Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Applications open Closes 30 September 2026
Provider: Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust
Field of study: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering
Study level: Postgraduate, High school
Academic year: 2027
Applications open: 1 May 2026
Last checked: September 2026

Applications for the 2027 academic year are open now and close on 30 September 2026.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Open · closes 30 September 2026 · 2 days left Latest update ↓

The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa was set up in 2021 under Cisco’s global corporate social responsibility programme. Its bursary funds “missing middle” students, those whose families earn too much for NSFAS but cannot afford university fees, to study computing and IT degrees. Since 2021 the trust has funded several hundred students, and the programme is administered by StudyTrust.

About the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary

The bursary funds full-time study for qualifications at NQF level 7 or 8 in:

Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Software Engineering
Information Technology

It covers tuition and registration fees and, depending on need, allowances for textbooks, accommodation and living costs. Awards are renewed each year subject to academic results.

Cisco Bursary eligibility requirements

South African citizen.
In Matric now, or have completed Matric, with a strong academic record.
Entering first, second, third or fourth year in 2027. BTech (NQF 7) and Honours (NQF 8) students qualify.
Studying, or accepted to study, one of the four fields above at a public university or a private institution registered with the Department of Higher Education.
Combined household income between R350 000 and R600 000 a year.

Preference is given to equity candidates. Students from households earning under R350 000 should apply to NSFAS, which funds the same degrees in full.

How to apply for the Cisco Bursary

Go to the StudyTrust portal at studytrust.org.za/cisco and create an account.
Complete the online application form.
Upload: a head-and-shoulders photograph; your Matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results; your full academic record if you are already at university; proof of acceptance or registration for 2027; and proof of household income (recent payslips, three months of bank statements, an affidavit for unemployed parents, or a SASSA letter).
Submit before 30 September 2026. StudyTrust shortlists on academic results and financial need, then confirms awards early in 2027.

Cisco Bursary closing date

Applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026. The window runs from 1 May to 30 September each year.

Contact details

Administrator: StudyTrust
Email: apply@studytrust.org.za
Telephone: 011 403 1632
Portal: studytrust.org.za/cisco

IT students should also apply to the ISPA Inspires sponsorship, which closes on 30 October 2026, and see our software engineering bursaries and computer engineering bursaries lists.

FAQs

1. When does the Cisco bursary close for 2027? +

30 September 2026. Applications opened on 1 May 2026 and are made online through StudyTrust. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

2. Who qualifies? +

South African citizens entering first to fourth year in 2027 (including BTech and Honours) in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering or information technology at a public or registered private institution, from households earning between R350 000 and R600 000 a year.

3. Why the income band? +

The bursary is aimed at the 'missing middle': students who earn too much for NSFAS but cannot afford fees. If your household earns under R350 000, apply to NSFAS instead.

4. What does it cover? +

Tuition and registration, with allowances for books, accommodation and living costs depending on need and the institution's fees.

5. What documents do I need? +

A head-and-shoulders photo, your Matric certificate or latest results, full academic record if already studying, proof of acceptance or registration, and proof of household income such as payslips, bank statements, an affidavit or a SASSA letter.

6. Who runs the applications? +

StudyTrust administers the bursary for the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa. Contact apply@studytrust.org.za or 011 403 1632.

Update note (checked September 2026): applications for the 2027 academic year are open now and close on 30 September 2026. They opened on 1 May 2026 and are submitted online through the StudyTrust portal.

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

Apply on the provider’s website

About Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust

Corporate charitable trust (technology)

Cisco, the United States networking and IT infrastructure company, set up the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa in 2021 under Cisco's global corporate social responsibility programme. The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust funds South African students studying computing…

Read the full Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust profile →