IDC Bursary 2026: Funding for Disabled Students (Closes Feb)

The IDC Bursary 2026 for Students with Disabilities is a special funding opportunity for South African learners living with a disability who want financial support for undergraduate studies. 

This funding helps cover university or college expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other study costs. 

The deadline for submitting applications for this disability-specific bursary is 02 February 2026, so students must act before then to apply. 

This bursary opportunity is linked to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) but is administered through certain university financial aid offices. 

Preference for funding is given to students who demonstrate both academic ability and financial need.

What Is the IDC Bursary for Students with Disabilities?

The IDC Bursary for Students with Disabilities is a subtype of the broader IDC funding structure.

It is tailored specifically for South Africans who are living with a disability and want support for undergraduate study at a recognised institution. 

The bursary aims to reduce financial barriers and help learners complete their qualifications without the stress of study costs. 

It is often offered in partnership with participating universities’ financial aid offices, which manage the application and selection process.

Who Can Apply for the IDC Disability Bursary 2026?

To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be a person living with a disability supported by a valid medical report or proof.
3. Be accepted for full-time study at a recognised South African public university or university of technology.
4. Be planning to study an undergraduate qualification in a qualifying field, such as Engineering, Law, or Applied Commercial Sciences.
5. Provide proof of household income. Generally, applicants must show combined household income falling within the eligibility range specified by the bursary (e.g., above R350 000 and below R600 000).
6. Meet the academic performance criteria, such as a minimum average (for example 65 % for Matric or tertiary results).

No information suggests that postgraduate study (beyond specific exceptions) is broadly funded under this disability bursary. 

Prospective applicants should confirm detailed requirements with the university financial aid office where they submit their application.

What Fields of Study Are Supported?

The disability bursary typically supports a range of undergraduate fields. These commonly include:

1. Engineering (such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical).
2. Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
3. Applied Commercial Sciences such as Accounting, Economics, Business Management, and related commercial degrees.

These fields align with the broader IDC focus on developing skills that assist both students and South Africa’s economic growth. 

Applicants should verify specific qualifying fields with the institution through which they apply.

What Does the Bursary Cover?

Although exact bursary cover details can vary by university and the administering office, students can typically expect support for:

1. Tuition fees.
2. Accommodation at university residences or accredited off-campus housing.
3. Books and study materials.
4. Living allowances or meal stipends.
5. Transport or related expenses, where applicable.

Some bursary offerings may also provide funds for assistive devices, specialised learning tools, or transport needs related to a student’s disability, depending on the policy of the administering financial aid office.

How Do You Apply for the IDC Disability Bursary?

Applications for the IDC Disability Bursary 2026 must usually be submitted through a university financial aid office, not directly to IDC. 

For example, at the University of the Free State (UFS) financial aid office, students send their application documents by email to the bursaries address provided by the institution.

When applying:

1. Contact the financial aid office at the university you plan to attend.
2. Complete the official bursary application form as instructed by the institution.
3. Attach all required certified documents, including your ID, academic results, proof of disability, proof of acceptance/registration, and financial information.
4. Submit the application before the closing date via the method required by the university (email or online form).

Always confirm the exact process and submission address with the relevant financial aid office well before the bursary closing date.

What Documents Are Needed for the Application?

Applicants should prepare and include the following supporting documents when applying:

1. A certified copy of your South African ID.
2. Proof of disability, such as a medical or specialist report.
3. Academic results, like your Matric certificate or recent tertiary results.
4. Proof of acceptance or provisional admission at a participating university or college.
5. Household income supporting documents (payslips, affidavits, or bank statements).

All documents must be current and certified within the time frame required by the university’s financial aid office. 

Missing or incomplete documentation can result in disqualification.

When Is the Closing Date for the IDC Disability Bursary?

The official closing date for the IDC Bursary for Students with Disabilities 2026 is 02 February 2026. 

Applications must be submitted by this date in the manner specified by the administering institution. 

Late applications will not be accepted, so it is important to prepare and submit all required documentation well before the deadline.