Office of the Premier — Free State Bursary 2026

About the Office of the Premier — Free State

The Free State Office of the Premier provides strategic direction and coordinates integrated service delivery across provincial government departments. Its strategic goals include supporting the Premier and Executive Council, guiding cross-cutting corporate functions, and ensuring alignment of departmental and municipal activities with government priorities.

Fields of Study Supported (Scarce / Critical Skills)

Bursaries will be awarded for studies in a wide range of priority fields, including (but not limited to):

• Bachelor of Community Development
• Accounting (Bachelors / PG Dip / Honours)
• Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiography, Pharmacy, Nursing
• Data Science / Data Analytics / Business Analytics / Financial & Investment Analytics
• Nuclear Medicine, Radiography / Radiation Therapy, Medical Orthotics & Prosthetics
• Bachelor / Honours in Actuarial Science and Psychology; Masters in Clinical Psychology
• MBChB (Medicine) and related health professions
• Education (Accounting / Natural Sciences / Mathematics / ECD)
• Construction Management / Quantity Survey / Project Management
• Risk Management / Fraud Investigation / Internal Auditing
• Emergency Medical Care
• Supply Chain Management / Finance
• Engineering (Civil / Mechanical / Chemical / Electrical / Mining / Nuclear / Mechatronics / Structural / Agricultural / Architectural / Aerospace)
• Town & Regional Planning / Property Valuation / GIS / Occupational Health & Safety
• Agriculture / Veterinary Science / Soil Science
• Information Technology (Cyber Security / AI / Software / Network Systems / Information Security / Robotics)
• Somatology (Advanced Diploma)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychometry

Expenses Covered

This bursary provides financial support for the following items:

• Registration fees (per semester / year)
• Registered module fees (per year)
• Residence and meal fees
• Books and study materials
• Special equipment required for study (approved and recommended by the HEI)
• Special equipment for disabled bursary holders (recommended by HEI Disability Office)

All special equipment requests must be submitted with supporting recommendation from the higher education institution.

Eligibility Requirements

• South African citizen
• Resident in the Free State province
• Aged between 18 and 35 years
• Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• Household income LESS than R600 000 per annum
• Not receiving any other bursary or sponsorship
• Accepted or intending to study full-time at a recognised SA HEI in one of the listed fields

Preference will be given to financially needy students with strong academic records. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Supporting Documents (Required)

Attach clear, certified copies of the following with your application (incomplete applications may be disqualified):

• Certified copy of ID document
• Matric September results (if currently in Matric) or Matric certificate (if completed)
• Proof of acceptance from a registered Higher Education Institution
• Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
• Parents/guardians ID documents or death certificates (if applicable)
• Parents/guardians proof of household income (latest payslips not older than 3 months, affidavit if unemployed, or SASSA grant/pension proof)

Ensure documents are certified and up-to-date before submission.

How to Apply

Download and complete the official bursary application form

Forms may also be collected from: Office of the Premier (FSTDI and OR Tambo Building), Thusong Centres, Central University of Technology, and University of the Free State.

Closing date:16 January 2026 (at 16:00). Submit your completed form with all supporting documents via hand delivery to the address below. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Submission Address

Hand deliver to:
FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene, Bloemfontein
9301
(Bursary unit at the Reception area)

Postal address:
Free State Office of the Premier, Bursary Section
Private Bag X20565
Bloemfontein
9300

Contact the Bursary Provider

For enquiries contact the Bursary Office (07:30 — 16:00):

• Mr ME Makhetha — 065 742 5935
• Ms NB Thekiso — 060 533 4702
• Ms MC Motaung — 065 742 6737
• Email: bursariesfs@fspremier.gov.za

For further assistance in completing the form, visit the Bursary office at the Brahman Building, 124 Nelson Mandela Drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary?

South African citizens living in the Free State province, aged 18–35, who are in Matric or have completed Matric and meet the household income criteria (less than R600 000 per year).

2. What fields of study are supported?

Many scarce and critical skills fields are supported — see the full list in the bursary notice, including health sciences, engineering, education, data science, agriculture, ICT, and more.

3. What costs does the bursary cover?

Registration and module fees, residence and meal fees, books and study materials, and approved special equipment (including for students with disabilities).

4. Is there an income limit?

Yes — household income must be less than R600 000 per annum.

5. When will shortlisted candidates be contacted?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 4 months of the closing date. If you are not contacted within this time, consider your application unsuccessful.

6. How do I submit my application?

Complete the PDF application form and hand-deliver it (with supporting documents) to the Bursary unit at the Brahman Building, or post it to the postal address provided.

7. What documents do I need?

Certified ID, Matric results/certificate, proof of acceptance, proof of residence, parents/guardians ID and income proof — see the full list above.

8. Are students with disabilities encouraged to apply?

Yes — the Office encourages applications from students with disabilities and will consider equipment needs recommended by HEI Disability Offices.