South African students who are already studying towards an undergraduate qualification in Engineering, the Built Environment or Health Sciences can apply for the FEM Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) bursary is aimed at academically strong students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated financial need and would otherwise struggle to fund their studies.

The bursary provides funding for full-time tuition, prescribed textbooks and a monthly stipend. Accommodation and meals may also be covered at FEM’s discretion.

One important point is that this is not a first-year bursary. Applicants must have successfully completed their first year of undergraduate study. Postgraduate students are also not eligible.

Applications for the FEM Bursaries 2027 close on 16 November 2026.

FEM Bursary 2027 Quick Overview

The official FEM recruitment portal confirms that the bursary is intended for students in the Engineering and Built Environment and Health Sciences fields, with a household-income ceiling of R360,000 per annum.

About the FEM Bursary Programme 2027

FEM’s bursary programme is designed to support talented students who are performing well academically but face financial barriers to completing their undergraduate qualifications.

The programme is particularly focused on study areas connected to FEM’s industry and includes the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The bursary is intended to reduce the financial pressure associated with tertiary education and allow students to concentrate on completing their studies.

Preference is given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate genuine financial need.

Fields of Study Covered

The FEM Bursary Programme 2027 covers undergraduate studies in:

• Engineering
• Built Environment
• Health Sciences

Students should make sure that their specific qualification falls within one of these approved areas before applying.

The official FEM portal describes the programme as supporting qualifications within Engineering and the Built Environment and Health Sciences.

Engineering

Engineering students whose undergraduate qualifications fall within the approved field can be considered.

Potential study areas may include engineering disciplines offered by approved institutions, but applicants should confirm that their specific qualification is accepted by FEM.

Built Environment

Students pursuing relevant Built Environment qualifications can apply.

This may include areas connected to the construction and infrastructure environment, subject to FEM’s approval of the specific programme.

Health Sciences

The bursary also supports students studying approved undergraduate qualifications in Health Sciences.

Applicants should check that their exact qualification falls within FEM’s approved study areas.

What Does the FEM Bursary Cover?

The bursary provides several forms of financial assistance.

Full Tuition Fees

FEM provides funding towards full-time tuition fees.

This can significantly reduce the cost of completing an undergraduate qualification.

Prescribed Textbooks

The bursary also covers prescribed textbooks required for the student’s studies.

Monthly Stipend

Successful bursary recipients receive a monthly stipend to assist with study-related living expenses.

FEM does not state a specific stipend amount in the available bursary information, so applicants should not rely on unofficial figures.

Accommodation

Accommodation may be covered by FEM.

However, this benefit is not automatic. FEM states that approval for accommodation is determined at its discretion.

Meals

Meals may also be covered at FEM’s discretion.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between the core listed benefits and accommodation or meals, which require FEM approval.

Who Can Apply for the FEM Bursary?

Applicants must meet all the required criteria before applying.

You must:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be studying full-time.
• Be pursuing an undergraduate qualification.
• Be studying in Engineering, Built Environment or Health Sciences.
• Have successfully completed your first year of study.
• Be studying at an approved institution or South African public university.
• Have a good academic record.
• Be in good financial standing with your university.
• Have no outstanding university fees from previous academic years.
• Have a combined household income of no more than R360,000 per year.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be unable to fund your studies independently.

These criteria are reflected in the current FEM bursary listing and live application portal.

Important: First-Year Students Cannot Apply

One of the most important requirements is that applicants must have already completed their first year of study.

This means:

First-year students are not eligible.

If you are currently in your first year and have not yet successfully completed it, you should not apply for this particular FEM bursary.

The programme is intended for students who have progressed beyond first year.

Postgraduate Students Cannot Apply

The bursary is for undergraduate studies.

Postgraduate students are not considered under this programme.

FEM’s official information also states that students who have already completed a university qualification and want to enrol for a second one do not qualify. The bursary is intended to support a student’s first undergraduate degree or diploma.

Household Income Requirement

The combined household income must not exceed:

R360,000 Per Year

This is an important financial eligibility requirement.

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation proving the income of their parents, guardians and other relevant household members.

Income evidence can include:

• Payslips
• Bank statements
• Pension documentation
• Social grant documentation
• Affidavits where applicable
• Other proof of household income

The official FEM listing confirms the R360,000 annual combined household-income limit.

University Financial Standing

Applicants must be in good financial standing with their university.

This means students should not have outstanding fees from previous academic years.

FEM specifically states that previous university debt will not be covered by the bursary.

Therefore, students who currently owe their institution should carefully check their financial status before applying.

Preference for Disadvantaged Students

The FEM bursary is specifically intended to assist talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate financial need.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding.

FEM will assess applications and select successful candidates according to its own selection process.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare all supporting documents before starting the application.

The required documentation includes:

• Certified copy of your South African ID.
• Certified copy of your most recent academic record.
• Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ income.
• FEM bursary application form when requested.

Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s household circumstances.

Proof of Income

Depending on the household situation, applicants may need to provide:

• Recent payslips.
• Bank statements.
• Pension documentation.
• SASSA grant documentation.
• Disability grant documentation.
• Other grant or pension proof.
• Affidavit where a parent or guardian is unemployed.
• Affidavit where a parent or guardian does not financially support the applicant.

If a Parent or Guardian Is Deceased

If a parent or guardian has passed away, applicants should provide the relevant:

Death certificate

If Parents Are Divorced

Where applicable, applicants should provide a:

Divorce certificate

Other Student Dependants

If there are other students financially dependent on the same household, applicants may also need to provide proof that those dependants are registered at a tertiary institution.

This helps demonstrate the household’s overall financial circumstances.

Certification Requirements

Applicants should pay close attention to document certification.

