Bursaries are financial assistance offered by many institutes, universities, NGOs, and other government organisations to help students with their higher education. Many bursaries are available and are meant only for students from low-income households who cannot afford their education expenses.
Students from low-income families face financial challenges, making higher education seem out of reach. Bursaries can help students gain access to higher education. One popular bursary provider offering financial assistance to students in need it is the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary.
In this article, we will discuss the IDC bursary, its types, essential requirements, application process, and allowances.
Table of Contents
What is the IDC Bursary?
Industrial Development Corporation, or IDC Bursary, is one of the leading bursary providers in South Africa. Established in 1940, it is government-owned and supervised by the Economic Development Department.
This Bursary was established to drive economic growth and industrial expansion and to contribute to sustainable employment in the country and across Africa. Students can apply for IDC Bursary funds to access higher education.
Fields Covered by IDC Bursary
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is inviting applications from students for its 2026 bursary programme.
The bursary is available for undergraduate studies in the following fields:
| Field | Subjects / Qualifications |
| Commerce & Management Studies | BCom Accounting (CA), Cost and Management Accounting, Econometrics, Business Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting, Financial Management, Investment Management, Information Systems (BCom), Information Technology, Internal Audit, Quantitative Finance, Quantitative Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, Transport Management, Logistics Management |
| Engineering | Agricultural Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Geology (University of Technology ā€“ B Tech), Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy Engineering, Mining Engineering, Quantity Surveying |
| Commercial Science | Analytical Chemistry, Actuarial Science, Agricultural Studies, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Data Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics |
| Law | BCom Law (Commercial Law), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Diploma in Law Studies, Postgraduate Diploma in Law |
IDC Bursary Allowances
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary has been working for decades to help students achieve their academic goals by enabling them to pursue higher studies without incurring any costs. The monthly allowance provided by this bursary includes the following:
- Tuition Fees
- Accommodation and Food Expenses
- Textbooks, Study Materials and Laptops
- Other Allowances include uniforms, specialised tools, stationery essentials, educational kits, and more.
Accordingly, the IDC bursary helps students meet their needs by providing financial support and covering these costs. This bursary can assist with any outstanding balances for education expenses.
IDC Bursary Requirements: Eligibility
IDC Bursary has established a system to provide financial assistance to individuals with financial challenges who earn less than the median income.
Some of the eligibility criteria required for applying for the IDC Bursary 2026 include:
- An applicant should be a South African citizen
- Applicant should not be older than 26 years old
- Applicant must have completed his/her matrics with an average of 75% marks
- Applicant must be enrolled in higher education at South African institutions or universities.
The essential documents, or the key requirements, to apply for funds include:
- Applicant’s recent ID proof
- Applicant’s South African residence proof
- Matric passed certificate
- 2023ā€™s academic records-mid-year or first semester results, or the latest results.
- Proof of household income:
- Pay slips for the last three months if employed.
- Bank statement for the last three months if employed.
- SASSA Letter stating the grants received, if applicable.
- Death certificates are required if the parent(s) are deceased.
- A divorce certificate is required if parents are divorced or separated.
IDC Bursary Online Application Process
The procedure for applying for the IDC Bursary 2026 is straightforward. Below are the steps to follow when applying for an online bursary.
Before starting the application process, collect all required documents and organise them in sequence.
Step 1 :Ā Visit the IDC Bursary Website
The first and most important step is to visit the Industrial Development Corporation Bursary website and register, providing all required personal information. This will give you access to the online application form.
Step 2 :Ā Complete the online applicationĀ
The next step is to check the online application form, read all the information carefully, and complete it with accurate details.
Step 3 :Ā Submit all the essential documents
Once the application form is complete, upload all supporting documents in sequence, per the IDC Bursary guidelines. Remember to recheck all documents and review the application form before submitting it, as a single error or missing information can result in disqualification.
Step 4 :Ā Complete the Process.
Once you have uploaded all the documents and reviewed the application form, click the submit button to complete the process. Then, download the consent form.
Step 5 :Ā Keep track of your Application
The last and most important step is regular follow-up. Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the IDC Bursary Committee regarding your application status. Thus, keep checking your mailbox for confirmation.
These are simple steps applicants must follow when applying for the bursary. Always seek help from mentors, peers, or seniors while completing the application form.
IDC Bursary Closing Date
The IDC bursary closing date is 30th September 2026. Submit your application before the closing date to avoid last-minute rejection or disqualification.
Applicants can visit the official website of the IDC Bursary for any queries regarding this bursary programme.
IDC Bursary Contact Detail
For any questions about this bursary program, please contact the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) directly at
Email: bursary@idc.co.za
Phone: 011 269 3374.
Conclusion
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary is a government-owned initiative under the Economic Development Department and provides funds to eligible students. This bursary was established to provide a valuable opportunity for financially challenged students in South Africa to continue their higher education and achieve their academic and professional goals.
Thus, by following these essential steps and key requirements, students can maximise their chances of securing financial support from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary.For more information on bursaries and education opportunities, visit Regenesys Education’s Reginsights page now!
FAQs
What will be the IDC Bursary Closing Date?
The application deadline is the 30th of September, 2026. Please note that these dates are subject to change; please check the official website for updates.
Is the IDC Bursary available for undergraduate programmes?
Yes, the Bursary will be awarded to all undergraduate students pursuing a degree in any domain in South Africa.
How to contact the IDC Bursary provider?
Applicants can visit the Industrial Development Corporation’s official website for any bursary-related queries.
Is the application for the IDC Bursary 2026 available now?
Yes. The Industrial Development Corporation invites applications for the bursary programme starting June 1, 2026, for the 2026 academic year.
What financial support is provided by the IDC Bursary 2026?
The bursary provides financial support for tuition fees, accommodation and food expenses, textbooks, study materials, laptops, and other allowances.
