Everything You Need to Know About the PIC Bursary 2026

Introduction

Studying at a tertiary institution in South Africa often carries significant financial burden. Many prospective and current students seek bursaries and scholarships to help with tuition, accommodation, books, and living costs. One of the bursaries students frequently consider is the PIC Bursary (offered by the Public Investment Corporation). In this post, we explore what the PIC bursary is, eligibility, application process, what it covers, tips, important dates, and what to expect in 2026.

If you are planning your studies for 2026, this guide can help you prepare and increase your chances of success.

What is the PIC Bursary?

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is a state-owned asset manager in South Africa and is one of the largest institutional investors on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Over the years, the PIC has also established bursary programmes (often referred to as the PIC External Bursary) to support talented South African students who are financially need.

The bursary is intended for undergraduate studies and is designed to promote access to higher education, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Because the PIC bursary is well known and competitive, planning ahead for 2026 applications is essential.

Who Qualifies? (Eligibility Criteria)

While exact criteria may shift slightly year to year, here is a typical set of requirements based on past PIC bursary calls. Use this as a reference, but always check the official PIC bursary advert when it is released for 2026.

Criterion	Typical Requirement
Nationality / Citizenship	Must be a South African citizen
Age limit	Often less than 25 years old (for new applicants)
Academic status	Must be in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric and intend to study full-time in an undergraduate qualification.
First qualification only	Covers only first undergraduate qualification; no funding for second degrees or postgraduate studies
Academic performance	Matriculants: minimum pass of 60% in each subject. For current tertiary students: minimum average / pass rate (often 60%) in modules.
Financial need	Applicants must demonstrate financial need (i.e. unable to fully fund their studies)
Unemployed / no full support	In past calls, applicants have been required to be unemployed or not already receiving full funding elsewhere.
Preference for persons with disabilities	In case of equal merit, extra preference is given to candidates living with disabilities.
Registration at public institution	Must study at a recognized, accredited public higher education institution in South Africa.

It is important to cross-check the official 2026 PIC bursary advert once it is released, because minor modifications (e.g. in academic thresholds, age limit, or inclusion criteria) may occur.

What Study Fields / Qualifications Are Typically Supported?

In past bursary rounds, PIC has listed specific fields that the bursary supports. For instance, the PIC External Bursary is typically offered for fields in commerce, legal, management, risk, statistics, human resources, research, etc.

Examples of supported fields (not exhaustive) include:

• Human Resources
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Risk Management
• Research & Data Studies
• Commerce / Business / Management
• Law (for instance, the Bachelor of Law / LLB)
• Other related fields in financial, business, or management disciplines

Again, the fields supported may be updated in the 2026 call, so always refer to the official list in the advert.

What Does the PIC Bursary Cover?

The PIC bursary is designed to ease the financial burden of tertiary studies. While coverage may vary, the bursary often includes:

• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks and study materials
• Examination fees
• Accommodation (on-campus or off-campus)
• A stipend or allowance for living expenses / meals
• Transport costs (or a travel allowance)
• Occasionally, laptop or computer assistance

The exact benefits and amounts granted will depend on the bursary terms in the year of application. In some cases, funding may be partial rather than full, so you may need to cover additional costs outside what the bursary grants you.

Application Process: Step by Step

Below is a generalized process based on past PIC bursary rounds. Use this as a guide to prepare, though you should follow the official 2026 application instructions once published.

1. Monitor PIC Announcements and Advert

• Regularly check the PIC website (pic.gov.za) under their “Bursaries / Employment / Opportunities” pages.
• Watch for PDF adverts or announcements in newspapers, university funding offices, bursary aggregator sites.
• Note the closing date, eligibility changes, and required documents.

2. Prepare Required Documentation

You’ll likely need the following:

• Certified copy of your South African ID / Identity Document
• Certified copies of Matric certificate / Matric results (if already passed) or latest Grade 11 / 12 report
• Academic transcripts if currently studying at tertiary level
• Proof of registration or acceptance / admission letter from the university
• Proof of household income (parent / guardian payslips, bank statements, or affidavit if unemployed)
• Proof of residence (utility bill, affidavit, formal document)
• Proof of disability (if applicable)
• A motivational letter / personal statement explaining why you deserve the bursary
• Any other forms requested by PIC (application forms, questionnaires, declarations)

Be sure all documents are certified (signed/stamped by authorized official) and legible.

