2026 Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary Programme for South African Students

If you’re a South African student with strong academics and financial need, here’s some exciting news: the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has opened its 2026 bursary programme for eligible beneficiaries. Everything you need to know in this article.

As a leading state-owned asset manager, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) continues to invest not only in financial markets but in human potential. Through its bursary programme, PIC seeks to empower driven students who have demonstrated academic excellence and genuine financial need, equipping them for future leadership and impact in South Africa’s critical sectors.

The PIC bursary is more than a funding instrument — it’s a partnership: recipients benefit from mentorship, industry exposure, and support beyond their tuition costs. If you’re planning to study in 2026 and are passionate about contributing to your community and country, this could be your gateway.

💲 Bursary Summary

• Location: South Africa

• Administering body: Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC)

• Study level: Undergraduate / first qualification only

• Target group: South African citizens with strong academic record and financial need

• Fields of study: e.g. Finance, Accounting, Internal Audit, Economics, Law (LLB), Information Technology / Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Mathematics & Statistics, Risk Management, Investment Management, etc.

• Coverage: Tuition, prescribed books, accommodation, meals or living allowance, possibly laptop / academic resources

• Award duration: Until completion of undergraduate degree (subject to performance)

• Application deadline: (To be confirmed, likely in late 2025)

• Start date: 2026 academic year

  
  

🧭 Bursary Programme Overview

PIC’s bursary programme (often called the PIC External Bursary) is designed to assist students who intend to pursue (or are already pursuing) their first undergraduate degree in fields aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities. It excludes postgraduate or second degrees.

PIC also integrates its bursary scheme with youth development or talent programmes, offering selected students opportunities like vacation work, mentorship, and professional exposure.

In past cycles, PIC has explicitly prioritized sectors in line with their core business (financial and investment activities), such as internal audit, investment management, economics, accounting, and IT.

📚 List of qualifications the Bursary Funds:

COMMERCIAL, LEGAL AND MANAGEMENT STUDY FIELDS

• Accounting & Accounting Science (CA

stream)

• Actuarial Science

• Applied Development Economics

• Cost and Management Account

• Computer Science

• Economics and Mathematical Science

• Finance/Financial Management

• Information

Management/Systems/Technology

• Internal Audit

• Investment Management

• Human Resources Management

• Quantitative Finance

• Mathematical Statistics

• Research

• Risk Management

• Law (LLB)

🎁 What the Bursary Covers

Recipients of the PIC bursary can expect comprehensive support including:

• Tuition fees at the host institution

• Prescribed textbooks / academic materials

• Accommodation costs (on-campus or accredited off-campus housing)

• Meals or a living allowance / stipend

• Laptop or computing resources, where applicable

• Vacation work / internships, bridging academic and industry experience

• Mentorship and career guidance through PIC’s professional network

This package aims to relieve the financial burden on students so they can focus on academic success and holistic development.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the PIC bursary, applicants must typically satisfy the following:

1. South African citizenship

2. First undergraduate qualification only (no postgraduate or second degrees)

3. Enrolled or intend to enroll full-time at an accredited South African institution

4. Strong academic performance

   • For matriculants: minimum of about 60% in each subject (or equivalent)

   • For tertiary-level students: minimum of 60% in each module and good overall average

5. Financial need / socioeconomic background – proof of household income or inability to fund studies independently

6. Preference considerations:

7. Applicants with a disability may be given preference

8. In some cycles, being unemployed or from historically disadvantaged communities is a positive factor

9. Bursary applications will only be accepted from unemployed youth born and residing in these provinces:

   • Mpumalanga

   • North West

   • KwaZulu-Natal

   • Northern Cape

   • Eastern Cape

   • Western Cape

   • Limpopo

   • Free State

   • Gauteng

✍🏻 Application Procedure

1. Visit PIC’s official bursaries / employment page to complete the application form.

2. Complete the form carefully, ensuring all sections are filled.

3. Attach all required supporting documents (certified copies).

4. Ensure submission before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions are typically disqualified.

🗂️ Documents & Supporting Information

Below is a typical (past) checklist of what applicants needed to submit:

• Certified copy of South African ID document

• Matric certificate (or Grade 11 plus June results if still in matric)

• Academic transcripts / results (tertiary students)

• Proof of acceptance or provisional registration at an institution for 2026

• Quotation of tuition, accommodation, books, meals from the institution

• Proof of household income / parents’ salaries or affidavits if unemployed

• Death certificate(s) of parent(s) if applicable

• Proof of identity, residence, and dependents

• Disability certificate, if applicable

• Signed declarations, consent forms (for minors)

ℹ️ Additional Tips

• Submit early: Because many applicants rush as the deadline nears, early submission helps avoid technical delays or overlooked requirements.

• Ensure certification validity: Many documents must be certified not older than three months at time of submission in past cycles.

• Be precise in motivational narrative: Clearly articulate your career goals, how you intend to use the bursary, and how your studies align with PIC’s mission.

• Check PIC’s official website regularly: The 2026 bursary call, updated criteria, and deadline will be published there.

• Follow up: After submission, keep track of communications from PIC (email or phone).

• Leverage PIC exposure: Use internship or vacation work opportunities (if offered) to build your professional profile.

🗂️ Resources

• Online Application Form

• Bursary Advert (PDF)