The Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme 2025-2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
If you are a South African Black female university student in your second year or above, the Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme 2025/26 is now open—and it’s a comprehensive opportunity designed to empower you to achieve your full potential. The Monocle Foundation, a philanthropic educational trust established in 2014, remains committed to breaking down financial barriers by offering an all-encompassing bursary. With the ultimate aim of nurturing future leaders, this initiative supports academic success, personal development, and career readiness. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: South Africa
Sponsor: The Monocle Foundation Trust (funded by Monocle Solutions)
Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate (from second year and above)
Target Group: Previously disadvantaged Black South African females with limited to no funding
Fields of Study: Includes (but not limited to) Accounting, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Medicine
Value & Coverage:
Full tuition fees
Accommodation costs
Laptop for academic use
Allowance for books and study materials
Monthly subsistence allowance
Career counselling sessions
Free Microsoft Office course
Award Duration: Presumed to align with the study period (e.g., 4-year duration)
Application Deadline: Deadline is 1 November 2025
Start Date: Bursary begins from 1 January 2026
Eligible To: Black South African female students in their second year or higher of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a recognized institution
📚 Scholarship Overview
The Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme is more than financial assistance—it is a holistic development initiative. Its inclusive model supports not just academic pursuits but also personal growth and future career readiness. The award includes tuition, living costs, study materials, digital tools, and professional guidance. The programme ensures recipients are well-prepared and resilient, providing career counselling and digital literacy through a free Microsoft Office course.
🎁 Benefits
Full financial relief: recipients are spared tuition and accommodation costs, reducing financial stress.
Essential academic tools: a laptop and material allowances ensure you have the resources to succeed.
Professional support: career counselling helps refine your ambitions, while MS Office training strengthens your competitive edge.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
Be Black female citizens of South Africa
Be enrolled in the second year or higher of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a recognized institution
Demonstrate a significant financial need (limited to no existing funding)
Possibly not currently receiving alternative bursary funding
📝 Application Procedure
Required Documents:
A motivational letter addressed to the Trustees of the Monocle Foundation Trust—detailing personal background, field of study, career goals, and motivation for applying
Updated CV
Certified copy of South African ID
Academic transcript, up-to-date and stamped by your university
Copy of Grade 12 certificate
Copy of graduate degree (if you're a postgraduate applicant)
Breakdown of required funding for tuition, books, accommodation, and subsistence
📜 Application Process:
Application Submission (Online): Submit your complete application before 1 November 2025. 👉🏻 Apply here
Initial Screening: A phone screening conducted by the Trust Administrator to verify eligibility and gain initial insight.
Meet & Greet: A personal conversation with the Trust Administrator for deeper understanding of your background and ambitions.
Trustee Interview: Individual interviews with Trustees to assess alignment with the Foundation’s mission and values.
Notification of Outcome:
Shortlisted candidates will be informed by November 2025
Final decisions are typically communicated by mid-December 2025
🚀 Final Thoughts
The Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme 2025/26 is a transformative opportunity for deserving Black South African women striving to overcome financial barriers and succeed academically. With its robust support system—spanning financial aid, tools, and mentorship—it empowers students holistically. If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents diligently and submit your application online by 1 November 2025 to seize this life-changing chance.