IDC Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

The IDC Bursary is offered by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC). 

This is one of the largest and most sought-after external bursary schemes in the country. 

The IDC’s mission is to promote economic growth and industrial development. 

Its bursary programme is important for addressing the skills deficits in South Africa, especially in industrial and technical fields.

The IDC External Bursary Scheme is highly comprehensive and provides full financial support. 

It is targeted at academically talented but financially needy South African citizens who wish to pursue careers that align with the IDC’s developmental mandate.

Eligibility requirements for the IDC Bursary 

The IDC places a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and financial need. 

They give preference to students from previously disadvantaged communities and Quintile 1, 2, and 3 public schools.

  1. You must be a South African citizen.
  2. You must not be older than 26 years of age at the time of application.
  3. You must be unemployed and demonstrate significant financial need.
  4. Your combined household income must not exceed R600,000 per annum.
  5. You must be accepted or registered for full-time study at a recognised South African public university, university of technology, or TVET college.
  6. Undergraduate applicants (Matriculants) must have achieved a minimum overall average of 75% in their most recent results (Grade 11 finals or Grade 12 June results).
  7. Tertiary students must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% and must have passed all courses from the previous academic period.
  8. The bursary mainly covers a first undergraduate qualification.
  9. Postgraduate funding is strictly limited to qualifications in Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics/Statistics, and Law.

Fields of Study Funded by the IDC Bursary

The IDC primarily funds qualifications that are crucial for South Africa’s economic development.

  • Funded Fields (Undergraduate)
    • Engineering: Industrial, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mining, Metallurgy, Civil/Construction, Geology.
    • Applied Commercial Sciences: Accounting (CA Stream), Investment Management, Economics, Econometrics, Quantitative Finance.
    • IT and Science: Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Agricultural Studies.
    • Law: Bachelor of Law (LLB) and BCom Law (Commercial Law).

Application process for the IDC Bursary 

All applications for the IDC Bursary must be submitted online through the official IDC application portal. 

Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.

  1. Access the Portal: Register and log in on the official IDC online bursary application platform (usually found on the IDC website under ‘Bursaries’).
  2. Complete the Form: Fill in all required personal, academic, and financial details in the online form.
  3. Gather Certified Documents: Ensure all required supporting documents are clear and certified. Certifications must not be older than three months.
  4. Submit ID: Provide a certified copy of your South African ID document.
  5. Submit Academic Proof: Upload certified copies of your Matric certificate (if completed) or your Grade 11 final and Grade 12 June results (if currently in Matric).
  6. Submit Tertiary Proof (if applicable): Upload certified copies of your latest academic results (2025 mid-year results).
  7. Provide Income Documents: Submit all documents required to prove household income, such as payslips, affidavits, SASSA letters, and certified ID copies of parents or guardians.
  8. Upload Acceptance Letter: Include a provisional acceptance letter or proof of registration from your accredited public tertiary institution.
  9. Submit Online: Finalise and submit the complete application and all supporting documents via the online portal.

What the IDC Bursary Covers

This is a fully comprehensive bursary designed to remove all financial barriers to study.

The bursary covers the following:

  1. Full tuition fees.
  2. Full fees for university accommodation or a capped amount for university-accredited off-campus housing.
  3. Meal allowance (or catered residence costs).
  4. Transport allowance.
  5. A once-off laptop allowance.

IDC Bursary Contact Details 

For official communication regarding the IDC External Bursary Scheme, applicants should use the dedicated contact information provided by the Corporation.

  • Telephone (Bursary Enquiries): 011 269 3374 (or the IDC switchboard 011 269 3000)
  • Email (Bursary Enquiries): [email protected]
  • Website: www.idc.co.za 
  • Fraud Hotline: 0800 30 33 36

Closing Date for the IDC Bursary 

The IDC bursary typically opens early in the year preceding the academic intake.

The application window for the IDC External Bursary Scheme for the 2026 academic year officially opened on June 1, 2025. 

The official closing date for the submission of all applications is September 30, 2025. 

All documents must be submitted online before this deadline.

FAQs

1. Is the IDC Bursary open to students applying for a second degree? +

No. The IDC Bursary is primarily for students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification. They generally do not fund second qualifications.

2. What is the minimum academic requirement for current university students? +

Current university students must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in their most recent academic results. They must also have passed all previously registered subjects.

3. Are students with a household income of R700,000 per annum eligible? +

No. The IDC Bursary has a strict household income cap. The combined annual household income must not exceed R600,000 to be considered for funding.

4. Does the bursary cover studies at UNISA (distance learning)? +

No. The IDC Bursary is specifically for students studying full-time towards an academic degree at a recognised public university or university of technology. Distance learning is not covered.

5. Are postgraduate qualifications funded by the IDC Bursary? +

Postgraduate funding is highly limited. It is only offered for studies in Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics/Statistics, and Law. Other postgraduate fields are not funded.

6. Does the IDC require a work-back obligation after graduation? +

While the IDC may offer internships or employment to bursary holders, the last known terms did not include a compulsory service contract upon graduation. However, you should check your specific contract.

7. What preference is given to applicants from Quintile 1-3 schools? +

Preference is given to students who matriculated from Quintile 1, 2, and 3 public schools, as well as those from rural or previously disadvantaged communities. This aligns with the IDC’s developmental mandate.

8. Can I apply if I am already receiving a small private bursary? +

No. A core requirement is that you must not be receiving financial aid from any other bursary, grant, or your employer at the time of the IDC bursary application.

9. What happens if I submit certified documents that are six months old? +

Your application may be disqualified. The IDC explicitly states that all certified documents, such as your ID and academic results, must not be older than three months from the date of submission.

10. Is an interview part of the IDC selection process? +

Yes. Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete an online interview questionnaire. The final selection is based on the combined assessment of academic merit, financial need, and the interview performance.

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