Funder / Trustee: Orange South Africa Trust (in partnership with Siyakha Implementation Partners)
Target Discipline: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) & Information Technology (IT)
Academic Year: 2026 / 2027 Academic Year
Target Group: Black South African Citizens (Aged 18–35)
Posted Date: 25 August 2026
Closing Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
About the Orange South Africa Trust STEM & IT Bursary
The Orange South Africa Trust, in partnership with Siyakha, has officially opened applications for its 2026/2027 STEM & IT Bursary Programme.
This bursary scheme is aimed at empowering young, black South Africans who wish to pursue or are currently pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in high-demand technical fields including Information Technology, Software Development, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Data Analytics. The programme offers comprehensive financial backing alongside essential digital tool support to enable successful academic completion.
Covered Expenses & Funding Scope
Funding awards are allocated based on verified financial need, academic merit, and available programme resources:
Core Funded Expenses
- Tuition Fees: Full or partial coverage of official university/college annual tuition costs.
- Registration Fees: Academic registration and enrollment fees.
- Learning Tools & Data: Study materials, required software licenses, laptop/hardware equipment, and monthly connectivity data packages.
Needs-Based Allocations
- Student Accommodation: Residential funding may be considered subject to verified individual need and total fund availability.
Eligibility Criteria & Applicant Requirements
To qualify for bursary consideration, applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria:
- Citizenship & Age: Must be a Black South African citizen aged between 18 and 35 years.
- Matric / Grade 12 Applicants: Must achieved a minimum final mark of 70% in Mathematics (Pure Mathematics).
- Current Tertiary Students: Must be enrolled in or admitted to a recognized STEM or IT qualification at an accredited South African public tertiary institution with satisfactory academic progress.
- Financial Need: Must demonstrate verified financial need based on household income documentation.
Checklist of Required PDF Documents
All supporting documents must be uploaded in clear PDF format. Incomplete submissions will not be considered:
- Motivational Letter: A written letter of motivation (maximum 500 words) detailing your career goals and financial need.
- Identification: Certified copy of applicant’s South African ID document.
- Academic Records:
- Certified copy of Grade 12 / Matric Certificate (for school leavers).
- Official latest university/college academic transcript (for registered tertiary students).
- Institutional Documents: Official proof of university registration or conditional letter of admission.
- Curriculum Vitae: Updated academic CV highlighting technical projects or achievements.
- Financial Proof:
- Proof of financial need.
- Recent payslips and 3 months’ bank statements of parents/guardians (or affidavit if unemployed).
Tips for a Winning Bursary Application
- Perfect the 500-Word Motivation: Clearly explain why you chose a STEM/IT field, how your qualification aligns with South Africa’s tech sector, and why financial support is essential for your completion.
- Convert All Documents to PDF: Ensure all files (payslips, transcripts, ID) are scanned clearly and converted into single PDF files before uploading to avoid system errors.
- Submit Early: Do not wait until 30 September to apply online; line up bank statements and certified copies well in advance.
How to Apply & Contact Support
Applications must be completed exclusively online via the official portal:
- Program Information Support: Email Mbali Msomi at
mbali.msomi@siyakha.co.za - Technical Support: Use the subject line “TECHNICAL SUPPORT” when emailing queries regarding portal issues.
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026