Many students believe pursuing further education in South Africa will be challenging due to the high cost of higher education. If so, numerous bursaries are available to help students meet their academic goals while reducing their financial obligations. One such option is the FNB bursary. This bursary permits talented individuals who need financial assistance for their academic journey.
In this article, we will learn more about this bursary, including its allowances, eligibility requirements, online application process, and closing date.
Table of Contents
What is the FNB Bursary 2026?
FNB or First National Bank is the oldest bank in South Africa, established in 1838. It is also known as one of the country’s “big four” banks. This bursary, offered by Study Trust, awards partial bursaries to those studying (or planning to study) towards a Commerce, Engineering, or Science degree qualification. These bursaries are an investment by the company to prepare its top leaders for the future.
The FNB Fund Bursary Programme is one of the leading bursary providers in South Africa. FNB provides bursaries for deserving applicants who are academically capable but lack the financial resources to reach their goals. FNB bursaries cover all costs students incur for their education, including registration fees and the cost of additional assignments. Overall, bursaries help create a better future for everyone and allow them to contribute to their nation’s workforce.
FNB Bursary 2026 – Fields Covered and Allowances
As mentioned earlier, the FNB Fund bursary is administered by a study trust, an educational public benefit organisation. It connects learners with study opportunities and provides tertiary education bursaries and mentoring support.
Fields Covered
The FNB Bursary benefits students across a wide range of academic fields, helping them pursue their studies without financial constraints. It provides support for tuition, living expenses, and other study-related costs, enabling students to focus on academic success.
By targeting multiple domains, the bursary promotes skill development and career readiness in South Africa’s growing professional sectors. This bursary will be awarded to students willing to pursue their undergraduate programmes within the following fields:
| Category | Courses / Fields of Study |
| Sciences | Accounting, Actuarial Science, Auditing, Economic & Management Sciences, Economics, Financial Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Law, Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Investment Management, Management, Quantitative Finance, Statistics, Finance |
| Commerce | Accounting, Actuarial Science, Auditing, Economic & Management Sciences, Economics, Financial Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Law, Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Investment Management, Management, Quantitative Finance, Statistics, Finance |
| Engineering | Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Mining Survey, Architecture, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aeronautical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Building Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering |
| Information Technology & Mathematics | Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Business Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Technology, Software Development |
Allowances
The FNB funding opportunities cover the full education expenses for higher studies. These education expenses can range from tuition fees to the cost of additional study materials. Some of the essential FNB bursary allowances for learners include the following:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Registration fees
- Accommodation
- Books and learning materials
- Food and travelling allowances.
However, the bursary amount is subject to annual change based on the programme type and the student’s requirements.
Explore Best Bursaries in South Africa: Key Benefits and Steps to Apply
What are the Eligibility Requirements for FNB Bursary?
This bursary programme aims to develop future leaders for South Africa, beginning with our brightest young minds. FNB Bursary is an open bursary programme, and the eligibility requirements for the application process include the following:
- Applicants must be South African citizens
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need
- Applicants must demonstrate academic potential
- Applicants must have completed their Matric or grade 12
- Applicant must have achieved a maximum aggregated mark of 60% in English, Physical Science, and Mathematics.
- Applicants applying for this bursary 2026 must be enrolled in or willing to pursue undergraduate studies only, excluding Honours in Accounting.
Read on: What are the Bursary Requirements In South Africa?
Steps Involved in FNB Bursary Online Application
In 2026, applicants can submit their applications online. However, before applying for the bursary’s online application, applicants must read all the instructions provided on the application form. Here are the simple steps which need to be followed:
- Visit the official FNB – Study Trust bursary website
- Search for the FNB Study Trust Bursary Application Form 2026 in the main menu
- Click on the application form and select the download option
- Download the application form in PDF format
- Open the downloaded form and review the application details and other instructions.
- Per the instructions in the application form, complete it accordingly.
- Upload all the scanned documents in a sequential manner (essential document lists are mentioned below in this article)
- Review the complete details provided in the application form for spelling errors before submitting it.
- Once after the review, email your completed application form and supporting documents in PDF format to:
- Email ID: apply@studytrust.org.za
- Fax: 086 538 1537
Applicants can also post their application form to the postal address:
The National Director, Study Trust, Private Bag X16, Braamfontein– 2017.
Key Documents Required for FNB Bursary Application
Applicants must submit all the required documents to verify their eligibility for the bursary. These documents allow FNB to assess academic performance, financial need, and suitability for the programme. Make sure all the paperwork is complete and accurate.
This bursary requires documentation such as the following:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Applicant’s ID card
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income
- Applicant’s Grade 11 final results, if currently in Matric
- Essay about your life (To be completed on the application form)
- All academic records from Grades 10 – 12, including the most recent transcripts
- University acceptance letter for the current academic year (on institution letterhead)
- Two testimonials. One is from an educational official, such as a lecturer or principal and another from a community (To be completed on the application form)
When is the Closing Date for the FNB Bursary?
The closing date for the FNB bursary may vary each year. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, as late or incomplete applications are not considered.
To stay informed about the current closing date, it is recommended to regularly check the official FNB or StudyTrust website. For any queries related to the bursary deadline, applicants can contact StudyTrust directly for guidance.
- Tel: 011 403 1632
- Email: apply@studytrust.org.za
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Conclusion
FNB’s main objective is to invest in young people without expecting them to work or pay back the funds. The FNB bursaries aim to create a better future for aspiring young people by providing opportunities for financially underprivileged, talented candidates to become significant members of the country’s workforce.
For more information related to bursaries, how to apply, and different education opportunities, visit Regenesys Education‘s Reginsights page now!
FAQs
This bursary is administered by Study Trust, which unites learners with study opportunities by providing financial assistance for tertiary education, mentoring, and support.
This bursary is available for undergraduate programmes in the commerce, engineering, and science streams.
FNB Bursaries will provide comprehensive financial support for students seeking educational assistance. These allowances include tuition fees, study materials, accommodation, food, travel allowances and other living allowances.
No. Preference will be given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas.
No. The FNB Bursaries are available for students who intend to study full-time programmes within one of the above-mentioned undergraduate disciplines.
