{"id":306191,"date":"2026-03-12T15:40:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T13:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnewsexpress\/provincial-bursary-allocation-aims-to-bolster-critical-skills-areas\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T15:40:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T13:40:17","slug":"provincial-bursary-allocation-aims-to-bolster-critical-skills-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnewsexpress\/provincial-bursary-allocation-aims-to-bolster-critical-skills-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"Provincial bursary allocation aims to bolster critical skills areas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BLOEMFONTEIN<\/strong> – 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.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The premier explained that allocation had been targeted towards qualifications identified as scarce and critical within the province. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the premier’s office, the allocation process involves verifying applicant information, assessing eligibility against prescribed criteria, and evaluating academic merit. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Successful applicants will be notified.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Free State Government bursary scheme targets students studying in critical skills 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