The Metacom Foundation is offering 2027 bursary funding to female students in the Western Cape who want to study ICT, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related technology field.
The bursary can cover full tuition, accommodation, transport and essential living costs. Students also receive access to mentorship, professional guidance and health and wellness support.
Applications close on 3 October 2026.
Which degrees are funded?
The bursary supports Bachelor’s Degrees in Information and Communication Technology and related fields.
Relevant study areas include:
- Information and Communication Technology
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Related technology disciplines
These qualifications can lead to careers across software, telecommunications, digital systems, engineering, networks and other technology-driven industries.
Which universities are included?
Funding is available to eligible students studying, or planning to study, at four Western Cape universities:
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Western Cape
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Stellenbosch University
Applicants need to be enrolled or planning to enrol at one of these institutions.
What does the bursary cover?
The Metacom Foundation provides broader support than tuition alone.
Funding may include:
- Full tuition for the duration of study
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Essential daily living costs
The programme also includes personal and professional support during the student’s studies.
What support do students receive beyond funding?
Bursary recipients can receive mentorship and guidance from people with industry experience.
Support includes the Foundation’s “big sister” mentorship initiative, personal guidance and health and wellness sessions.
This can be valuable for students entering demanding technology and engineering programmes because financial support solves only part of the challenge. Access to mentors can also help students understand career options, professional expectations and the transition from university into work.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be South African female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who live in the Western Cape.
They must also:
- Be between 18 and 27 years old
- Be in Matric or have completed Matric
- Plan to study, or already be studying, towards a relevant Bachelor’s Degree
- Attend or plan to attend UCT, UWC, CPUT or Stellenbosch University
- Have a strong academic record
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show academic potential and ambition
The bursary is aimed specifically at students pursuing technology-related higher education.
Why are ICT and engineering fields important?
ICT, computer science and engineering skills are used across almost every major industry.
Graduates can move into areas such as:
- Software development
- Telecommunications
- Data and digital systems
- Network engineering
- Electronics
- Technology infrastructure
- Technical consulting
- Engineering services
A bursary covering both study costs and living expenses can make it easier for students to focus on completing these demanding qualifications.
What documents are required?
Applicants need to submit the completed bursary application form together with supporting documents.
These include:
- Certified South African ID
- Certified Matric final results
- Most recent university transcript, where applicable
- Proof of parent or guardian income
- Latest payslips, where applicable
- Affidavit where a parent or guardian is unemployed
- Proof of pension or social grant, where applicable
A reference letter is optional.
Applicants should make sure all compulsory documents are included before submitting the online application.
How does the selection process work?
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview.
Academic performance, financial need and the applicant’s potential are part of the selection criteria.
Applicants who are not contacted after the selection process should regard their application as unsuccessful.
How do you apply?
Applicants first need to complete the prescribed Metacom Foundation bursary application form.
Download the Metacom Foundation Bursary Application Form 2027
After completing the form, submit the online application and upload all required documents.
Apply for the Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027
Applications close on 3 October 2026.
Students should complete both the application form and online submission before the deadline.
