Introduction: Why the PIC Bursary Programme 2026 Matters More Than Ever
Access to higher education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. Yet for millions of young people, especially in developing economies like South Africa, the cost of tertiary education continues to be a major barrier.
This is where the PIC Bursary Programme 2026 plays a critical role.
Offered by the Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd (PIC), one of Africa’s largest asset managers, this bursary programme is designed to support previously disadvantaged South African youth with strong academic potential but limited financial resources.
Unlike partial funding schemes, the PIC Bursary Programme 2026 provides comprehensive financial support, enabling students to focus on academic excellence rather than financial survival. It also aligns education with national economic priorities such as finance, investment management, technology, law, and risk management.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the PIC Bursary Programme 2026, including eligibility, fields of study, application steps, documents required, deadlines, benefits, and real success stories.
What Is the PIC Bursary Programme 2026?
The PIC Bursary Programme 2026 is a structured financial aid initiative offered by the Public Investment Corporation to support undergraduate students pursuing their first qualification at a South African public institution of higher learning.
The programme focuses on:
- Financial inclusion
- Skills development in scarce and critical fields
- Transformation and employment equity
- Long-term economic growth
It targets young South Africans who demonstrate academic potential, financial need, and an interest in contributing meaningfully to the country’s economy.
About the Public Investment Corporation (PIC)
The Public Investment Corporation is a South African state-owned asset management company that manages funds on behalf of public-sector entities such as the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
According to publicly available data, the PIC manages assets worth over R2 trillion, making it one of the largest investment managers on the African continent. Its mandate goes beyond returns; it includes socio-economic development and transformation.
Through bursaries, graduate programmes, and skills initiatives, the PIC invests directly in human capital development.
Official website:
https://www.pic.gov.za
Why the PIC Bursary Programme 2026 Is So Competitive
The PIC Bursary Programme 2026 is highly competitive because it offers:
- Full financial coverage
- Access to scarce-skills qualifications
- Exposure to the investment and financial services sector
- Alignment with future employment pathways
Each year, thousands of students apply, but only those who meet strict academic, financial, and eligibility criteria are shortlisted.
Fields of Study Covered by the PIC Bursary Programme 2026
The bursary is available only for strategic and high-impact qualifications that align with the PIC’s investment and development mandate.
Approved Fields of Study
Students intending to study in the following fields are encouraged to apply:
- Accounting & Accounting Science (CA stream)
- Actuarial Science
- Applied Development Economics
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Computer Science
- Economics and Mathematical Science
- Finance / Financial Management
- Information Management, Information Systems, or Information Technology
- Internal Audit
- Investment Management
- Human Resources Management
- Mathematical Statistics
- Research
- Risk Management
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
These qualifications are globally relevant and in demand in South Africa, the US, the UK, and Canada.
Who Can Apply for the PIC Bursary Programme 2026?
The PIC bursary is strictly for undergraduate students and first-time qualification seekers.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 25 years old or younger
- Be unemployed
- Be studying or intending to study towards a first undergraduate qualification only
- Be accepted, registered, or provisionally accepted at a South African public accredited institution
- Have a minimum 60% average
Academic Requirements
- Matric learners: Minimum 60% overall average (mid-year or final results)
- Tertiary students: Minimum 60% average in most recent academic results
Postgraduate studies and second qualifications are not funded.
Provinces Eligible for the PIC Bursary Programme 2026
The bursary targets youth born and residing in the following provinces:
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Northern Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Western Cape
- Limpopo
- Free State
- Gauteng
This national reach ensures broad inclusion across South Africa.
Students Living With Disabilities
Applicants living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Proof of disability in the form of a valid medical certificate must be submitted as part of the supporting documentation.
What Does the PIC Bursary Cover?
While the PIC does not always publish a public breakdown, bursaries of this nature typically cover:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation (or allowance)
- Meals or living allowance
- Study-related costs
This effectively functions as full financial support, similar in structure to leading global bursary and scholarship programmes.
Bursary Duration and Conditions
- The bursary is awarded for the full academic period
- Funding applies to one academic institution only
- Awards are aligned with the PIC’s Employment Equity and Transformation agenda
Continuation of funding is usually dependent on satisfactory academic performance.
Application Dates for the PIC Bursary Programme 2026
- Opening date: 22 September 2025
- Closing date: 31 October 2025
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply for the PIC Bursary Programme 2026
Applicants can choose one of two official application methods.
Option 1: Online Application
- Complete the MS Online Bursary Application Form
Option 2: Manual Application
- Download and complete the official 2026 PIC Bursary Application Form
After completing either option, all applicants must email supporting documents.
Submission Email Address
bursaryapplications@pic.gov.za
Subject line: Full Name and Surname
Compulsory Application Instructions
Applicants must strictly follow these rules:
- All compulsory fields must be completed
- All documents must be certified (not older than 3 months)
- Application form must be signed
- Minors must have a parent or guardian signature
- Falsified or incomplete applications will be rejected
Supporting Documents Checklist
Applicants must submit all of the following:
- Completed application form
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- Academic transcripts (for current tertiary students)
- Matric certificate or Grade 11 and June Grade 12 results
- Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance
- Proof of household income and dependants
Proof of Income Examples
- Payslips or affidavit if unemployed
- SASSA confirmation letter
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- Affidavit for self-employed income
- Child support court letter or affidavit
When Will Feedback Be Given?
Feedback is only sent to successful applicants.
If you do not receive communication, your application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Real Impact: PIC Bursary Success Stories
Ayanda Bolani
Ayanda completed her studies with six distinctions and went on to pursue a BCom Honours in Investment Management at the University of Pretoria. The PIC bursary allowed her to focus entirely on her studies, resulting in outstanding academic performance and early career success within the PIC itself.
Edwin Mahanci
Edwin completed his Bachelor of Computer Science through the University of Venda. Through the PIC bursary and vacation work programme, he gained exposure to the investment industry and later joined the PIC Graduate Programme. He credits the bursary with transforming both his life and his family’s future.
These stories demonstrate the long-term impact of the PIC Bursary Programme 2026.
Why the PIC Bursary Programme 2026 Is Internationally Relevant
Although the bursary is South Africa-based, the fields funded are globally competitive. Degrees in finance, actuarial science, law, and computer science are internationally portable.
This makes the programme attractive to global audiences researching:
- Emerging market talent development
- Government-backed education funding
- Public sector investment in human capital
Internal Link for More Opportunities
For more verified bursaries, internships, and learnerships for South African youth, visit:
https://www.linkinn.co.za
External Reference Links
- Public Investment Corporation: https://www.pic.gov.za
- Department of Higher Education and Training: https://www.dhet.gov.za
- Statistics South Africa: https://www.statssa.gov.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the PIC Bursary Programme 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The bursary provides comprehensive financial support for approved undergraduate studies.
Can postgraduate students apply?
No. Only first-time undergraduate qualifications are funded.
What is the minimum academic requirement?
A minimum overall average of 60%.
Are unemployed youth prioritised?
Yes. Only unemployed youth are eligible.
Can I apply if I already study at university?
Yes, provided you meet the academic and eligibility criteria.
How do I know if my institution qualifies?
It must be a South African public accredited institution.
Where can I find similar bursaries?
Visit https://www.linkinn.co.za for verified bursary listings.
Final Thoughts: Is the PIC Bursary Programme 2026 Worth Applying For?
Without question.
The PIC Bursary Programme 2026 is one of South Africa’s most powerful education funding opportunities. It does more than pay for studies; it invests in long-term human capital, professional growth, and national development.
For any young South African with academic potential and financial need, this bursary can change the trajectory of an entire lifetime.