Tomorrow Trust is offering a Tertiary Bursary for STEM students from under-resourced communities in South Africa. This isn’t just a tuition bursary — it’s a fully wrap-around support programme covering academics, wellbeing, mentorship, and career development, making it one of the more comprehensive options available to STEM students this year.

About the Bursary

Tomorrow Trust provides tailored financial and holistic support to students from under-resourced communities accessing higher education, aiming to develop self-reliant, lifelong learners who go on to contribute through employment, entrepreneurship, or further study. Their core belief is simple: talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not.

What the bursary package covers:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Living costs
• Textbooks
• Essential equipment

What the “wrap-around support” includes:

Beyond the financial package, every student receives:

• Psychosocial support
• Academic and career coaching
• Mentorship
• Digital skills training
• Financial literacy support
• Monthly masterclasses led by industry specialists

Students are also encouraged to give back through volunteerism and stay connected to a long-term peer and alumni network — so the support doesn’t end once you graduate.

Fields of Study Covered

This bursary is specifically for STEM students, covering:

• Engineering
• IT & Computer Science
• Science

Eligible Provinces

Applicants must be based in one of the following provinces:

• Gauteng
• Western Cape
• Limpopo
• KwaZulu-Natal

If you live outside these provinces, you unfortunately won’t qualify for this particular round — but it’s worth checking Tomorrow Trust’s other programmes, as eligibility criteria can differ between offerings.

Required Documents

Make sure you have the following ready before you start your application:

• ID Document
• Academic Record/Transcript
• Proof of Registration or Acceptance at a tertiary institution
• Proof of Income (household)
• Motivation Letter
• Reference Letters
• CV/Resume
• Death Certificate (household, if applicable)
• Affidavit of Unemployment (if applicable)
• Last 3 months’ Salary/Wage Payslips (household)

Tips for Preparing These Documents

Bursary applications with this many supporting documents are often won or lost on preparation, not just academic merit. A few pointers:

• Start your Motivation Letter early. This is where you explain not just your academic ability, but why you’re pursuing a STEM field and how the support (not just the money) will help you succeed. Generic letters tend to blend together — be specific about your circumstances and goals.
• Choose your Reference Letters carefully. A teacher, school counsellor, or community leader who genuinely knows your work ethic will write a stronger letter than someone who barely knows you.
• Household documents (proof of income, payslips, affidavits) should reflect your current household situation. If a parent or guardian is unemployed, an Affidavit of Unemployment — sworn at a police station or Commissioner of Oaths — is usually required in place of payslips.
• Keep certified copies on hand. Many bursary providers require certified (not just plain) copies of ID documents and academic transcripts, so it’s worth getting these certified in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

How to Apply

Applications for this bursary are managed through the Bursio platform, which matches students to bursaries they qualify for.

Closing date: 30 September 2026

About Tomorrow Trust

Tomorrow Trust is a South African non-profit organisation focused on breaking the cycle of inequality through education. For over 20 years, they have supported children and young people from under-resourced communities from Grade R right through to tertiary education and into the world of work.

Their approach is built on four integrated pillars — academic support, psychosocial support, digital skills development, and career guidance — reflecting a broader philosophy that education isn’t just about passing exams, but about building the confidence and life skills to thrive beyond the classroom.