South African students starting university study in 2027 might want to consider the Tiso Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Programme, although they have to satisfy a number of academic, financial and other requirements to qualify.
The bursary scheme is available to South African citizens who are aged between 18 and 34 years and who satisfy the foundation’s eligibility criteria and who require financial assistance to pursue their studies.
One of the first things that would-be applicants should consider is the list of excluded qualifications because the Tiso Foundation says that it does not fund higher certificates, private institutions or distance learning.
Who is the Tiso Foundation bursary aimed at?
The Tiso Foundation bursary scheme is open to South African citizens who are between 18 and 34 years of age and who are members of previously disadvantaged groups specified by the foundation.
Applicants must satisfy academic requirements to enter a degree or diploma, as well as demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
The qualification required for matriculants is a minimum of 70% average.
Meanwhile, university students must have a minimum of 65% average to qualify for the bursary scheme, according to the foundation’s information.
Applicants should pay particular attention to their most recent academic results before they begin the application process.
Financial need is assessed in addition to academic performance
The foundation explicitly says that it looks for unemployed applicants who satisfy the financial needs requirements for the bursary scheme.
In other words, academic performance alone is not sufficient for a Tiso Foundation bursary.
Applicants should be prepared to discuss their financial circumstances if asked to do so during the application process.
A good academic record does not guarantee a place on the scheme.
What does the bursary support?
The Tiso Foundation claims that its financial assistance covers the costs of degrees and national diplomas at accredited institutions.
However, the foundation also states that it provides academic support, life skills mentoring and career networking opportunities with corporate and institutional partners as well as the financial component of the awards.
In other words, the bursary is not solely for the costs of tuition and other expenses.
Nevertheless, students should review the specific funding conditions that the foundation issues with regard to their individual circumstances because the exact expenses that they can claim under the bursary scheme may vary.
Which qualifications are not funded?
This is arguably the most crucial piece of information that a prospective applicant needs to consider.
The Tiso Foundation states explicitly that it does not fund higher certificate programmes.
In addition, the foundation excludes private institutions from consideration.
Distance learning is also prohibited under the scheme’s rules.
As a result, a prospective applicant who satisfies the academic and financial requirements may not be eligible for the bursary if they intend to study by distance learning, at a private institution or on a higher certificate programme.
For example, applicants should ensure that the degree or national diploma that they wish to pursue qualifies for the bursary before they submit their application.
What about students already at university?
Students who have already enrolled at university may also apply for the Tiso Foundation bursary scheme although they must satisfy the academic entry requirements.
The foundation states that it requires a minimum of 65% average from current university students.
Applicants should therefore examine their most recent academic results to ensure that they meet the stated requirements.
Applicants should also ensure that they satisfy the relevant conditions for the qualification that they wish to pursue.
References are required
The foundation requires the submission of references from appropriate academic or character witnesses.
Like the academic entry requirements, students should ensure that they have appropriate references available before submitting their application.
A reference should be provided by an appropriate academic or character witness, depending upon the foundation’s requirements.
Applicants should double-check the validity of the contact details of their referees.
The programme looks beyond academic marks
The foundation states that it considers such qualities as a positive attitude towards learning, dedication and community involvement.
In other words, the Tiso Foundation aims to reward academic excellence as well as positive personal attributes.
The foundation appears to consider its bursary programme as part of an overall strategy to develop the human capital of South Africa by funding promising young students.
As a result, the programme should be regarded as more than a simple financial award.
Applicants therefore need to provide accurate, complete information about their academic and personal circumstances rather than just focusing on the academic requirements.
Application deadline for 2027
08 October 2026
Prospective-applicants should allow sufficient time to gather academic information, references and other documents before the closing date.
The deadline relates specifically to the 2027 application cycle, which means that applicants should ensure that they submit their application through the foundation’s application system before the deadline.
A useful checklist before applying
Prospective-applicants should ask themselves the following questions before submitting an application:
Are you between 18 and 34?
Check that you satisfy the age requirements.
Are you a South African citizen?
Make sure that you are a South African citizen.
Do you demonstrate the required academic ability?
The academic requirement for matriculants is a minimum of 70% average.
For current university students, the requirement is a minimum of 65% average.
Do you demonstrate a need for financial assistance?
The foundation requires applicants to demonstrate financial need.
Are you pursuing an eligible qualification?
The foundation only funds degrees and national diplomas.
Is your institution eligible?
The foundation does not fund qualifications at private institutions.
Are you studying in an eligible manner?
The foundation does not fund distance learning.
Do you have an appropriate referee?
Academic or character references are required.
Reviewing these questions before making an application can help to ensure that the applicant satisfies all the requirements for the programme.
Why students should check the exclusions first
Bursary applicants tend to concentrate on the basic eligibility requirements while ignoring any exclusions that the funder may specify.
For the Tiso Foundation bursary scheme, these exclusions can prove crucial.
Although an applicant may satisfy all the basic requirements, they may not qualify for the bursary if they study through distance learning, at a private institution or on a higher certificate programme.
The broader benefits of the programme
The Tiso Foundation is keen to emphasise that its bursary scheme provides more than financial assistance to qualifying students.
In particular, the foundation states that it has a strategy to develop South Africa’s human capital by funding talented young people.
The foundation offers academic support, life skills mentorship and career networking opportunities to add to the financial awards.
Consequently, a qualifying applicant should consider the bursary as more than a simple payment to help with tuition fees.
However, the applicant should not assume that they will automatically receive all the additional benefits that the foundation claims to provide.
The exact terms of the bursary should be clarified before making an application.
What 2027 applicants should remember
The Tiso Foundation’s 2027 bursary programme has a specific target applicant group.
It is intended for South African citizens who are between 18 and 34 years of age and who demonstrate academic and financial need, while the foundation also evaluates the applicant’s character and academic references.
However, not all tertiary study options qualify for the bursary.
Higher certificates, private institutions and distance learning are specifically excluded from consideration according to the foundation’s information.
The application deadline for the 2027 programme is 8 October 2026.
Prospective applicants therefore have a limited time window in which to decide whether the programme suits them and make an application if they are eligible.
Tiso Foundation Bursary 2027 at a glance
Requirement Details
Academic year 2027
Age 18–34
Citizenship South African citizens
Matric academic requirement Minimum 70% average
Current university students Minimum 65% average
Financial requirement Unemployed applicants who demonstrate financial need
Study level Undergraduate
Funded qualifications Degrees and national diplomas
Higher certificates Not funded
Private institutions Not funded
Distance learning Not funded
References Academic or character references
Closing date 8 October 2026
Editorial policy
Our bursary coverage is designed to provide practical information for South African students regarding bursary funding opportunities. We distinguish between program requirements and general advice rather than publishing identical coverage of every bursary.
Sources and verification
The eligibility and program details described in this article are based upon the Tiso Foundation’s stated 2027 bursary program information. Application requirements can change, so prospective applicants should confirm the most up-to-date information with the foundation before making an application.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of approval or funding. Eligibility does not guarantee selection. Applicants should provide accurate information and carefully review the foundation’s terms.
Corrections policy
If a factual error is identified, the editorial team will review the relevant information against the most recent information published by the foundation and will correct the article as necessary. Significant factual corrections will be made transparently.