3. Register or Create an Application Account

In past cycles, applicants had to register an account via the PIC bursary portal to begin and submit an application online.

4. Complete the Online Application Form

You’ll fill in personal details, academic background, choice of institution and qualification, family / household financial information, and attach scanned documents.

5. Submit Before Deadline

Late applications are usually not accepted. Plan ahead so you can troubleshoot technical issues or missing documentation.

6. Shortlisting & Assessment

• PIC will assess applications for eligibility (minimum criteria).
• Shortlisted candidates often go through further evaluation—such as interviews, assessments, or request for additional information.
• The selection committee will consider academic merit, financial need, and other factors (e.g. disability, rural background).

7. Award Letter / Notification

If successful, you will receive a formal bursary award letter that outlines conditions, funding amounts, and obligations. Then you will need to accept the bursary, sign agreements, and may need to submit additional documentation (e.g. proof of registration, bank details, etc.)

8. Compliance & Monitoring

Once you are a bursary recipient, compliance is important:

• You must register and remain enrolled in full-time study in your declared degree.
• You must maintain required academic performance (often a pass rate or minimum average).
• Some bursaries require periodic reporting or progress reports.
• If you fail too many modules or drop out, the bursary may be withdrawn.
• You may be required to “work-back” (i.e. commit to working for PIC or a partner for a period after graduation), depending on the bursary terms.

Key Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Start early — Gather documents, certified IDs, transcripts ahead of time.
2. Understand eligibility fully — Don’t waste time applying if you don’t meet key criteria.
3. Use clear, concise writing in your motivational letter — explain your challenges, your goals, and how the bursary will help.
4. Highlight unique strengths — e.g. leadership, community involvement, overcoming adversity, disabilities, rural background.
5. Carefully proofread — errors can cost you.
6. Ensure documents are certified and legible — blurry scans or unsigned copies may lead to disqualification.
7. Use reliable internet / backup plan — avoid cutting it close near the deadline.
8. Follow instructions strictly — attach exactly what is asked, in the requested format.
9. Prepare for interviews — if shortlisted you may need to present or answer questions.
10. Network / Ask past recipients — they may have tips or insights from experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the deadline
• Submitting incomplete or uncertified documents
• Giving false or exaggerated information
• Not meeting minimum academic thresholds
• Applying for the wrong degree or institution
• Failing to follow formatting/instruction rules
• Not retaining proof of submission
• Letting academic performance slip once awarded

What to Expect After You’ve Applied

• You may wait several weeks or months for feedback.
• Some bursary cycles announce shortlist results before final awards.
• You will be required to submit additional documents (registration confirmation, bank details, etc.).
• Once funding is approved, disbursement of bursary funds (tuition, allowances) may depend on term or semester milestones.
• You will be monitored and expected to remain in good academic standing.

Projected Timeline for PIC Bursary 2026 (Estimate)

Because PIC typically runs bursary adverts annually, here is an estimated timeline based on past practices:

Phase	Approximate Timeframe
Announcement / Advertisement	Mid to late year (e.g. mid-2025)
Application open	Immediately after advertisement (e.g. July–September 2025)
Application closing date	Around September (30 September being common)
Shortlisting & assessments	October – November 2025
Final award notifications	Late 2025 (November/December)
Confirmations and registration	At start of first semester 2026
Disbursement begins	After registration, once proof is submitted

Again, this is illustrative. For 2026, monitor PIC’s official releases to get accurate dates.

