Islamic Relief Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Islamic Relief Bursary Application for 2026/2027. Are you a South African student from an underprivileged background seeking financial assistance to pursue your tertiary education? The Islamic Relief Bursary Programme 2026/2027 offers a meaningful opportunity for academically deserving and financially needy students who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. As part of its mission to alleviate poverty and promote social justice, Islamic Relief South Africa supports access to higher education through its annual bursary initiative.

The Islamic Relief bursary is awarded to students pursuing qualifications in various fields, including Education, Health Sciences, Social Work, Community Development, Engineering, and other disciplines that contribute to social and economic upliftment. The bursary typically covers tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and other essential study-related expenses at accredited public universities and institutions across South Africa.

This article provides a detailed guide to the Islamic Relief Bursary Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, priority fields of study, step-by-step application process, required documents, and the official closing date. Whether you’re a matriculant preparing for university or a current student facing financial challenges, this bursary can help you achieve your academic goals and empower your future.

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 such as “Islamic Relief bursary requirements 2026,” “how to apply for the Islamic Relief bursary,” and “bursaries for disadvantaged students in South Africa.”

About Islamic Relief South Africa

Islamic Relief is a global humanitarian organisation that was established in the United Kingdom in 1984. Its South African branch, Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA), was registered in 2004 as a non-profit company.

The organisation works with underprivileged communities to improve access to essential services such as education, water, sanitation, and healthcare. Through sustainable development programmes, Islamic Relief aims to eliminate poverty and uplift lives.

The Islamic Relief Bursary Programme was launched as part of its Orphans & Vulnerable Children Programme to support tertiary education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Islamic Relief Bursary Fields Covered – 2026/2027

Islamic Relief SA invites eligible students to apply for the 2026 bursary programme, which supports full-time undergraduate degree or diploma studies in the following fields:

Accounting Science
Agriculture
Architecture / Construction (Built Environment)
Economics
Engineering
Financial Management
Information Technology
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Medicine
Nursing

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary provides funding for the following:

Tuition fees
Prescribed textbooks
Tutoring services

Funds are paid directly to the university, split between the first and second semesters.

Additional expectations from bursary recipients include:

Submitting academic results each semester
Attending academic progress meetings
Participating in IRSA’s leadership programme
Attending all 4 annual online seminars hosted by IRSA

To retain funding, students must maintain a minimum 60% average and reapply each year.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 2 months after the closing date. If you do not hear back, consider your application unsuccessful.

Eligibility Criteria for Islamic Relief Bursary Application 2026/2027

To qualify for the Islamic Relief Bursary, applicants must meet these minimum requirements:

Be between 18 and 24 years old
Be of any nationality and any religion
Have completed Matric
Be accepted or planning to study full-time at a recognised South African public university
Be pursuing or intending to pursue one of the eligible fields of study listed above
Be in financial need, with a total household income not exceeding R450 000 per annum
Have no outstanding debt with your university
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are encouraged to apply

Eligible universities include:

All public universities in South Africa, including but not limited to:

UCT, Wits, UJ, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UFS, DUT, UNISA, TUT, and others. (Full list provided in the original notice.)

How to Apply for the Islamic Relief Bursary 2026/2027

Step 1: Download the Application Form

Get the Islamic Relief Bursary Application Form for 2026 (.pdf). Click here to access the application form

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Submit certified copies of the following documents:

South African ID / Passport / Asylum Seeker or Refugee Status
Matric certificate
Academic transcript (if already studying)
Proof of provisional or final university acceptance
Quotation of tuition fees
Proof of household income (latest payslip or sworn affidavit)
Parents’ death certificate (if applicable)
Details of other bursaries applied for (if any)

Motivational Letters (each max 250 words):

Why you chose your course and career interest
Your top academic and personal achievements
Your involvement in community projects
Why you deserve this bursary

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can submit your application via:

Email: bursaries@islamic-relief.org.za

(Use the subject line: Islamic Relief Bursary 2026)

Or hand deliver to one of the regional offices:

Johannesburg: 157 Barry Hertzog Avenue, Emmarentia

Durban: 405 Sparks Road, Sherwood

Cape Town: 396 Imam Haron Road, Lansdowne

Closing Date for Islamic Relief Bursary Application 2026/2027

15 February at 23:59

Late applications will NOT be accepted. Be sure to submit all documents before the deadline.

Contact Details of Islamic Relief South Africa

For any bursary-related enquiries, please contact Islamic Relief South Africa:

Email: bursaries@islamic-relief.org.za

Phone Numbers:
Johannesburg: 011 486 0378
Durban: 031 208 2838
Cape Town: 021 696 0145