IDC Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a high-achieving South African student passionate about building the future of the country through innovation, industry, and economic development? The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary Programme 2026 is one of South Africa’s most impactful funding opportunities for students pursuing qualifications in sectors vital to the country’s industrial and economic growth. As a national development finance institution, IDC is committed to supporting education in technical and critical skill areas to drive transformation and inclusive development.

The IDC bursary is open to students who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need. It funds studies in high-demand fields such as Engineering (Mechanical, Mining, Industrial, Electrical, Chemical), Agriculture, Computer Science, Information Technology, Economics, Accounting, Financial Management, and more. This full-cost bursary typically covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and a living allowance, offering students the freedom to focus on their academic success.

In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to the IDC Bursary Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, approved fields of study, how to apply online, required supporting documents, and the official closing date. Whether you are a top-performing matriculant or a current university student enrolled in a public institution, the IDC bursary can help you access the education you need to build a career that matters.

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 for answers to questions like “How to apply for the IDC bursary 2026,” “IDC bursary requirements,” and “fully funded bursaries for engineering and commerce students in South Africa.”

About Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a state-owned national development finance institution established in 1940 and operating under South Africa’s Economic Development Department. Its mission is to support industrial development and promote sustainable economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship, both in South Africa and across the African continent.

The IDC offers both financial and non-financial support to youth enterprises and businesses aiming to start or expand industrial projects, with funding of up to R1 billion per project.

About the IDC Bursary Programme – Fields Covered

The IDC is inviting students to apply for bursary funding for the 2026/2027 academic year. Bursaries are available for first-time undergraduate students in a wide range of fields, including:

Commerce and Management

BCom Accounting (CA stream)
Cost & Management Accounting
Business Management / Economics / Econometrics
Financial Accounting / Management / Investment Management
Internal Auditing / Quantitative Finance / Risk Management
Information Systems / Information Technology
Supply Chain / Transport / Logistics Management
Entrepreneurship

Engineering

Agricultural / Civil / Construction Engineering
Electrical / Electronic / Mechanical / Industrial / Mining / Metallurgy Engineering
Analytical Chemistry / Geology / Quantity Surveying

Applied Commercial Sciences

Actuarial Science / Analytical Chemistry
Agricultural Studies / Biotechnology
Computer Science / Data Science
Environmental Science / Mathematics / Physics / Statistics

Law

BCom Law / LLB
Diploma in Law Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (only postgraduate Law, Accounting & Finance are funded)

Note: The bursary supports academically talented students who lack financial means to pursue higher education.

Bursary Coverage & Selection Process

The IDC bursary covers the full cost of study, including:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Meals
Transport allowance
A once-off laptop allowance

Applicants will undergo a financial needs assessment as part of the selection process.

Eligibility Criteria for IDC Bursary Application in 2026/2027

To qualify for the IDC bursary, applicants must:

Be a South African citizen
Be 26 years old or younger
Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
Plan to study full-time towards a first undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields
Postgraduate funding is only available for Accounting, Finance, and Law
Be accepted or planning to study at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college (no private institutions)
Meet the following academic requirements:
- Matric students: at least 75% Admission Point Score (APS)
- Tertiary students: at least 65% average
Have a combined household income of R600,000 or less per year
Be unemployed and in financial need
Preference will be given to:
- Students with disabilities
- Students from Quintile 1, 2, or 3 schools and rural or previously disadvantaged communities

How to Apply for the IDC Bursary 2026/2027

Applications must be completed online, and applicants should submit clear copies of all mandatory supporting documents and complete the interview questionnaire.

NB: To apply for the IDC External Bursary, click here or visit the IDC Website: www.idc.co.za – select About IDC, then select Bursaries. Successful applicants will be notified via email.

Should you have any queries, please contact Noluthando Baepi on 011 269 3374 or email noluthandob@idc.co.za or ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za

Required Documents (Certified & Recent – No Older Than 6 Months):

ID document (applicant)
Grade 11 final & Matric June results (if in Matric)
Matric certificate (if completed)
Latest academic results (if not currently studying)
2025 mid-year (semester 1) results (if currently studying)
University acceptance or provisional admission letter
Parent(s)/guardian(s) ID documents
Unabridged birth certificate (if surnames differ)
Parent(s)/guardian(s) proof of income:
- Payslips (if employed)
- 6 months’ bank statements & affidavit (if unemployed)
- 3 months’ bank statements (if self-employed)
- SASSA confirmation letter (if applicable)
- Death certificate/divorce decree/separation affidavit (if applicable)

Application Deadline for IDC Bursary 2026/2027

30 September

Late applications will not be accepted, so make sure to submit before the deadline.

Contact the IDC for Queries

Email: bursary@idc.co.za

Tel: 011 269 3374