FEM Bursary South Africa 2026

Updated On
November 2025

The FEM Education Foundation (FEMEF), formed in 2016 and funded by Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM), is a non-profit organisation committed to improving education in South Africa. Since its inception, the Foundation has received R750 million to support educational initiatives, empowering students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education opportunities.

FEM itself, founded in 1936, provides construction companies and their employees with specialised insurance coverage for workplace-related injuries and illnesses. Through FEMEF, the company invests in building the next generation of skilled professionals in South Africa.

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary supports students pursuing undergraduate studies in the following fields:

• Engineering
  
• Built Environment
  
• Health Sciences
  

These fields have been selected by FEM to strengthen its sector and contribute to national development.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a South African citizen
  
• Must be studying full-time toward an undergraduate qualification in one of the eligible fields
  
• Must have completed first year of study (bursaries not available for first-year or postgraduate students)
  
• Must be enrolled at an approved public university or tertiary institution in South Africa
  
• Total household income must not exceed R360 000 per year
  
• Must have a strong academic record
  
• Must be in good financial standing with their university (no outstanding fees)
  
• Must be from a disadvantaged background and unable to fund their own studies
  

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary provides financial support for:

• Tuition fees
  
• Prescribed textbooks
  
• Monthly stipend
  
• Accommodation and meals (at FEM’s discretion)
  

Shortlisted candidates will receive an additional application form to complete.

Application Process

1. Submit your application online via the FEM Bursary Application 2026 portal.
   
2. Attach certified copies of the following documents (all no older than 3 months):
   
   • South African ID document
     
   • Most recent academic record
     
   • Parents’/guardians’ ID documents
     
   • Parents’/guardians’ proof of income (payslips, bank statements, affidavits, SASSA/disability grants, pension, death/divorce certificates where applicable)
     
   • Proof of registration of other student dependents in your household, if applicable
     

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Final Thoughts

The FEM Bursary 2026 provides essential support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have completed their first year of study in Engineering, Built Environment, or Health Sciences. This bursary helps learners focus on their studies, reduces financial pressure, and enables them to contribute to South Africa’s development through skilled professions.