BMF Bursary 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status
Check with the provider
Provider
BMF
Field of study
Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Medicine
Study level
Undergraduate, TVET / college, High school
Academic year
2027
Last checked
September 2026

The BMF Foundation's annual closing date is 13 October.

Naledi KhumaloReviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

The Black Management Forum (BMF) is a non-racial organisation founded in 1976 to develop Black managers and leaders in South Africa. Its BMF Foundation runs a bursary for top-performing matriculants from townships and rural municipalities across the country, funding first-year students in fields the foundation considers critical to the economy.

About the BMF Bursary

The bursary supports full-time undergraduate study at a recognised South African university, university of technology or TVET college in:

  • Agriculture
  • Arts
  • Engineering
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Law
  • Mathematics
  • Medical studies
  • Science and technology

The foundation pays tuition and, depending on funds, contributes to books and accommodation. Bursars are expected to join BMF’s student chapter and take part in its mentorship programme.

BMF Bursary eligibility requirements

  • South African citizen.
  • A current matriculant intending to study in 2027, or a newly registered first-year student.
  • A Matric average of at least 70%, excluding Life Orientation and a second language.
  • Accepted at a recognised tertiary institution for one of the fields above.
  • Demonstrated financial need.
  • Resident in one of the municipalities below.

Qualifying municipalities

  • Eastern Cape: Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, OR Tambo
  • Free State: Mangaung, Thabo Mofutsanyana
  • Gauteng: Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Tshwane
  • KwaZulu-Natal: eThekwini, King Cetshwayo, uMgungundlovu
  • Limpopo: Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe
  • Mpumalanga: Bushbuckridge, KwaMhlanga, Mbombela
  • North West: Bojanala, Madibeng, Mmakau
  • Northern Cape: Frances Baard, John Taolo Gaetsewe
  • Western Cape: Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain

How to apply for the BMF Bursary

There is no application form. Email clear copies of the following to mamello@bmfonline.co.za with the subject line “BMF Foundation Bursary Application”:

  • Certified copy of your ID.
  • Certified Matric results, or your latest Grade 12 results if you are still at school.
  • Acceptance letter from the university or college, on its letterhead.
  • Proof of residence.
  • Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income: payslips or an employment letter if employed, an affidavit if unemployed, three months of bank statements, or a SASSA grant letter.

BMF Bursary closing date

13 October each year. For 2027 studies, apply by 13 October 2026.

Contact details

Top matriculants should apply to several funders at once. See our engineering bursaries and commerce bursaries lists for other schemes closing in October and November 2026.

FAQs

1. When does the BMF bursary close for 2027? +
The BMF Foundation's annual closing date is 13 October. For 2027 studies, submit by 13 October 2026 and confirm the date with BMF beforehand, because the foundation does not always publish the year on its advert.
2. Who qualifies? +
South African matriculants or newly registered first-year students with a Matric average of at least 70% (excluding Life Orientation and a second language), accepted at a recognised tertiary institution, with financial need, living in one of the listed municipalities.
3. Which fields are funded? +
Agriculture, arts, engineering, entrepreneurship, law, mathematics, medical studies, science and technology.
4. Which areas qualify? +
Selected municipalities in all nine provinces, including Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, Mangaung, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekwini, Capricorn, Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, Bojanala, Frances Baard, John Taolo Gaetsewe, Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain. See the full list on the page.
5. Is there an application form? +
No. You email the required documents to mamello@bmfonline.co.za with the subject line 'BMF Foundation Bursary Application'.
6. What documents are required? +
Certified ID, certified Matric results, the university's acceptance letter on letterhead, proof of residence, and proof of your parents' or guardians' income such as payslips, an affidavit, bank statements or a grant letter.
Update note (checked September 2026): the BMF Foundation’s annual closing date is 13 October. Applications for 2027 studies should therefore be submitted by 13 October 2026. The foundation advertises through its website and social media rather than a formal annual notice, so confirm the date by email before you rely on it.

Checked the requirements and closing date? Apply directly with the provider.

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