The current application information states that certified documents should be no older than three months.

Do not submit outdated certified copies if the application instructions require current certification.

It is also important to ensure that scanned documents are clear and readable.

FEM Bursary Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the FEM bursary application portal.

The initial application process includes an online questionnaire. Applicants who are shortlisted may then receive an additional FEM bursary application form to complete with supporting documentation.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that:

• You are a South African citizen.
• You are studying full-time.
• You have completed first year.
• Your qualification falls within an approved field.
• Your household income is R360,000 or less per year.
• You have no outstanding university fees.
• You meet FEM’s academic and financial requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather your:

• ID
• Academic record
• Parent/guardian IDs
• Income documents
• Supporting household documents

Make sure required copies are properly certified.

Step 3: Complete the Online Questionnaire

Use the official FEM bursary portal to complete the initial application.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Provide accurate information and upload or submit the documents requested by the application system.

Step 5: Complete the Additional Form if Shortlisted

Shortlisted applicants may receive the FEM bursary application form for further completion.

Being shortlisted does not necessarily mean that funding has been awarded.

How to Apply for FEM Bursaries 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the official FEM bursary portal.

Apply for the FEM Bursary Programme 2027: FEM Bursary Application Portal

Applicants should also review the official FEM bursary FAQs before submitting questions:

FEM Bursary FAQs

The live FEM portal confirms the bursary criteria, benefits and application process.

Can I Hold Another Bursary?

No.

FEM’s official FAQ states that dual funding is not permitted. Applicants who already have a partial bursary from another organisation cannot use FEM funding simply to cover the remaining costs.

Applicants should therefore carefully review their funding arrangements before accepting another bursary.

Do I Have to Work for FEM After Graduating?

No.

FEM’s FAQ states that successful bursary recipients are free to pursue employment elsewhere after completing their studies. There is no stated requirement to work for FEM after graduation.

Does the FEM Bursary Have to Be Repaid?

The FEM FAQ describes the bursary as a non-reimbursable loan, meaning students do not generally repay the funding. The bursary is renewable annually, subject to conditions including successful completion of registered modules, participation and completion of community service, and FEM’s discretion.

Applicants should read the current terms and conditions carefully because renewal is not necessarily automatic.

FEM Bursary Closing Date

The application deadline is:

16 November 2026

FEM’s current recruitment listing states that shortlisted applicants must complete the required application form and supporting documentation by 16 November 2026.

Applicants should submit their initial application early enough to allow time for any additional documentation or follow-up requirements.

Late applications will not be accepted according to the published notice.

FEM Bursary Enquiries

For bursary-related enquiries, applicants can contact FEM.

Telephone: 011 359 4300

Email: enquiries@fema.co.za

Email: info@fem.co.za

Applicants are encouraged to check the FEM FAQs before contacting the organisation with questions that may already be answered online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the FEM Bursary 2027?

South African citizens studying full-time towards an approved undergraduate qualification in Engineering, Built Environment or Health Sciences can apply, provided they have successfully completed their first year and meet FEM’s academic and financial requirements.

Can first-year students apply?

No. Applicants must have successfully completed their first year of undergraduate study.

Can postgraduate students apply?

No. The programme is for undergraduate study.

How much is the FEM bursary stipend?

FEM confirms that a monthly stipend is included, but the available information does not state the monthly amount.

Does FEM pay tuition fees?

Yes. Full-time tuition is listed as a bursary benefit.

Does FEM pay for textbooks?

Yes. Prescribed textbooks are included.

Does FEM cover accommodation?

Accommodation may be covered, but approval is determined at FEM’s discretion.

Does FEM pay for meals?

Meals may also be covered at FEM’s discretion.

What is the household income limit?

The combined household income must not exceed R360,000 per year.

Can I apply if I owe my university money?

Applicants must be in good financial standing with their university, with no outstanding fees from previous academic years.

Can I receive FEM funding together with another bursary?

No. FEM’s FAQ states that dual funding is not permitted.

Do I have to work for FEM after graduation?

No. FEM states that graduates are free to pursue employment elsewhere after completing their studies.

What fields of study are funded?

The programme supports Engineering, Built Environment and Health Sciences.

What is the closing date?

Applications close on 16 November 2026.

FEM Bursary 2027 Application Checklist

Before applying, make sure you have:

• South African citizenship
• Completed your first year of undergraduate study
• Full-time undergraduate registration
• An approved Engineering, Built Environment or Health Sciences qualification
• A good academic record
• Household income of no more than R360,000 per year
• No outstanding university fees from previous academic years
• Certified South African ID copy
• Certified latest academic record
• Certified parent/guardian ID copies
• Parent/guardian income documents
• Death certificate, where applicable
• Divorce certificate, where applicable
• Relevant affidavits or grant documentation, where applicable
• Proof of registration for other student dependants, where applicable
• Certified documents that meet the required validity period

Conclusion

The FEM Bursary Programme 2027 offers valuable financial support to South African undergraduate students studying in Engineering, Built Environment and Health Sciences.

The programme is particularly suited to students who have already completed their first year, are performing well academically and come from households with limited financial resources.

Successful applicants can receive support for full tuition, prescribed textbooks and a monthly stipend, while accommodation and meals may also be covered at FEM’s discretion.

The most important requirements are that applicants must be South African citizens, full-time undergraduate students who have completed first year, have no outstanding university fees from previous years and come from households with a combined income of no more than R360,000 per year.

Applications close on 16 November 2026.

If you meet the requirements, prepare your certified documents early and complete the application through the official FEM bursary portal before the deadline.

Disclaimer: FEM is responsible for the bursary application and selection process. Requirements, benefits and application procedures may change, so applicants should verify the latest information on the official FEM portal before submitting their application.