Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme
Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust (administered by StudyTrust)
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme, running since 2021, funds South African students studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering and Information Technology at public or private institutions registered with the Department of Higher Education. Administered by StudyTrust, it targets academically strong 'missing middle' students from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 a year, helping to develop tech skills and close the digital divide.
- Amount
- Full tuition + accommodation + meals + textbooks + student stipend
- Deadline
- Closed 30 September 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust (administered by StudyTrust) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Good academic results
- ✓ Demonstrated financial need
- ✓ Combined household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per year ('missing middle')
- ✓ In first to fourth year of study in the bursary year (students accepted for first year qualify)
- ✓ Accepted or registered at a public or private institution registered with the Department of Higher Education
- ✓ Fourth-year applicants must be pursuing a B Tech (NQF level 7) or Honours (NQF level 8)
- ✓ Preference given to equity students
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees
- ✓ Accommodation
- ✓ Meals
- ✓ Prescribed textbooks
- ✓ Student stipend
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust (administered by StudyTrust) bursary application
- 1
Read the instructions on StudyTrust's Bursary Applications page, then apply on StudyTrust's online platform during the application season (1 June to 30 September; the 2027 round closed on 30 September 2026)
- 2
Create a profile and complete the online application, including the personal information, study programme, academic and family income sections
- 3
Upload your certified ID, all academic results to date and proof of combined household income
- 4
One StudyTrust application is considered for every StudyTrust-managed bursary you qualify for, including Cisco
- 5
Shortlisted candidates are assessed by StudyTrust against the programme criteria
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Proof of all academic results to date (Grade 12 certificate and full tertiary academic record)
- 📄 Proof of combined household income
- 📄 Recent head-and-shoulders photograph
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the Cisco Charitable Foundation bursary?
- South African citizens with good academic results who are in their first to fourth year of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or Information Technology at a public or private institution registered with the Department of Higher Education. It targets 'missing middle' students whose combined household income is between R350,000 and R600,000 a year, and preference is given to equity students.
- When do Cisco Charitable Foundation bursary applications open and close?
- StudyTrust's application season runs from 1 June to 30 September each year. Applications for 2027 bursaries closed on 30 September 2026, and 2028 dates had not been announced as of 12 October 2026.
- What does the Cisco Charitable Foundation bursary cover?
- The bursary is comprehensive, covering full tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, meals and a student stipend to support living costs while you study.
- Can fourth-year students apply?
- Yes. Fourth-year applicants are eligible if they are pursuing a B Tech (NQF level 7) or an Honours qualification (NQF level 8) in a qualifying field.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 30 September 2026.
StudyTrust runs the Cisco bursary application season each year from 1 June to 30 September. Applications for 2027 bursaries closed on 30 September 2026; the 2028 round is expected to open around June 2027, but dates were not yet announced as of 12 October 2026.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust (administered by StudyTrust)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust (administered by StudyTrust):
Email: apply@studytrust.org.za
Phone: +27 (0)11 403 1632
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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