Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary South Africa For 2026. If you’re a South African student dreaming of a career in engineering, science, law, or business, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary South Africa might be your golden opportunity. This bursary is more than just financial aid it’s an investment in the country’s future leaders across STEM and commerce fields.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything about the IDC Bursary South Africa for 2026, including its coverage, eligibility, application process, required documents, and important dates. Let’s dive in.
What is the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)?
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a proudly South African, state-owned national development finance institution. Established in 1940, the IDC operates under the Department of Economic Development. Its core mission is to promote sustainable economic growth and industrial development across South Africa and the wider African continent.
Through financial and non-financial support, the IDC assists youth enterprises and entrepreneurs launching new businesses or expanding existing operations often funding up to R1 billion per project.
About the IDC Bursary Programme: Fields Covered
The IDC Bursary South Africa for 2026 is designed to support academically gifted students who lack the financial means to pursue tertiary education. Its primary goal is to bolster the country’s skills pipeline in scarce and critical sectors.
This bursary is available to students enrolling in STEM fields, as well as accounting, financial studies, and law. Below is a detailed table outlining the fields covered.
Fields of Study Funded by the IDC Bursary
| Main Stream | Specific Courses Covered |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Agricultural, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical, Civil, Construction, Electrical, Electronic, Financial, Geology (B Tech), Industrial, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Mining Engineering |
| Applied Commercial Sciences | Accounting (CA), Actuarial Science, Agricultural Studies, Computer Science, Cost & Management Accounting, Economics, Econometrics, Environmental Science, Financial Management, Information Systems, Investment Management, IT, Internal Audit, Mathematics, Physics, Quantitative Finance, Quantitative Risk Management, Statistics |
| Law | Commercial Law (BCom), LLB (Bachelor of Law), Law (Postgraduate Diploma) |
Whether you’re aiming to be a Chartered Accountant, an Electrical Engineer, a Mining Geologist, or a future lawyer, the IDC Bursary South Africa could be your stepping stone.
What Does the IDC Bursary Cover?
The IDC Bursary South Africa for 2026 is a full-cost bursary, which means it covers a comprehensive range of student expenses, ensuring you can focus entirely on your studies. The bursary includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation costs
- Meal allowances
- Transport allowances
- A once-off laptop allowance
Students undergo an affordability assessment to ensure that the funding reaches those in genuine financial need.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
The IDC Bursary South Africa sets out clear eligibility criteria. Before you apply, ensure you meet these requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen residing in South Africa |
| Age | Not older than 25 years |
| Education | Currently in Matric or have completed Matric; studying or intending to study full-time towards a first undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields |
| Postgraduate | Only Accounting and Law students can apply for postgraduate funding |
| Institution | Must be attending or intend to attend a recognised public University, University of Technology, or TVET College in South Africa (no private colleges) |
| Academic Performance | Matric students: minimum 75% overall average & B aggregate in Mathematics and Science; Tertiary students: minimum 65% overall average and must have passed all registered courses |
| Household Income | Combined household income must not exceed R350 000 per annum (students up to R600 000 may apply, but preference given to lower income) |
| Other Funding | Cannot be studying with aid from an employer or another bursary provider |
Preference is given to students living with disabilities, those from Quintile 1, 2, and 3 public schools, previously disadvantaged communities, and rural areas.
How to Apply for the IDC Bursary South Africa for 2026
Applying for the IDC Bursary South Africa is a straightforward online process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it.
- Register an Account Online
- Visit the IDC Bursary Application Portal for the 2026 intake.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and create your profile.
- Fill in the Application Form
- Complete all required personal, academic, and financial sections.
- Enter “Zabusaries.com” when asked how you heard about the IDC Bursary.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Make sure your documents are certified and clear. Here’s what you’ll need: DocumentWho Must SubmitCertified ID documentAll applicantsGrade 11 final & Matric June resultsCurrent MatricsMatric certificateCompleted MatricLatest academic recordTertiary studentsProof of acceptance/provisional admissionAll applicantsParents’/guardians’ proof of incomeAll applicantsAdditional: SASSA letters, death/divorce certificates if applicableAs needed
- Submit Before the Deadline: The closing date is 30 September 2025. Late applications are not considered, so apply early.
Important Dates
| Key Date | Details |
|---|---|
| Closing Date | 30 September 2025 |
| Bursary Outcome Notices | Typically by December |
| Academic Year Starts | February 2026 |
Make sure to set reminders so you don’t miss out.
Contact the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
If you have any questions or face challenges during your application, reach out to the IDC directly.
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: 011 269 3374
The IDC team is helpful and committed to guiding prospective students through the process.
Why Choose the IDC Bursary South Africa?
The IDC Bursary South Africa is more than just financial aid—it’s a programme backed by an institution with decades of driving economic transformation. It helps develop skills that directly contribute to the country’s industrial and economic needs.
By investing in fields like engineering, technology, commercial sciences, and law, the IDC ensures that young South Africans have the tools to build a prosperous future for themselves and their communities.
FAQs About IDC Bursary
Can I apply for the IDC Bursary South Africa if I am studying at a private college?
No, unfortunately, the bursary only funds studies at recognised public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges within South Africa.
Will the IDC Bursary cover my postgraduate studies in engineering?
No, postgraduate funding is only provided to Accounting and Law students. Engineering and other fields are funded only at undergraduate level.
What happens if my household income is slightly above R350,000?
You may still apply if your household income is up to R600,000 per year, but priority is given to students with income under R350,000. Always apply if you are close to the threshold and meet the academic requirements.
Conclusion
If you are determined to shape your future through higher education but worry about financial constraints, the IDC Bursary South Africa for 2026 could be your perfect solution. It’s a life-changing opportunity to study without the burden of tuition and living costs, opening doors to careers that not only uplift you but also drive South Africa’s economic growth.
