Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Application for 2026/2027. Are you a driven South African student committed to academic excellence and community upliftment but in need of financial assistance to further your studies? The Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support high-achieving and financially disadvantaged learners who embody leadership, resilience, and a passion for transforming their communities. Established in honour of Dr Enos Mabuza, a visionary leader and education advocate, this scholarship is one of Thebe Foundation’s key initiatives to promote access to quality higher education.
The Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing full-time undergraduate qualifications in critical fields such as Education, Engineering, Information Technology, Accounting, Commerce, and Social Sciences. The scholarship typically covers tuition fees, prescribed books, accommodation, meals, and a monthly allowance, supporting students at accredited South African public universities and universities of technology.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to the Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, supported fields of study, step-by-step application process, required documents, and closing date. Whether you’re a matriculant preparing for university or a current student excelling in your field, this scholarship can help you unlock your full academic and leadership potential.
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 queries like “Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship requirements 2026,” “how to apply for Thebe Foundation bursary,” and “scholarships for disadvantaged students in South Africa.”
About Thebe Foundation
The Thebe Foundation (TF), established in 2011, is a registered Public Benefit Organisation dedicated to uplifting communities and transforming lives through education and enterprise development.
The foundation partners with both public and private sector stakeholders to create opportunities for young people. One of its flagship initiatives is the Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Fund, launched in 2016 in honour of Dr Enos Mabuza, a key figure in the formation of Thebe Investment Corporation alongside Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Beyers Naude.
About the Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship – 2026/2027
The Thebe Foundation is inviting applications for the 2026 academic year from students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate (Diploma, Degree, Honours, Master’s) studies in the following fields:
- Accounting
- Agriculture
- Artisan Skills (e.g. Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanics, Solar Technicians, Millwrights)
- Corporate Finance
- Education (BEd specialising in Maths or Technology)
- Electrical Engineering
- Finance
- ICT (Information and Communications Technology)
- Media and Communications
- Mining Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Water and Energy
This scholarship aims to support financially needy students and equip them with skills to excel as professionals in their fields.
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship includes full or partial funding for:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation (residence or accredited housing)
- Meals
- Transport allowance (for students who live at home)
Note: The scholarship does not cover any historical student debt (i.e. debt incurred before 2026).
Eligibility Criteria for Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship 2026/2027
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be Black (African, Coloured, or Indian)
- Be under the age of 35
- Be unemployed
- Be currently in Matric or have already completed it
- Be planning to study full-time in 2026
- Be pursuing a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Master’s (PhD studies not funded)
- Be studying a qualification-level for the first time (not repeating the same level)
- Be registered or accepted at a public tertiary institution (including TVET and community colleges)
- Have a minimum average of 60%
- Have a total household income of less than R600 000 per year
- Have no outstanding student debt
- Not be receiving any other bursary, including NSFAS
How to Apply for Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship 2026/2027
Submit your application online here: Click here to check on Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Application 2026
Documents required (must be in PDF and certified within the last 3 months):
- Certified South African ID
- School reports: Grade 9, Grade 11 final, and Matric Term 2 (if currently in Matric)
- Matric Certificate (if completed)
- TVET academic reports (if applicable)
- Official academic transcripts (if currently studying)
- 2024 proof of registration (if currently studying)
- 2026 provisional acceptance letter (on institution letterhead)
- Certified IDs or death certificates of parents/guardians
- Proof of household income (3 months’ payslips / affidavits / SASSA documents)
- Motivational letter (1 page) explaining your field choice and future goals
- EEA1 Form & medical letter (if living with a disability)
- Proof of any other bursary (if applicable)
- Parent/guardian consent form (if under 18)
If submitting multiple documents for a requirement, scan and combine them into a single PDF for upload.
Closing Date for Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship 2026/2027
Application Date: 11 October at 12:00 midday (extended deadline)
Late applications will not be considered, so apply early!
Contact Details of Thebe Foundation
For questions or support, reach out to the scholarship administrators, Excel@Uni:
- Email: hello@excelatuni.com
- Tel: 021 409 7982
- Use the live chat feature on the application page (click the blue “Support” button at the bottom right of the screen)
