Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2027 Guide
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2027 is one of South Africa's leading ICT and technology-focused financial aid opportunities. Designed to build digital talent for the African continent, this academic merit bursary targets ambitious Grade 12 learners and full-time undergraduate students entering or pursuing STEM and business-related fields.
Besides comprehensive financial support covering tuition, meals, and residence, Vodacom provides recipients with essential digital tools—including a laptop and smartphone—alongside structured workplace readiness workshops and practical vacation work experience.
Vodacom Bursary 2027 Overview
Here is an essential summary of the Vodacom bursary criteria, funding benefits, and submission deadlines for the 2027 intake:
| Program Details | Specifications & Criteria |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Vodacom Group Limited. |
| Eligible Study Fields | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and selected Business / Commercial qualifications. |
| Target Applicant Level | Grade 12 (Matric) learners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year full-time undergraduate students. |
| Academic Criteria (Matric) | Pass Grade 12 with university exemption and achieve a minimum overall average of 70%. |
| Academic Criteria (Tertiary) | Maintain a minimum overall academic average of 65% or higher in current university studies. |
| Financial Coverage | Full tuition, registration, university/capped private accommodation, meal allowance, prescribed textbooks, laptop, and smartphone. |
| Additional Perks | Workplace readiness training, structured vacation work exposure, and access to wellness support. |
| Application Closing Date | 31 August 2026 (for the 2027 academic year). |
Supported Qualifications & Focus Areas
Supports software engineering, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and digital networks driving Vodacom's ecosystem.
Focuses on telecommunications infrastructure, light-current electrical systems, network architecture, and complex mathematical modeling.
Funds strategic commercial disciplines required to manage enterprise financial planning, commercial operations, and consumer market strategy.
Eligibility Criteria for 2027 Intake
Applicants must satisfy all of the following baseline entry requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen by birth.
- Matric Applicants: Must be currently in Grade 12 (or completed Matric) with a university entrance pass (exemption) and a overall average of 70% or higher across all subjects.
- Tertiary Applicants: Currently enrolled 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-year full-time undergraduate students must maintain an overall academic average of 65% or higher.
- Study Institution: Must be studying or planning to study full-time towards an undergraduate qualification at a recognized public South African university.
- Field Alignment: Qualification must fall directly under STEM, IT, Engineering, or relevant commercial/business fields.
Required Supporting Documents
Ensure clear, certified copies (certified within 3 months) of the following documents are prepared prior to applying:
- Certified copy of your South African Identity Document (ID).
- Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 mid-year report (if currently in Matric).
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Matric certificate (if High School is completed).
- Latest official university academic transcript and proof of registration (if currently studying).
- Proof of university acceptance letter for the 2027 academic year (if available).
- Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill or local authority letter).
How to Apply for the Vodacom Bursary
Follow these official application steps for the 2027 cycle:
- Visit the Portal: Access the official Vodacom Bursary Portal via the Vodacom careers/bursary page.
- Create Profile: Register an account on the application portal using a valid personal email address.
- Complete Personal & Academic Sections: Provide accurate personal details, matric results, or current university marks.
- Upload Attachments: Attach clear PDF copies of all requested supporting documents, including your latest academic transcript.
- Submit Application: Submit prior to the closing deadline of 31 August 2026. Track your email for confirmation and further selection assessments.
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