RBIDZ Bursary 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 31 October 2025
Provider: RBIDZ
Field of study: Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Study level: Undergraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The 2026 round closed on 31 October 2025, with the application form published on the RBIDZ website in September 2025.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

No open round · the last round we could find closed on 31 October 2025 Expect it in September or October 2026 with a closing date at the end of October 2026. Latest update ↓

The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) is a state-owned special economic zone next to the Port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Its bursary funds first-year university students from disadvantaged backgrounds across the province, in a wide range of fields, to build the skilled workforce the zone’s investors need.

About the RBIDZ Bursary

The bursary is a full undergraduate award, renewed each year on academic performance and conduct, for study at an accredited South African university or university of technology. The 2026 round listed 26 fields:

Engineering: chemical, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical and metallurgical.
Science and technology: computer science, data science, IT, geology, GIS, surveying, environmental science and energy solutions.
Commerce: accounting, actuarial science, economics, finance, supply chain and general commerce.
Other: agriculture, architecture, community development, graphic design, marine and maritime studies, and social sciences.

RBIDZ Bursary eligibility requirements

South African citizen living in KwaZulu-Natal, from a previously disadvantaged background.
In Matric, or have completed Matric, with an overall average of at least 65%.
Entering first year of undergraduate study in one of the fields above.
Applied to, or accepted at, an accredited South African university or university of technology.
Financial need, shown through your parents’ or guardians’ proof of income.

How to apply for the RBIDZ Bursary

Download the current year’s form from the bursaries page at rbidz.co.za.
Attach certified copies, not older than three months, of: your ID; your Matric results or certificate; proof of application or acceptance at the university; your parents’ or guardians’ IDs and proof of income; a reference from a teacher or community leader; a motivation letter; and proof of residence from your ward councillor or tribal authority.
Email the application to study.assistance@rbidz.co.za with the subject line “RBIDZ Bursary 2027”, or hand-deliver it to 4 Harbour Arterial, Alton, Richards Bay, 3900, between 08:00 and 16:00 on weekdays, before the closing date.

RBIDZ Bursary closing date

The 2026 round closed on 31 October 2025. Expect the 2027 round to close at the end of October 2026.

Contact details

Email: study.assistance@rbidz.co.za
Telephone: 035 797 2600 (weekdays 08:00 to 16:00)
Address: 4 Harbour Arterial, Alton, Richards Bay, 3900
Website: www.rbidz.co.za

Richards Bay students should also apply to the South32 Hillside bursary and the Hollywoodbets Foundation bursary, and see the KwaZulu-Natal schemes on our government bursaries page.

FAQs

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

The 2026 round closed on 31 October 2025, with the form published in September 2025. The 2027 form had not been posted on rbidz.co.za when we checked; expect it in September or October 2026 with a closing date at the end of October 2026.

2. Who qualifies? +

South African citizens from previously disadvantaged backgrounds living in KwaZulu-Natal, in Matric or with Matric, with an overall average of at least 65%, entering first year at an accredited South African university or university of technology in one of the listed fields.

3. Which fields are funded? +

Twenty-six fields including accounting, actuarial science, agriculture, architecture, chemical, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical and metallurgical engineering, commerce, computer science, data science, economics, energy, environmental science, finance, geology, GIS, graphic design, IT, maritime studies, social sciences, supply chain and surveying.

4. What does it cover? +

A full undergraduate bursary, renewable each year on academic performance and conduct.

5. How do I apply? +

Email the completed form and certified documents to study.assistance@rbidz.co.za with the subject line 'RBIDZ Bursary 2027', or hand-deliver them to 4 Harbour Arterial, Alton, Richards Bay, during office hours.

6. What documents are needed? +

Certified copies, not older than three months, of your ID, Matric results or certificate, proof of application or acceptance at the university, your parents' IDs and proof of income, a reference from a teacher or community leader, a motivation letter and proof of residence from your ward councillor or tribal authority.

Update note (checked September 2026): the 2026 round closed on 31 October 2025, with the application form published on the RBIDZ website in September 2025. The 2027 form had not been posted when we checked. Expect it in September or October 2026 with a closing date at the end of October 2026. The details below are from the 2026 advert.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

Or send your application by email:

study.assistance@rbidz.co.za

Put RBIDZ Bursary 2027 in the subject line.

Paper applications go to:

4 Harbour Arterial, Alton, Richards Bay, 3900, between 08:00 and 16:00 on weekdays