing in education through its bursary programme, HSF not only empowers future legal professionals but also strengthens the legal sector by developing individuals who are passionate, driven, and aligned with the firm’s values. The bursary reflects HSF’s commitment to academic excellence, diversity, transformation, and long-term professional growth.
About the HSF Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields of Study Covered
Herbert Smith Freehills invites eligible students to apply for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. The bursary is specifically aimed at students who intend to pursue or are already pursuing a Postgraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
This programme is targeted at students who are in their final or penultimate stages of legal studies and who demonstrate strong academic performance, dedication to their studies, and a genuine passion for the law. Through this bursary, HSF seeks to provide financial assistance while creating a pathway for promising students to establish a solid foundation within the legal profession.
Value of the HSF Bursary, Benefits and Selection Process
The HSF Bursary Programme awards bursaries to two deserving candidates, each valued at R40,000. The funds are paid directly to the recipient’s university and are intended to cover tuition fees. This financial support helps reduce the burden of study costs and allows students to focus fully on their academic success.
In addition to financial assistance, successful candidates are given the opportunity to participate in one week of dedicated work experience at HSF’s South African office in Johannesburg. This exposure provides invaluable insight into the operations of a top-tier international law firm and allows students to gain practical experience, professional mentorship, and real-world legal knowledge.
It is important to note that:
- The bursary is a once-off award and does not cover multiple academic years.
- The bursary is non-exclusive, meaning recipients may also hold other bursaries or funding.
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a short interview as part of the selection process.
HSF is committed to diversity and transformation, and selections are made in line with the principles of the Employment Equity Act, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in the process.
Eligibility Requirements for HSF Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all the minimum requirements to be considered. Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in disqualification:
- You must be in your 3rd or final year of an undergraduate degree majoring in Law (such as BA Law, BCom Law, or Social Sciences with Law as a major), or
- You must intend to register for a Postgraduate LLB in 2026, or
- You must be entering your penultimate year of an undergraduate LLB in 2026
- You must demonstrate strong academic performance
- You must be dedicated and committed to your studies
- You must align with the values of Herbert Smith Freehills
- You must show a genuine passion for the law
- You must be in financial need
How to Apply for HSF Bursary 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online via the official HSF application portal: Click here to access the HSF Bursary Application 2026.
Applicants are required to upload clear and certified copies of the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Full academic record or transcripts from your current and previous institutions
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining your educational background, achievements, and experience
- A personal statement (maximum 500 words) explaining:
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- Your passion for a career in law
- Why you deserve the HSF bursary
- Information about your:
- Unique skills
- Interests and hobbies
- Social involvement and responsibilities
- Any part-time or voluntary work
- Reference letters, certificates, or proof of work experience (optional but advantageous)
All documents are compulsory unless stated otherwise. Missing documents may result in your application being disqualified.
Closing Date for HSF Bursary Application 2026/2027
The official closing date for applications is:
Application Deadline: 31 August
Late applications will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid disappointment.
Contact Details of Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary
For any queries or additional information regarding the Herbert Smith Freehills Bursary Programme, you can contact HSF directly through their official contact portal:
Contact Portal: https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/contact-us
