Bursaries
The Industrial Development Corporation is inviting students to apply for the IDC External Bursary Scheme for the 2027 academic year. Applications have opened on Monday, 1 June 2026 and will close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The IDC Bursary is open to unemployed eligible South African citizens with financial needs. Applicants should be studying or intend to study full-time with the below listed qualifications:
Bursary applications for 2027 are now open.
FIELD OF STUDY
ELIGIBILITY
- The IDC External Bursary will be granted to applicants studying towards their first qualification and undergraduate studies only. Second, qualifications & post-graduate qualification will not be funded.
- Funding for postgraduate qualification (honours) will only be granted to applicants who are studying: Law Qualifications, Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Mathematics & Statistics
- South African citizens ONLY, who are not older than 26 years.
- Applicants who are studying or matriculated at Quintile 1,2 & 3 schools (public schools), schools from previously disadvantaged communities, and rural areas will be given first preference.
- The IDC External Bursary Program is for applicants whose parents earn a combined household income of up to R350 000,00 p/a.
- Eligible applicants whose parents earn a combined household income between R350 000,00 p/a and R600 000,00 p/a may be considered and are therefore invited to apply. An affordability assessment will be carried out as part of the selection criteria.
- A weighting system, with due consideration of the following aspects, will be applicable:
- Applicants living with disability will be given first preference.
- Matriculants with a minimum of 75% APS.
- Applicants at a tertiary level with a minimum of 65% average of the most recent results. You must maintain a 60% GPA score for the duration of study.
- Applicants must be admitted to study at a South African public university or university of technology.
REQUIREMENTS (compulsory documents for submission))
NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS’ CERTIFICATION MUST NOT BE OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS
Disclaimer: The collected personal information will be used for the purpose of the external bursary application process, for reporting and filing purposes in line with section 18(1) of the POPI Act.
- South African recently certified ID document (not older than 3 months)
- 2026 mid-year (first semester) results or latest results if not studying this year.
- Matric certificate if completed Matric.
- 2026 Matriculants must use their grade 11 results and June 2026 results to apply
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income:
- Recently certified copy of latest pay slip(s) if employed.
- Both parents 3 months bank statement if employed.
- Affidavit if unemployed stating annual income.
- 6 months’ bank statement if unemployed & self-employed.
- SASSA Letter stating the grants received if applicable.
- Parent(s) death certificates if parent(s) are deceased.
- Both parents recently certified ID copies.
- Divorce certificate if parents are divorced or sworn statement from the one parent if parents are separated.
- Recently certified copy of proof of residence.
BURSARY BENEFITS
- The IDC bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:
- Full tuition fees,
- University Accommodation & University Accredited Off-Campus Accommodation
- Laptop ( once-off)
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
APPLICATION FORM
Applications must be completed online, and applicants should submit clear copies of all mandatory supporting documents and complete the interview questionnaire.
NB: To apply for the IDC External Bursary, click here or visit the IDC Website: www.idc.co.za – select About IDC, then select Bursaries. Successful applicants will be notified via email.
Should you have any queries, please contact Noluthando Baepi on 011 269 3374 or email noluthandob@idc.co.za or ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za
Success stories
The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (Ltd) (IDC) urges clients, students, service providers to report fraud or corruption at:
IDC Hotline: 0800 303 336 or Email: idc@tip-offs.com or SMS: 39640
Ms Tanya Cohen
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: BA, LLB and Master of Laws from University of the Witwatersrand and Admitted Attorney
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Labour Market Policy & Employment Equity, Public-Private Partnerships & Strategic Advisory, Governance & Board Leadership, Socio-Economic Development & Transformation, Legal Expertise in Labour and Human Rights Law, Stakeholder Engagement & Social Compact Formation, Policy Development & Implementation and International Labour Organisation Collaboration.
Ms Tanya Cohen is a highly experienced public-private impact advisor and independent non-executive director with a strong commitment to solving complex socio-economic challenges that drive sustainable development. She operates at the intersection of business and government, enabling transformative outcomes that promote economic growth, employment, and inclusive policy reform. Her leadership is marked by clarity, enthusiasm, and the ability to mobilise execution across diverse stakeholder groups, including government, business, and labour. Ms Cohen has represented business interests at local, continental, and global levels, including at the International Labour Organisation. Her board experience spans tripartite government boards, commissions, and non-profit organisations, where she contributes to social, transformation, human resource, and governance subcommittees. As a Commissioner of the National Planning Commission, she continues to champion developmental impact and positive social change in South Africa. As an independent non-executive director, she brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, legal compliance, and strategic advisory, with a strong focus on transformation and sustainable development.
Dr Tebogo Makube
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: PhD in Energy Studies, Postgraduate qualifications in Law, Economic Policy, and Energy Economics, Admitted Advocate of the High Court
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Industrial Procurement & Development, Policy Formulation & Economic Development, Energy Economics & Infrastructure, Governance & Leadership.
