The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is offering a fully-funded bursary programme for young South Africans for the 2025 academic year. This prestigious opportunity aims to support talented students in pursuing their undergraduate studies in various fields of study, particularly focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Accounting/Financial studies, and Law.About the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
Established in 1940, the Industrial Development Corporation is a national development finance institution owned by the South African government and supervised by the Economic Development Department. The IDC’s primary mission is to promote economic growth, industrial development, and sustainable job creation within South Africa and across the African continent.
Bursary Programme Overview
The IDC Bursary Programme for 2025 is designed to provide financial assistance to academically talented South African students who lack the means to pursue higher education. The bursary covers a comprehensive range of expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meal allowance
- Transport allowance
- A once-off laptop provision
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Fields of Study Covered
The IDC Bursary Programme supports a wide range of academic disciplines, focusing on STEM-related qualifications, Accounting/Financial studies, and Law. For the 2025 academic year, the following fields of study are eligible for funding:
Engineering:
- Agricultural Studies
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Financial Engineering
- Geology (University of Technology leading to a B Tech)
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy Engineering
- Mining Engineering
Applied Commercial Sciences:
- Accounting (CA) (BCom)
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural Studies
- Computer Science
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Economics
- Econometrics
- Environmental Science
- Financial Management
- Information Systems (BCom)
- Investment Management
- Information Technology
- Internal Audit
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Quantitative Finance
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Statistics
Law:
- Commercial Law (BCom)
- LLB (Bachelor of Law)
- Law (Postgraduate Diploma)
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the IDC Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Unemployed status
- Financial need
- Excellent academic performance
- Intention to study full-time towards one of the listed fields of study
- Age requirement: 25 years old or younger
Application Process
The application process for the IDC Bursary Programme 2025 is as follows:
- Applications must be completed online through the official IDC website.
- The application period opens on June 1, 2024, and closes on September 30, 2024.
- Applicants are required to submit clear copies of all necessary supporting documents. Please note that pictures will not be accepted.
- Applicants must complete an interview questionnaire as part of the application process.
Selection Process
The selection process for the IDC Bursary Programme involves the following steps:
- Initial screening of applications to ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
- Academic performance evaluation, with a focus on:Matriculants: Minimum 75% Admission Point Score (APS)
- Tertiary level applicants: Minimum 65% APS
- Financial need assessment through an affordability evaluation.
- Consideration of diversity and representation in the selection of recipients
Important Dates
- Application Opening Date: June 1, 2024
- Application Closing Date: September 30, 2024
Additional Information
- The bursary is exclusively for first qualification and undergraduate studies. Funding for second qualifications and postgraduate studies is not available through this programme.
- Successful applicants will be notified via email.
- For any inquiries or additional information, applicants can contact the IDC Bursary team at [email protected] or call 011 269 3374.
How to Maximize Your Application
To increase your chances of securing an IDC Bursary, consider the following tips:
- Start your application early to ensure you have ample time to gather all required documents and complete the application thoroughly.
- Ensure your academic results are strong, particularly in subjects relevant to your chosen field of study.
- Clearly demonstrate your financial need in the application, providing accurate and detailed information.
- Highlight any extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community involvement that showcase your potential and commitment to personal growth.
- Prepare well for the interview questionnaire, reflecting on your motivations, career aspirations, and how the bursary aligns with your goals.
Importance of the IDC Bursary Programme
The IDC Bursary Programme plays a crucial role in developing South Africa’s human capital and addressing skills shortages in critical sectors.
By investing in the education of talented young South Africans, the IDC contributes to:
- Promoting economic growth and industrial development
- Enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global markets
- Fostering innovation and technological advancement
- Creating a pipeline of skilled professionals for key industries
- Addressing socio-economic inequalities by providing educational opportunities to deserving students
Conclusion
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary Programme 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for young South Africans to pursue their academic dreams and contribute to the nation’s development. With its comprehensive coverage and focus on critical fields of study, this fully-funded bursary can be a life-changing prospect for talented students facing financial constraints.
Aspiring applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria, prepare their applications diligently, and submit them before the September 30, 2024 deadline. By investing in the education of its youth, the IDC is not only shaping individual futures but also contributing to the broader economic and social development of South Africa.
Apply Now for the IDC Bursary Programme 2025 and take the first step towards a bright academic and professional future.
