The Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary Programme 2027 is offering financial support to qualifying South African students who will be studying full-time at recognised tertiary institutions during the 2027 academic year.

The bursary programme forms part of the Hollywood Foundation’s My Education Pillar, which aims to help students successfully transition from high school to tertiary education and ultimately into the workplace.

The programme supports students pursuing selected Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Bachelor’s Degrees, Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas.

Applications for the 2027 Future is Bright Bursary close on Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday.

Students interested in applying should carefully check the eligibility requirements and ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted before the deadline.

Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027

The Future is Bright Bursary Programme is designed to provide more than financial assistance. Through the Hollywood Foundation’s education initiatives, students can receive support intended to help them develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their future careers.

The programme aims to contribute towards addressing South Africa’s critical skills shortages by supporting students in fields that are relevant to the country’s future workforce.

The bursary is available to qualifying students studying at recognised tertiary institutions across South Africa.

Bursary Coverage

The programme supports students studying towards the following qualification levels:

• Higher Certificates
• Diplomas
• Advanced Diplomas
• Bachelor’s Degrees
• Honours Degrees
• Postgraduate Diplomas

The bursary does not sponsor Master’s degrees, PhD programmes or other senior-level qualifications.

Funding is renewable annually, but renewal is not automatically guaranteed for the entire qualification. Continued funding depends on factors including academic performance, student engagement and the availability of sponsor funding.

Students should therefore understand that bursary funding is reviewed each year.

Preferred Fields of Study

The Hollywood Foundation has identified several preferred areas of study.

These include:

1. Information Technology and Computer Science

This includes studies related to information technology, computing, software and other technology-focused disciplines.

2. Data Science

Students pursuing studies in data science and related areas may apply if they meet all the other requirements.

3. Finance and Accounting

The bursary supports selected studies in finance and accounting, including BCom (Law).

4. Marketing and Communications

This includes marketing, digital marketing and communications-related programmes.

5. Media and Communications

Students studying media and communications may also be considered.

6. Graphic Design

Graphic design is included among the Foundation’s preferred study fields.

7. Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Students interested in logistics, supply chains and related business operations can apply if their programme falls within the preferred fields.

8. Project Management

Project management is another preferred area supported by the programme.

9. Business Management

Students pursuing business management-related studies may qualify.

10. Human Resources Management

Human resources management is included among the preferred fields.

11. Architectural Design

Architectural design is also listed as a preferred field of study.

The Foundation states that the preferred fields are not necessarily limited to the areas listed above, but applicants should carefully check whether their specific qualification falls within the areas considered.

Who Can Apply for the Future is Bright Bursary?

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

To qualify, applicants:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must be enrolled for full-time studies during the 2027 academic year.
• Must be a 2026 matriculant, previous matriculant currently on a gap year, or a student already enrolled at a recognised tertiary institution.
• Must be studying at a DHET/CHE-accredited university or registered private higher education institution.
• Must be studying towards an eligible Higher Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma.
• Must be studying in one of the Foundation’s preferred fields.
• Must meet the required academic average.

TVET College students are not eligible for this bursary programme.

Academic Requirements for Grade 12 Applicants

Students who are applying based on their Grade 12 results must have obtained a Bachelor’s Pass.

They must also have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%.

This requirement is particularly important for 2026 matriculants who intend to begin tertiary studies in 2027.

Applicants should ensure that their academic documents clearly demonstrate that they meet the required results.

Academic Requirements for Current Tertiary Students

Students who are already studying at a recognised tertiary institution must have achieved a minimum academic average of 60% in their most recently completed academic year.

Applicants should therefore provide accurate academic records when requested.

Who Cannot Apply?

The following applicants do not qualify under the stated requirements:

• Students studying at TVET Colleges.
• Students pursuing Master’s degrees.
• Students pursuing PhD qualifications.
• Students studying other senior-level qualifications.
• Applicants who do not meet the required academic average.
• Applicants who are not South African citizens.
• Applicants who will not be studying full-time in 2027.

Employees of Hollywoodbets and immediate family members or relatives of employees of Hollywoodbets and related entities are also subject to separate application arrangements.

Related entities include organisations such as BetSoftware, Hollywood Foundation, Race Coast and other Hollywood Group companies.

Employment and Disclosure Requirements

Applicants are required to provide accurate information throughout the application and selection process.

Applicants and bursary recipients must disclose relevant information accurately.

The Foundation specifically warns that a bursary may be withdrawn if a recipient:

• Has undisclosed paid employment.
• Provides false or misleading information.
• Misrepresents information during the application process.
• Provides inaccurate information during interviews or after receiving the bursary.

In such circumstances, the applicant or recipient may also be required to repay bursary benefits already received.

Applicants should therefore check all information carefully before submitting their applications.

Selection Process

Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee that an applicant will receive the bursary.

Depending on the stage of the selection process, shortlisted applicants may be required to participate in:

• Screening
• Shortlisting
• Interviews
• Psychometric assessments

Applicants should therefore ensure that they monitor their communication channels after applying and remain available should they be contacted.

Is the Hollywood Foundation Bursary Renewable?

Yes, the bursary can be renewed annually, subject to the programme’s conditions.

However, renewal is not guaranteed for the full duration of the qualification.

Funding is reviewed each year and may depend on:

• Academic performance.
• Student engagement.
• Compliance with bursary conditions.
• Availability of sponsor funding.

