Ninety One is opening university doors for high-potential Matric learners whose ambitions exceed their financial resources. The 2027 #Changeblazer Bursary combines full tuition, accommodation, meals and learning materials with personal and career support. South African learners entering first-year study at a recognised university can submit applications until 31 August 2026.
This support reaches beyond campus expenses. It is designed to help students from under-resourced households arrive at university with the academic, emotional and practical support needed to perform and graduate.
What are the essential bursary details?
Programme: Ninety One #Changeblazer Bursary Programme 2027
Academic year: 2027
Target group: Current Grade 12 learners entering first-year university study
Study commitment: Full-time study
Institution: A recognised university in South Africa
Administrator: Career Wise
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Promotional code: NINETY ONE
Late applications: Not accepted
What does the Ninety One bursary cover?
The #Changeblazer Bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance for essential university expenses.
The bursary covers:
- Full tuition fees
- University accommodation
- Meals
- Learning materials
This package gives recipients a stronger financial foundation, allowing them to concentrate on their academic work.
How does the programme support students beyond funding?
Ninety One recognises that financial assistance alone may not address every challenge students face at university.
Recipients can access additional support such as:
- Private tutoring
- Career guidance
- Resilience training
- Mental health support
- Financial well-being sessions
Top-performing students may unlock further opportunities. These can include assistance with obtaining a driver’s licence and attending an all-expenses-paid #Changeblazer gathering.
Graduates may also receive professional wardrobe support when preparing for their first role.
Which fields of study are funded?
Bursaries are available for qualifications in the following areas:
- Business, finance and economics
- Technology and computer science
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Psychology
- Education
Healthcare applications exclude qualifications in:
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Veterinary science
Applicants must meet the university entrance requirements for their selected qualification.
Who is the programme designed for?
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be South African citizens
- Be under 21 years old during 2027
- Be completing Grade 12 in 2026
- Plan to enter first-year university study in 2027
- Intend to study full time at a recognised university
- Select a qualification in one of the funded fields
- Meet the entry requirements for the chosen programme
- Maintain a strong academic record
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Show genuine financial need
The programme is intended for learners with strong potential who may struggle to access university without financial support.
How flexible are the academic and income benchmarks?
Applicants should preferably have achieved at least 70% in Grade 11 English and Mathematics or Sciences.
The word “preferably” means the 70% benchmark is not presented as an absolute published cut-off. However, applicants must still demonstrate strong academic performance and meet the entrance requirements for their chosen qualification.
Financial need is typically assessed using a household income of less than R600 000 per year. Ninety One may consider mitigating circumstances where applicable.
Meeting the academic and household income guidelines does not guarantee funding. Selection remains competitive and considers the applicant’s complete profile.
Which documents should applicants prepare?
Career Wise processes and screens the bursary applications. The online portal will provide the final document checklist for each applicant.
Learners should prepare clear copies of the following:
- Certified South African identity document
- Certified Grade 11 final results
- Certified latest Grade 12 results
- Proof of university application or provisional admission for 2027
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income
- Recent payslips for employed household members
- An affidavit for unemployed parents or guardians
- South African Social Security Agency grant confirmation, if applicable
- Pension payment confirmation, if applicable
Documents should be readable and uploaded in the correct sections. Missing or unclear information could delay the screening process or result in disqualification.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Make sure the household income shown in payslips, affidavits and grant records agrees with the figures entered in the online application. Give every uploaded file a clear name and enter the promotional code NINETY ONE exactly as shown.
How should the online application be completed?
Applications must be started through the official Ninety One #Changeblazer Bursary page.
Applicants should then:
- Select the bursary application option.
- Register a Career Wise applicant profile.
- Complete all personal and academic sections.
- Enter NINETY ONE as the promotional code.
- Upload the requested supporting documents.
- Review the household income information carefully.
- Submit the completed application before 31 August 2026.
Applicants should use an active email address and mobile number. Career Wise will use these details for application updates and interview communication.
What happens after submission?
Career Wise will receive, validate and screen the applications before candidates are shortlisted.
The selection process is expected to follow this timeline:
- October to December 2026: Shortlisted applicants attend panel interviews.
- By December 2026: Successful candidates may receive provisional acceptance.
- January 2027: Final bursary awards are confirmed after the release of Grade 12 results.
Provisional acceptance is not the final bursary award. Learners must maintain their academic performance and meet the entrance requirements for their selected university qualification.
Which mistakes could weaken an application?
Applicants should avoid:
- Entering the wrong promotional code
- Uploading blurred or incomplete documents
- Providing inconsistent household income information
- Leaving academic or leadership sections incomplete
- Using an inactive email address or mobile number
- Waiting until the closing date to register
- Missing communication from Career Wise
- Submitting after 31 August 2026
A complete application should show academic ability, financial need, leadership potential and a clear commitment to completing the selected qualification.
Where can applicants send bursary enquiries?
Career Wise handles the initial application processing, confirmation, screening and status updates.
Telephone: 011 258 4464
Email: info@careerwise.co.za
Applicants should include their full name and application reference when requesting assistance.
Grow Your Career with SETACareers
Access the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and practical SETA guides designed to help you succeed.
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Career Advice
- SETA Guides
Final Thoughts
The Ninety One Bursary 2027 offers more than payment of university expenses. Its combination of tuition funding, accommodation, meals, learning materials and personal development support could give ambitious learners a stronger start to university life.
Eligible Grade 12 learners should prepare their academic and household income documents early. Applications must be completed before 31 August 2026, using NINETY ONE as the promotional code.
