Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Bursary Program 2026 for South Africans

If you’re a top-performing student from a disadvantaged background in South Africa, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is offering the JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary 2026 to support your academic journey in fields critical to the future economy. The bursary is designed to uplift learners in their 2nd, 3rd year, or Honours levels in universities across the country — and it closes soon (31 October 2025).

Through this bursary, the JSE is reinforcing its commitment to capacity building, transformation, and creating a pipeline of skilled talent in finance, technology, data, and allied disciplines.

📋 Bursary Summary & Key Details

• Location: South Africa (for students enrolled in eligible South African universities)

• Provider: Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) via JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF)

• Type: Bursary (non-repayable funding) for tertiary study

• Eligibility Level: Students in 2nd year, 3rd year, or Honours (postgraduate) levels

• Eligible Fields of Study:

  • Computer Science

  • Mathematics

  • Actuarial Science

  • Information Technology / Informatics

  • Data Analytics

  • Economics

  • Finance

  • Accounting

• Participating Universities (Eligible Institutions):

  • University of Pretoria (UP)

  • University of Johannesburg (UJ)

  • University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

  • Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

  • University of Cape Town (UCT)

  • University of Limpopo (UL)

  • North-West University (NWU)

  • Fort Hare University (UFH)

  • University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

  • University of the Free State (UFS)

• Coverage: Bursary support (tuition, books, etc. — exact coverage details not publicly disclosed)

• Duration: For the period of the academic year(s) relevant to your study (2026)

• Application Deadline: 31 October 2025 

🎁 Benefits & Coverage (What You Stand to Gain)

• Non-repayable financial support for your studies

• Relief from partial or full tuition, possibly books and study materials

• Official recognition as a JSE bursary holder — a mark of prestige

• Potential access to mentorship, networking and exposure to the financial sector

• Support to relieve financial stress so you can focus on academic excellence

• An avenue to be part of a community of high achievers aligned with JSE’s vision

(Note: The JSE does not publicly enumerate exactly which costs are covered (e.g. accommodation, travel) for the 2026 bursary.)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the JSE / JEF Bursary 2026, you must satisfy:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen (from a designated / previously disadvantaged group).

• Educational Level: Must be entering or already in 2nd, 3rd year or Honours (postgraduate) level in 2026.

• Field of Study: Your degree must be in one of the eligible fields listed above.

• Academic Performance: Aggregate performance of at least 70% across your studies.

• Household Income: Combined annual income of your parents/guardians must not exceed R650,000.

• Support Documents & Affidavit: You must provide certified ID, proof of registration, transcripts, proof of residence, proof of household income, and an affidavit confirming the accuracy of your submitted information.

• University Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time at one of the specified eligible universities.

📝 Application Procedure

Here’s how interested candidates can apply for the 2026 JSE Bursary:

1. Visit the JSE / JEF Bursary Portal: Go to the JSE’s bursary section

2. Create an Account / Register: If required, register or log in to the application system.

3. Complete the Online Application Form: Fill in personal details, academic information, financial background, and your motivation for the bursary.

4. Upload the Supporting Documents (each must be certified / clear):

   • Certified copy of South African ID

   • Proof of registration (2026 or current year)

   • Academic transcripts / results

   • Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit, etc.)

   • Proof of residence

   • Affidavit confirming that all information is true and correct

5. Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your full application is submitted by 31 October 2025 

6. Shortlist & Selection: JSE / JEF will evaluate applications, shortlist candidates, possibly conduct interviews or further screening.

7. Notification & Award: Successful applicants are notified and granted the bursary for their 2026 academic year.

🗓️ Important Dates & Timeline

• Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

• Application Open: The bursary is already live in 2025 for the 2026 academic year.

• Selection & Notification: After the deadline, applications will be assessed and successful candidates announced (no public date yet specified).

• Programme Year: Awards are valid for the 2026 academic year 

🧐 Extra Notes & Tips

• Apply Early and Carefully — avoid last-minute submissions and ensure all documents are clear and certified.

• Meet the 70% Benchmark — aim to maintain high academic performance.

• Verify Household Income Documentation — ensure your income proof is legitimate and verifiable (affidavits accepted but must be truthful).

• Affidavit Requirement — missing or incorrect affidavit may disqualify the application.

• Monitor JSE / JEF Announcements — after you apply, keep tabs on updates via JSE’s official site or social media.

• Prepare for Additional Screening — some bursary programmes may include interview rounds or further evaluation.

🔗 Details & Apply

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