Students receiving the bursary should therefore continue working towards strong academic performance throughout their studies.

Important Application Conditions

Applicants should carefully read the application instructions before completing the online application.

Incomplete applications and applications containing misrepresentations may be disregarded.

Applicants should ensure that they:

• Complete every required section.
• Provide accurate personal information.
• Provide accurate academic information.
• Upload all required supporting documents.
• Check their documents before submitting.
• Submit the application before the closing date.

Hollywood Foundation Bursary Closing Date 2027

The closing date for the Future is Bright Bursary 2027 is:

Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday.

Applicants should not wait until the final minutes to submit their applications.

Technical problems, missing documents or incomplete information could prevent an application from being successfully submitted.

It is advisable to prepare your documents well before the closing date.

What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?

Applicants should follow the official application portal’s document requirements and upload all required documents.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, documents may include academic records, identification documents and other supporting information requested during the application.

Before submitting your application, carefully check the official portal’s Required Documents section.

Applicants should make sure that documents are clear and readable and that they upload the correct files.

How to Apply for the Hollywood Foundation Bursary 2027

Applications are submitted online through the official Hollywood Foundation bursary application portal.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting the application, make sure you meet the citizenship, academic, qualification, institution and study requirements.

Step 2: Check Your Qualification

Confirm that your qualification falls within one of the preferred fields of study and that you are studying towards an eligible qualification.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all documents required by the application portal.

Make sure that your documents are clear and that the information is accurate.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Enter your personal, academic and study information carefully.

Do not provide information that cannot be supported by your documents.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Attach all required supporting documents.

Incomplete applications may be disregarded.

Step 6: Review Your Application

Before submitting, check every section carefully.

Pay particular attention to your:

• Personal details.
• Contact information.
• Academic results.
• Institution information.
• Qualification information.
• Uploaded documents.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit your application before:

3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday.

Keep confirmation of your application for your records.

What Happens After You Apply?

Applicants should be aware that the selection process can take time.

According to the application instructions, if you have not heard back within three months of the application closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional screening, interviews or psychometric assessments.

Successful applicants will be required to sign an agreement provided by the sponsor.

Important Tips for Applicants

Apply Early

Do not leave your application until the closing day. Applying early gives you time to identify and correct missing information or documents.

Check Your Academic Average

Make sure you meet the required 65% average for Grade 12 applicants or 60% average for current tertiary students.

Choose the Correct Qualification

Check that your qualification falls within the eligible study levels and preferred fields.

Be Honest

Never exaggerate your academic results, employment status or other information.

Providing false or misleading information could result in the bursary being withdrawn and may lead to repayment of benefits.

Check Your Documents

Before uploading documents, make sure they are clear, complete and belong to you.

Monitor Your Emails and Phone

Shortlisted applicants may be contacted during the selection process. Make sure your contact details are correct and check your communications regularly.

Understand the Renewal Conditions

Receiving the bursary for 2027 does not automatically guarantee funding for every remaining year of your qualification.

Funding is reviewed annually.

Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027 Summary

Bursary: Future is Bright Bursary Programme

Sponsor: Hollywood Foundation

Academic Year: 2027

Closing Date: 3 September 2026

Closing Time: 12:00 midday

Citizenship: South African citizens

Study Mode: Full-time

Institutions: DHET/CHE-accredited universities and registered private higher education institutions

TVET Colleges: Not eligible

Grade 12 Minimum Average: 65%

Current Tertiary Students Minimum Average: 60%

Supported Qualifications: Higher Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Honours Degree and Postgraduate Diploma

Master’s and PhD: Not funded

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Hollywood Foundation Bursary 2027 close?

The Future is Bright Bursary 2027 closes on Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday.

Who qualifies for the Hollywood Foundation bursary?

South African citizens who meet the academic, qualification, institution and full-time study requirements may apply.

Can TVET students apply?

No. The Future is Bright Bursary is not available to TVET College students.

Can Master’s students apply?

No. The bursary does not sponsor Master’s, PhD or other senior qualifications.

What average do Grade 12 applicants need?

Grade 12 applicants must have obtained a Bachelor’s Pass and a minimum overall average of 65%.

What average do current university students need?

Current tertiary students must have achieved a minimum academic average of 60% in their most recently completed academic year.

Is the bursary available for 2027?

Yes. The bursary allocation year for this application is 2027, and successful applicants must be studying full-time during the 2027 academic year.

Is the bursary automatically renewed?

No. Funding is reviewed annually and depends on academic performance, student engagement and the availability of sponsor funding.

How will shortlisted applicants be selected?

Depending on the selection stage, shortlisted applicants may undergo screening, interviews and psychometric assessments.

What if I do not receive a response?

The application instructions state that applicants who have not heard back within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Apply for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027

Students who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications online before the deadline.

Closing Date: Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 12:00 midday

Academic Year: 2027

Application Portal: Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary online application portal

Applicants should carefully read all notes and instructions on the official application portal and make sure that every required document is attached before submitting the application.

For the official application and the latest requirements, visit the Hollywood Foundation bursary application portal:

Apply for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary 2027

Final Advice

The Future is Bright Bursary provides an opportunity for eligible South African students to receive support towards their tertiary education in 2027.

However, applicants should not wait until the last day to apply. Check your eligibility, prepare your supporting documents, verify your academic information and submit your application well before 12:00 midday on 3 September 2026.

Remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants may still be required to complete additional screening, interviews or assessments before final decisions are made.