Dr. Tebogo Makube is a seasoned policy and industrial development expert currently serving as a Board Member of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Chief Director for Industrial Procurement and Development at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). He has extensive experience in fiscal policy, infrastructure planning, and energy economics, having held senior roles at the Financial and Fiscal Commission, National Treasury, and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Dr. Makube also serves on the boards of Proudly South African and Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), where he is Chairperson. He holds a PhD in Energy Studies and postgraduate qualifications in Law, Economic Policy, and Energy Economics, and is an admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. His expertise spans industrial procurement, regulatory frameworks, and economic policy development.
Dr Keitumetse Tebogo Mothibeli
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: BSc; BSc (Hons); MSc (Medical Bioscience) UWC, PhD (PhD (Human Physiology – Cancer Research) UP
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Medical Biosciences, Scientific Research & Field Applications, Business Leadership & Strategy, Investment Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Green Technology & Sustainability, Mentorship & Youth Development and Transformational Leadership.
Dr Keitumetse Tebogo Mothibeli is a dynamic scientist, entrepreneur, and investment strategist with a strong academic foundation in medical bioscience and a PhD focused on maternal health and cellular development. Her career spans roles in scientific research, field applications, and corporate leadership, including positions at Whitehead Scientific and Adcock Ingram. She has trained internationally in advanced imaging and karyotyping technologies and served as R&D Director for innovative companies like Zucchi Innovations and Mofaya. As the founder of Maidi Holdings, she broke ground as the first black female to acquire diving and hull cleaning licenses in key South African ports. Currently, she is the CEO of Crystal Partners, a 100% black female-owned investment firm driving strategic partnerships across Africa in sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and mining. Dr. Mothibeli is known for her principled leadership, commitment to mentorship, and passion for sustainable development and social impact.
Ms Ayanda Dlodlo
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Higher Certificate in Shipping and Transport Management and additional postgraduate training in Management Development and Executive Development Programmes
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Public Sector Leadership, Governance & Policy Development, Security & Intelligence Operations, International Diplomacy & Development, Public-Private Partnerships & Infrastructure, Strategic Operations & Institutional Reform and Transport & Logistics Management.
Ms Ayanda Dlodlo is a seasoned South African public servant and executive with extensive experience in governance, security, and international development. She has held several ministerial positions in the South African government, including Minister of Public Service and Administration, Minister of State Security, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Home Affairs. Her leadership extended to the African National Congress (ANC), where she served on the National Executive Committee. In 2022, she transitioned to the global stage as an Executive Director at the World Bank Group, representing Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa. Academically, she holds an MBA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and a Higher Certificate in Shipping and Transport Management. Her career reflects deep expertise in public sector reform, policy development, intelligence operations, and international diplomacy.
Mr Reon Barnard
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: B. Com in Finance – Stellenbosch University and Executive MBA
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Strategic Leadership & Business Development, Mining Operations & Commodities Trading, Investment Strategy & Private Equity, Corporate Governance & Board Leadership, International Business & Cross-Border Negotiation, Ethics & Organisational Integrity, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Logistics & Industrial Services.
Mr Reon Barnard is a South African business executive and independent non-executive director with a strong background in finance, mining, and strategic leadership. He holds a B. Com in Finance from Stellenbosch University and an Executive MBA from the Tsinghua-INSEAD program, complemented by advanced certifications in ethics, negotiation, and board governance from institutions such as INSEAD, GIBS, and the Institute of Directors South Africa. With over two decades of experience, Mr Barnard has led and advised companies across mining, commodities trading, logistics, and industrial services. His expertise spans corporate governance, private equity, international business strategy, and ethical leadership, making him a valuable contributor to boardrooms and executive teams across sectors.
Ms Gloria Tomatoe Serobe
Chairperson | Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from University of Transkei, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Honorary Doctorates.
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Broad-Based Economic Empowerment, Corporate Governance & Board Leadership, Strategic Investment & Financial Services, Social Entrepreneurship & Inclusive Economic Models, Public Sector Advisory & Policy Development, Transformation & Women Empowerment, Risk Management & Ethics Oversight and Leadership in Crisis Response (e.g., Solidarity Fund).
Ms Gloria Tomatoe Serobe is a pioneering South African business leader and independent non-executive director, widely recognized for her contributions to economic empowerment and corporate governance. She holds a BCom from the University of Transkei and an MBA from Rutgers University in the United States, along with honorary doctorate from leading South African university. Ms Serobe is the founding CEO of WIPHOLD (Women Investment Portfolio Holdings), a trailblazing investment firm focused on empowering women through ownership and participation in the economy. She has served on the boards of major corporations including Sasol, Old Mutual, and the Solidarity Fund, where she played a key role in crisis response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her expertise spans strategic investment, transformation, ethics, and inclusive development, making her a respected voice in both the private and public sectors.