Sample Outline for a Motivational Letter (to include in your application)

Below is a suggested outline for your motivational or personal statement (which many bursaries require):

1. Introduction: Who you are, where you come from
2. Academic journey so far: Key achievements, challenges overcome
3. Why your chosen field: Passion, interest, future ambitions
4. Financial need: Why you require funding, what constraints you face
5. How the bursary will help: Specific ways (tuition, books, living costs)
6. Your commitment: How you will maintain performance, contribute to your field, possibly give back
7. Conclusion: Summary, gratitude, reaffirmation

Make sure your letter is genuine, clear, and free of spelling or grammar mistakes.

What Happens After You Receive a Bursary?

Once awarded, the responsibilities begin. Typical obligations include:

• Enroll and remain registered in your declared degree
• Meet minimum academic performance (e.g. pass modules, maintain average)
• Submit progress reports or academic results as requested
• Attend oversight meetings or orientation sessions
• Comply with any service or “work-back” obligations (if required)
• Use the funding only for study-related expenses

Failing to meet these obligations may lead to termination of the bursary.

Alternatives to the PIC Bursary (To Consider Simultaneously)

While applying for PIC, you should also diversify your funding options. Some alternatives include:

• NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) — government funding for eligible undergraduates
• University-specific bursaries or scholarships
• Corporate bursaries (offered by companies, banks, trusts)
• Government departmental bursaries
• Private foundations / trusts
• Part-time work / student employment / internships

Applying to several bursaries increases your chance of success rather than relying on just one.

Expected Competition and Acceptance Rates

The PIC bursary is highly competitive. Many applicants meet the minimum criteria, but only a fraction receive funding. Thus, your application must stand out — through strong grades, compelling motivation, unique background, perseverance, and clear financial need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When will the PIC bursary 2026 application open?
A: The exact date isn’t yet published as of now. Based on past cycles, announcements often appear mid-2025, with applications opening shortly after. Keep monitoring the PIC website and bursary portals.

Q: Can I apply if I am already studying at university?
A: Yes, if it is your first undergraduate qualification and you meet the academic and needs criteria. But check the 2026 advert to confirm. Previous adverts allow current students who meet criteria.

Q: Does PIC fund postgraduate degrees?
A: No. The PIC bursary generally covers only first undergraduate qualifications, not postgraduate studies

Q: What happens if I fail modules?
A: You may lose your bursary if you do not meet the required academic performance. Some bursaries allow probation, but you should check the terms and conditions of the award.

Q: Do I repay the PIC bursary?
A: Usually no, unless stated otherwise (e.g. service obligation). It is a bursary, not a loan. But you must adhere to obligations. Read the award letter’s terms.

Q: Can I study part-time or by correspondence?
A: Typically, full-time study is required. Part-time or correspondence studies may be excluded. Confirm in 2026 terms.

How to Monitor and Stay Updated

• Visit PIC’s official website regularly (especially its Bursaries / Careers / Opportunities pages)
• Subscribe to mailing lists or newsletters for updates
• Follow PIC and higher education funding portals on social media
• Set calendar reminders for previous application closing dates
• Contact the PIC bursary office or helpdesk if needed
• Check university bursaries offices for alerts or notices

Sample Structure for Your WordPress Post (so you can copy/paste)

• Title: Everything You Need to Know About the PIC Bursary 2026
• Introduction
• What is the PIC Bursary?
• Who Qualifies? (Eligibility Criteria)
• What Study Fields / Qualifications Are Typically Supported?
• What Does the PIC Bursary Cover?
• Application Process: Step by Step
• Key Tips to Strengthen Your Application
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• What to Expect After You’ve Applied
• Projected Timeline for 2026
• Sample Motivational Letter Outline
• What Happens After Receiving the Bursary
• Alternatives to the PIC Bursary
• Expected Competition & Acceptance Rates
• FAQ Section
• How to Monitor & Stay Update
• Conclusion / Call to Action

Conclusion & Call to Action

The PIC Bursary 2026 represents an excellent opportunity for many South African students to access tertiary education without overwhelming debt. While competition is stiff, careful preparation, a stellar application, early planning, and adherence to guidelines greatly increase your chance of success.

If you are planning to apply, start gathering your documents now, watch for the official PIC announcement, and work on building a strong motivational letter. Also apply for other bursaries in parallel so you have fallback options.