BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Government received 1 800 applications for the 2026 Provincial Bursary from prospective candidates interested in studying full-time at universities in South Africa. Applications officially closed on 16 January, having opened on 20 November last year.
The Office of Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, announced that 300 qualifying candidates would receive bursaries, an increase from 200 in the previous academic year. Most of the applications were from undergraduates and students pursuing their first qualification. A thorough selection process was concluded on Friday 6 March.
The premier explained that allocation had been targeted towards qualifications identified as scarce and critical within the province.
These include, but are not limited to: Engineering (civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, mining); Medical and Health Sciences (MB ChB, pharmacy, nursing, radiography); Information Technology (cyber security, artificial intelligence, data science); Agriculture and Veterinary Science; Education (mathematics, physical science, accounting); Accounting and Financial Management; and Social Work and Psychology.
According to the premier’s office, the allocation process involves verifying applicant information, assessing eligibility against prescribed criteria, and evaluating academic merit.
Successful applicants will be notified.
“The increase in bursary allocations to 300 demonstrates government’s resolve to equip young people with the qualifications needed to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, and build a capable developmental state,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
She explained that the decision to increase the number of bursaries allowed the provincial government to respond to the high volume of applications and the demonstrated need among youth.
