CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2027

Who can apply

• To qualify for the Cisco South Africa Bursary Programme 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Citizenship Requirement
• Applicants must:
• Be South African citizens
• Academic Requirement
• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Show the ability to successfully complete their qualification
• Financial Need Requirement
• Applicants must come from households with a combined annual family income between:
• R350,000 and R600,000 per year
• This category is commonly referred to as the “missing middle.”
• These are students whose families often earn too much to qualify for full government funding but not enough to comfortably pay university costs.
• Study Requirement
• Applicants must be:
• First-year students in 2027
• Second-year students in 2027
• Third-year students in 2027
• Fourth-year students in 2027
• B Tech students (NQF Level 7)
• Honours students (NQF Level 8)
• Institution Requirement
• Students must be accepted or registered at:
• Public universities
• Private higher education institutions
• The institution must be registered with the Department of Education.
• Equity Consideration
• Preference will be given to:
• Students from designated equity groups
• Historically disadvantaged students

Documents you will need

• Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
• Ensure all required documents are:
• Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and creating opportunities. In South Africa, many talented students dream of pursuing careers in Information Technology but often face financial barriers that make higher education difficult to access.

Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply

The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 aims to bridge this gap by providing financial assistance to deserving students who wish to build careers in technology-related fields.

Since launching its bursary programme in 2021, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa has focused on supporting students from the “missing middle” income group - families that earn too much to qualify for some financial aid programmes but still struggle to afford university fees.

If you are studying Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering in 2027, this opportunity could help you continue your studies and achieve your career goals.

Quick Overview

• Bursary Provider: Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa
• Programme: CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027
• Application Opening Date: 01 June 2026
• Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026

Eligible Fields of Study:

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Information Technology

Who Can Apply?

• South African citizens
• Students entering first to fourth year in 2027
• Honours students (NQF Level 8)
• B Tech students (NQF Level 7)
• Students at registered public or private institutions
• Students from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 annually

Preference Given To:

• Equity candidates
• Financially needy students
• Academically deserving students

Fields of Study Funded

The bursary supports students studying the following qualifications:

Computer Science

Computer Science students learn how to design, develop, and improve software systems, algorithms, databases, and computing solutions.

Potential careers include:

• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Artificial Intelligence Specialist
• Machine Learning Engineer

Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science.

Career opportunities include:

• Hardware Engineer
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Network Engineer
• Systems Architect

Software Engineering

Software Engineering focuses on designing, building, testing, and maintaining software applications.

Possible careers include:

• Software Engineer
• Application Developer
• Mobile App Developer
• DevOps Engineer

Information Technology

Information Technology focuses on managing and supporting computer systems and business technology infrastructure.

Career opportunities include:

• IT Administrator
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Cloud Engineer
• Database Administrator
• IT Support Specialist

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Cisco South Africa Bursary Programme 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens

Academic Requirement

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Show the ability to successfully complete their qualification

Financial Need Requirement

Applicants must come from households with a combined annual family income between:

• R350,000 and R600,000 per year

This category is commonly referred to as the “missing middle.”

These are students whose families often earn too much to qualify for full government funding but not enough to comfortably pay university costs.

Study Requirement

Applicants must be:

• First-year students in 2027
• Second-year students in 2027
• Third-year students in 2027
• Fourth-year students in 2027
• B Tech students (NQF Level 7)
• Honours students (NQF Level 8)

Institution Requirement

Students must be accepted or registered at:

• Public universities
• Private higher education institutions

The institution must be registered with the Department of Education.

Equity Consideration

Preference will be given to:

• Students from designated equity groups
• Historically disadvantaged students

What Does the Cisco Bursary Cover?

Although applicants should review the official bursary application guidelines for complete details, bursaries of this nature generally assist with educational expenses such as:

• Tuition fees
• Registration costs
• Prescribed textbooks
• Study-related expenses

The final benefits awarded may differ based on individual circumstances and funding allocations.

Applicants should carefully review the official bursary information before submitting an application.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants should prepare certified copies of the following documents before applying:

• South African ID document
• Latest academic results
• Proof of registration or acceptance letter
• Parent or guardian proof of income
• Affidavits where required
• Any additional documents requested during the application process

Having these documents ready can help avoid delays when completing the application.

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Read the Application Guidelines

Carefully review all instructions on the bursary application page before starting your application.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Ensure all required documents are:

• Complete
• Certified where necessary
• Clearly scanned

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Fill in all required personal, academic, and financial information accurately on the StudyTrust Platform here

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Submit all requested documentation before the deadline.

Step 5: Submit Before Closing Date

Late applications are generally not considered.

Important Dates

Students are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the final days before the deadline.

Bursary Application Calendar for South African Students: When to Apply and Never Miss a Deadline

How to Prepare for Bursary Interviews: A Complete Guide for South African Students

What Happens After You Apply for a Bursary? Understanding the Selection Process

How to Find Fully Funded Bursaries in South Africa: A Complete Guide for Students

Common Reasons South African Bursary Applications Get Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)

NSFAS vs Bursaries vs Scholarships: What Is the Difference?

The Complete Bursary Supporting Documents Checklist for South Africans: Everything You Need Before You Apply

How to Write a Professional Student CV for Bursary Applications

How to Write a Winning Bursary Motivational Letter (With Examples)

How to Appeal an NSFAS Application Rejection (Step-by-Step Guide) 2026

How to Create a myNSFAS Account for 2026 Applications

How to Check NSFAS Application Status: A Detailed Guide

How to Apply for NSFAS: A Step-by-Step Application Process

Edupstairs Advice

The Cisco South Africa Bursary Programme is one of the valuable funding opportunities available to students pursuing technology-related qualifications.

If you meet the requirements, do not wait until September to begin your application. Start preparing your supporting documents, update your academic records, and ensure your financial information is ready.

Competition for technology bursaries is often high because IT qualifications are in demand both locally and internationally.

Strong academic performance, a complete application, and accurate supporting documents can improve your chances of success.

Students should also apply for multiple bursaries simultaneously rather than relying on a single funding opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can first-year students apply?

Yes. Students entering their first year in 2027 may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

• Can students at private institutions apply?

Yes. Students accepted or registered at private institutions registered with the Department of Education may apply.

• Is the bursary only for university students?

No. Eligible students studying at registered public or private higher education institutions may apply.

• What is the income threshold?

The combined annual household income must be between R350,000 and R600,000.

• When is the closing date?

Applications close on 30 September 2026.

• What fields of study are funded?

The bursary funds:

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Information Technology

You can also:

Disclaimer

This article is intended to provide information about the CISCO South Africa Bursary Programme 2027. Eligibility requirements, benefits, and application procedures may change at the discretion of the bursary provider. Applicants should always consult the official bursary application information before submitting an application.

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