IIE-Vega School Bursary Competition Requirements and How to Apply

The IIE-Vega School Bursary Competition is part of the institution’s Scholarship Programme.

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It is an annual competition that aims to identify and reward academically talented students with full or partial scholarships. 

The awards are based solely on academic merit and the strength of the applicant’s motivational letter. 

These scholarships are designed to nurture South Africa’s future leaders and creative thinkers in the fields of brand, business, and design.

The competition is highly selective. It requires applicants to demonstrate exceptional performance in their school or previous tertiary studies. 

Unlike many bursaries that focus primarily on financial need, the Vega School bursary prioritises excellence to grant access to its quality private higher education programmes.

Eligibility requirements for the IIE-Vega School Bursary Competition 

The competition applies to South African citizens who are first-time entrants into higher education. 

Specific academic criteria must be met to qualify for consideration.

  1. You must be a South African citizen.
  2. You must be applying for a first undergraduate qualification at an IIE-Vega School campus in 2026.
  3. You must be enrolling for the first year of study in 2026.
  4. Applicants currently in Grade 12 must have achieved a minimum overall average of 75% in their certified Grade 11 final year-end results.
  5. Applicants who have completed Matric must submit their National Senior Certificate (NSC) and have achieved an overall average of 75% or a minimum of 80% in any four subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
  6. Design Portfolio Applicants should aim for the 75% average but may still be considered with a slightly lower mark if they submit a strong portfolio of evidence.
  7. Postgraduate funding has a separate criterion, requiring a minimum final year average of 75% in the completed undergraduate degree.
  8. You must not be receiving any other IIE-Vega bursary or fee concession concurrently with this scholarship.

Application process for the IIE-Vega School Bursary Competition 

The application process is entirely online. It involves a two-step process: applying for admission and then applying for the scholarship. 

The selection is weighted, with 80% based on academic results and 20% on the motivational letter.

  1. Complete General Admission: You must first submit a general application for admission to IIE-Vega School for the 2026 academic year and pay the applicable application fee.
  2. Download Scholarship Form: Download and complete the separate scholarship application form from the official IIE-Vega website.
  3. Write the Motivation Letter: Complete the required motivational letter. This letter should be approximately 600 words and is a critical component of the selection process (worth 20% of your total score).
  4. Gather Documents: Ensure you have a certified copy of your South African ID and the required certified academic transcripts (Grade 11 final or NSC).
  5. Submit All Documents: Submit the completed scholarship application form, the motivational letter, and all supporting documentation online through the dedicated scholarship application portal.
  6. Portfolio (Design Only): If you are applying for a Design qualification, it is strongly advised to submit a comprehensive portfolio of your creative work to strengthen your application.
  7. Receive Notification: Successful applicants are typically selected and notified during November, shortly after the application closing date.

Closing Date for the IIE-Vega School Bursary Competition 

The official closing date for the submission of all documentation for the IIE-Vega School Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for the 2026 academic year is November 28, 2026.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that both the general admission application and the scholarship application are submitted, and all required documents are received by this deadline.

IIE-Vega School Bursary Competition Contact Details

For specific inquiries regarding the scholarship criteria or your application status, you should contact the relevant campus directly or the central admissions office.

FAQs

1. Is the IIE-Vega School Bursary based on financial need? +

No. The IIE-Vega School Scholarship Programme is awarded almost entirely on academic excellence and merit. It is a competition based on your school results and the strength of your motivational letter.

2. What percentage of the selection score is based on academics? +

Academic performance accounts for 80% of the composite score used by the Scholarship Committee. The remaining 20% is assessed based on the quality of your 600-word motivational letter.

3. What is the minimum academic average required for a Matric applicant? +

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must have achieved a minimum overall average of 75% in their certified Grade 11 final results to be considered for the competition.

4. Can I apply for the bursary if I have not yet applied for admission to IIE-Vega? +

No. You must first complete the general application for admission to IIE-Vega School and pay the applicable fee before your scholarship application will be considered.

5. Are these scholarships available for all years of study? +

The primary scholarship competition is for first-year students enrolling for the first time in 2026. The scholarship, once awarded, is typically valid for the minimum registered duration of the programme, provided you maintain academic progress.

6. Does the scholarship require me to be a brand ambassador? +

Yes. Scholarship recipients are generally expected to act as brand ambassadors for IIE-Vega School. This means your conduct must be exemplary and uphold the institution’s reputation.

7. What is the maximum word count for the motivational letter? +

The motivational letter must be completed using the official template and should be a maximum of 600 words. It is a very important part of the evaluation.

8. Can I apply for funding for a second qualification or degree? +

No. The undergraduate scholarship is strictly for first-time higher education entrants who have not previously registered with any higher education institution.

9. Does the bursary cover accommodation and textbooks? +

The scholarship primarily covers tuition fees. It does not typically include coverage for other costs associated with tertiary studies, such as accommodation, textbooks, travel, or repeat module fees.

10. Can I still apply if I have slightly less than a 75% average but am applying for a Design course? +

Yes. While a 75% average is preferred, applicants for Design qualifications may still be considered if they submit a strong and compelling portfolio of creative evidence along with their application.

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