Forge Academy Youth Day Bursary 2026 | Complete Guide
Bursary Name | Forge Academy Youth Day Bursary |
Bursary Closing Date | June 16, 2026 |
Bursary Sponsor | FORGE |
Funded Items | Full tuition fee, study related cost |
The Forge Academy Youth Day Bursary is a competition-based funding initiative offered by Forge Academy & Labs to celebrate Youth Month in South Africa. Unlike traditional university bursaries that fund multi-year degrees, this opportunity provides fully funded access to selected professional short courses in digital and information technology fields.
The programme is designed to equip young South Africans with practical, job-ready skills aligned with the digital economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
About Forge Academy Youth Day Bursary
The Forge Academy Youth Day Bursary is an annual bursary competition launched around 16 June (Youth Day). A limited number of winners are selected to receive funded enrolment in specific online or blended-learning programmes offered by Forge Academy.
It is important to understand that:
- It is not a full university degree bursary.
- It is awarded to a small group of selected winners.
- Funding covers professional short courses or certifications, not long-term tertiary qualifications.
The focus is on empowering youth with in-demand digital and technical skills that can improve employability.
Fields and Courses Covered
Recipients typically choose from career-oriented programmes such as:
Digital Marketing
- Digital Strategy
- Social Media Marketing
- Search Marketing
- Content Marketing
Information Technology
- Networking Fundamentals
- Cybersecurity
- PC Technician Programmes
- Routing and Switching
In some cycles, winners may also receive access to Forge Academy’s online learning subscription platform for a fixed duration.
Course offerings may vary each year depending on programme availability.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility requirements can differ slightly per intake, but based on recent cycles, applicants generally must:
- Be South African citizens
- Have completed Grade 12 (Matric)
- Possess basic computer literacy
- Have reliable internet access
- Submit a motivation explaining career goals and interest in the selected course
Some previous intakes have specified an age range or required relevant work experience, so applicants should review official criteria carefully when applications open.
Selection Process
The Forge Academy Youth Day Bursary operates as a competitive selection process. Applicants may be required to:
- Submit an online application form
- Provide supporting documents (ID, Matric certificate, CV)
- Complete an online assessment or skills test
- Participate in further screening if shortlisted
Final selection is typically based on:
- Motivation and career alignment
- Performance in assessments
- Suitability for the chosen course
- Overall potential to benefit from the programme
Only a small number of candidates are selected each year.
What the Bursary Covers
Successful candidates generally receive:
- Full course fees for the selected programme
- Access to online learning materials
- Academic support within the Forge Academy platform
- Certification upon successful completion
The bursary does not usually cover accommodation, living expenses, or university tuition fees.
Application Timeline
The bursary typically aligns with Youth Month and follows this general pattern:
- Applications open: Around June
- Closing date: Shortly after launch (often within a few weeks)
- Assessment phase: After applications close
- Winner announcement: Following review and evaluation
Because it runs for a limited period, early application is strongly advised.
Why This Bursary Matters
The Forge Academy Youth Day Bursary supports skills development in areas that are increasingly important in South Africa’s digital economy. By focusing on practical certifications rather than traditional degree pathways, it provides:
- Faster entry into digital and IT careers
- Industry-relevant training
- Opportunities to upgrade skills for better employability
- Exposure to growing sectors such as cybersecurity and digital marketing
For youth who may not have access to university funding, this type of bursary offers an alternative pathway into professional development.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances:
- Choose a course that clearly aligns with your career goals
- Write a concise and genuine motivation
- Highlight any previous digital or IT exposure
- Complete assessments carefully and thoroughly
- Submit your application before the deadline
Final Thoughts
The Forge Academy Youth Day Bursary is a short-course funding opportunity aimed at empowering South African youth through practical digital and IT training. It is competitive, limited in number, and focused on employability skills rather than full academic degrees.
If you are interested in gaining industry-relevant certification and developing skills for the digital economy, this bursary competition can provide a valuable stepping stone.