The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme is open for South African students pursuing IT-related qualifications. The bursary supports students in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering and Information Technology who can show strong academic results and financial need.
Applications must be completed online through StudyTrust before 30 September to be considered for bursary funding for the next academic year.
For students who want to build a future in technology, this bursary can help reduce financial pressure while supporting access to IT education.
What Is The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary?
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme was created to support IT education opportunities for South African students.
The programme forms part of Cisco’s commitment to developing the skills of South Africa’s youth and supporting transformation through education.
Successful applicants must show both good academic results and financial need.
Who Can Apply For The Cisco Bursary?
The bursary is aimed at South African students studying IT-related qualifications.
Applicants may apply if they are in their first to fourth year in 2027 and studying one of the supported fields.
The fourth year includes students in BTech programmes at NQF Level 7 and Honours programmes at NQF Level 8.
Which Fields Of Study Are Funded?
The Cisco Bursary supports selected technology-related fields.
Eligible fields include:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
These fields are ideal for students who want careers in software, networks, systems, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, cloud technologies or broader technology environments.
What Are The Main Requirements?
Applicants must meet the bursary requirements before applying.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be studying in one of the supported IT-related fields
- Be in first to fourth year of study in 2027
- Be accepted or registered at a private or public institution registered with the Department of Education
- Show good academic results
- Show financial need
- Have a combined family income of R350,000 to R600,000 per year for the “missing middle” category
Preference will be given to equity students.
Students should make sure their qualification and institution meet the requirements before starting the online application.
What Does “Missing Middle” Mean For This Bursary?
The Cisco Bursary specifically includes students from households with a combined family income of R350,000 to R600,000 per year.
This income band is often called the “missing middle” because many students in this category may not qualify for some forms of low-income funding but still struggle to afford higher education costs.
For qualifying IT students in this income group, the Cisco Bursary can provide important financial support.
What Documents Must Applicants Upload?
Applicants must upload the required supporting documents on StudyTrust’s online application platform.
Required documents include:
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of all academic results to date
- Grade 12 certificate
- Full tertiary academic record
- Proof of combined household income
All documents should be clear, readable and uploaded before the closing date.
Missing documents may affect the application outcome.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: For an IT bursary, your application should show more than your qualification name. Mention coding projects, systems work, networking exposure, academic achievements, tech interests and the type of digital career you want to build.
How Can Students Apply Online?
Applications must be completed through StudyTrust’s online application platform.
Students must submit their application through the official Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary application page.
Applicants should read the instructions carefully before starting and upload all required supporting documents.
Your application may also be considered for other StudyTrust-managed bursaries you qualify for.
When Do Applications Close?
The application season runs from 01 June to 30 September.
Students must complete their online application before 30 September to be considered for funding for the next academic year.
Early applications are recommended because documents such as academic records and proof of household income can take time to prepare.
Why Is This Bursary Worth Considering?
Technology skills are increasingly important in South Africa’s economy.
The Cisco Bursary supports students in fields that can lead to careers in software development, IT support, network engineering, cloud computing, systems administration, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
For students with academic potential and financial need, this bursary can help make an IT qualification more affordable.
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 Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme is a valuable opportunity for South African students studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or Information Technology.
Applicants must show good academic results, financial need and meet the household income requirement for the missing middle category.
Students who qualify should prepare their documents early and complete their online application before 30 September.
