Unlike other bursaries of its kind, the FNB FirstRand bursary is not just one single bursary with one portal and one deadline.
FirstRand runs funding through different structures like the FNB Fund and the FirstRand Foundation, often administered by partners like StudyTrust, which means you have to track the right channel or you will miss it completely.
What is the FNB FirstRand bursary and who is funding it?
The bursary comes from FirstRand, which is the parent company of FNB, RMB, and WesBank.
This matters because you are not just applying to a bank, you are applying to one of the largest financial services groups in South Africa.
Their funding is part of corporate social investment which is focused on developing students in commerce, science, and engineering fields.
Unlike firms like Deloitte or EY, FNB funding is not always tied to a strict work-back contract.
That alone makes it attractive and also more competitive in a different way.
Which courses does the FNB bursary usually fund?
You need to align your degree with what they actually support.
Their focus is on high-impact fields that feed into the financial and business sector of the country.
The fields they are normally interested in funding include:
- Accounting
- Finance and Economics
- Actuarial Science
- Computer Science and IT
- Engineering
- Business and Management Sciences
If your course is outside these areas, your chances of getting awarded this funding could be very low.
They are not funding random degrees, but are instead building a team of skilled professionals.
What does the FNB FirstRand bursary cover?
This is one of the stronger bursaries in terms of support. It can cover:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation
- Study materials and books
- Food and transport allowances
In some cases, students also receive mentorship, academic support, and exposure to work opportunities.
From experience, the support system is what actually makes the difference, not just the money.
Students who use that support properly tend to stay funded while those who don’t can end up losing it.
What are the requirements for the FNB bursary?
On paper, the FNB bursary requirements look manageable.
You must be a South African citizen in deep financial need.
You must have solid academic performance, usually at least 60% in key subjects like Mathematics and English.
You must be studying or planning to study full-time at a recognised institution.
But the reality you need to hear is that 60% is the minimum and not the standard.
Most funded students are sitting well above that, especially in Maths-heavy courses.
There is also a noticeable preference for students who come from disadvantaged or rural backgrounds.
When does the FNB FirstRand bursary open and close for 2027?
The dates can shift depending on the partner managing the application.
The most recent cycle for last academic year was opened from 4 November 2025 to 30 January 2026.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation application season is annually opened on 01 May to 5 October.
Missing the window is very common with this bursary because of how it is structured so make sure you’re always checking.
How do you apply for the FNB bursary properly?
You will not always apply directly on the FNB website.
In many cases, the application is handled through partners like StudyTrust. Then follow this approach:
- Identify the correct bursary stream under FirstRand or FNB.
- Check if it is administered by a partner like StudyTrust.
- Complete the online application or download the form
- Prepare certified documents before submission
The documents you will need to provide include:
- ID document
- Academic results
- Proof of income
- Motivation letter
- Proof of university application or acceptance
If your documents are incomplete or rushed, your application will not make it past screening.
How competitive is the FNB bursary really?
This one is competitive in a different way compared to Big Four firms because you are not being assessed as a future employee first.
You are being assessed as a high-potential student worth investing in.
And from their patterns over time, it is obvious that strong academics matter to FNB.
Also, financial need plays a bigger role in securing this funding than it does in other corporate bursaries.
Your motivation letter also carries real weight so you must make sure to write a very soliid one.
FNB also does not have a work-back requirement in many cases, which is part of the reason the number of applicants increases every year.
And because the applicant numbers are high, the selection process is even tighter than you may expect.
How can you contact FNB or FirstRand for bursary enquiries?
To reach them, use their official channels and not third-party sites.
- Main page
- Physical address: 4 Merchant Place, Corner Fredman Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Postal address: PO Box 650149, Benmore 2010
If you reach out, keep your message direct and specific because they respond better to students who clearly understand what they are applying for.
