HCI Foundation Bursary

Fields of study

The following bursaries will be awarded, for studies at selected universities

• New bursary applicants: for Honours and Postgraduate Diploma studies, at selected universities (UCT, UWC, SU, UKZN, UP, WITS, UJ, RU, NMU, UFS, NWU).
• Current HCI bursary recipients: for continuing Undergraduate studies, at a public university or university of technology in South Africa.

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen OR a refugee OR asylum seeker
• Be 35 years old or younger on the application closing date (31 March 2026)
• Current HCI bursary recipients: you must be continuing your studies towards an undergraduate qualification, at a recognised public University or University of technology in South Africa
• New HCI bursary applicants: you must be studying or intend on studying towards an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma, at any of these universities in South Africa
  • University of Witwatersrand
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of the Western Cape
  • Stellenbosch University
  • Rhodes University
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • University of the Free State
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • North-West University
• Be studying on a full-time basis (part-time or distance studies will NOT be funded)
• Not be studying at a TVET College
• Have a gross family income of less than R38 000 per month
• Not be in receipt of a full cost bursary or a large partial bursary from another source (you may still apply if you have received a partial bursary, NSFAS or other loan)

What the bursary covers

• Up to 75% of tuition fees (up to maximum of R40 000 per annum)

Value mentioned: R40 000

Documents you will need

• ID document, if a South African citizen (certified copy)
• Proof of permanent residency, refugee or asylum seeker status, if applicable (certified copy)
• Full academic record, including most recent results (on institutions letterhead)
• New applicants: proof of registration or acceptance in to any of the above universities for 2026 (on university letterhead)
• Parents or guardians proof of household income (payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, bank statement if self-employed, grant or pension slip if applicable) (certified copies)
• Affidavit from parent, if only residing with 1 parent
• Motivational letter explaining why you should be selected for the bursary (including the following: your personal qualities and ethics, your leadership potential, your capacity for critical, your commitment to giving back) (to be saved in a separate word document – between 550 and 750 words)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel

   See the provider's official website for the application form.

   Applications for the HCI Foundation bursary must be done directly through your university. To apply, please contact your universities Financial Aid or Advancement Office (only at one of the approved universities), you will then be invited to apply for the HCI Foundation Bursary Programme.

   Selected students will receive a direct link to the online application platform from their university’s Postgraduate Office. Applications will be done between 1 February and 10 March 2026, and will managed exclusively through the university’s internal systems.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Closing date not yet announced. To be confirmed – dependent on university. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]
• Phone 021 424 6010

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About HCI Foundation

The HCI Foundation is the social investment trust of Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI), focused on education and community development.