Hollywood Foundation Bursary 2027

Which fields of study are supported?

The Hollywood Foundation is accepting applications from students across business, technology, creative and professional fields.

Supported fields include:

• Architectural Design
• Business Management
• Data Science
• Finance and Accounting
• BCom Law
• Graphic Design
• Human Resources Management
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Information Systems
• Software Engineering
• Systems and Network Administration
• Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Communications
• Media and Communications
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Logistics Management

Applicants should make sure their chosen qualification falls within an approved field before submitting an application.

Which levels of study can be funded?

The Future is Bright Bursary Programme supports several levels of tertiary study. These include Higher Certificates, National Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, Honours, Advanced Diplomas and other approved postgraduate studies.

The bursary does not cover Master’s degrees, PhD programmes or other senior qualifications excluded by the programme. Students applying for postgraduate funding should therefore check that their particular qualification is eligible before completing an application.

Can TVET college students apply?

No. The Future is Bright Bursary does not cover studies at TVET colleges.

Applicants must study or intend to study at a tertiary institution registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training in South Africa. Their chosen qualification must also be at least 12 months in duration.

Students who are unsure about their institution’s registration status should confirm this before applying.

Who can apply for the Hollywood Foundation bursary?

The bursary is open to South African citizens who are currently in Matric or have already completed Matric. Applicants must be studying or planning to study full-time during 2027 and must meet the academic requirements for the programme.

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
• Study or intend to study full-time in 2027.
• Study in one of the approved fields.
• Attend a DHET-registered tertiary institution.
• Enrol for a qualification lasting at least 12 months.
• Meet the required academic minimums.
• Agree to the bursary terms and conditions.

Applicants must also not hold another bursary or award that requires them to work for another organisation after completing their studies.

What marks do Matric learners need?

Applicants who are currently completing Matric need a minimum overall average of 65% in their mid-year or final results. They must also achieve at least 65% per subject in Matric.

Learners should check their latest academic results before applying and make sure the documents they upload clearly show their marks.

What marks do current tertiary students need?

Students who are already studying at a tertiary institution need a minimum overall average of 60% in their latest academic results.

Academic performance also remains important after a bursary has been awarded. Recipients must maintain an overall average of at least 60% to remain eligible for future funding.

Receiving the bursary therefore does not automatically guarantee continued funding if the required academic performance is not maintained.

What does the Hollywood Foundation bursary cover?

The Future is Bright Bursary may provide full or partial financial support for approved study costs.

Funding may include:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Approved study materials
• Accommodation, where approved
• Living assistance, where approved

The exact support offered may differ between recipients and will depend on the approved bursary allocation and the student’s circumstances.

The bursary does not cover supplementary examination fees, non-prescribed study materials, unrelated personal expenses or other costs that have not been approved under the bursary.

Will bursary recipients have to complete vacation work?

Successful bursary recipients may be required to complete vacation work with the company. Students may be expected to work for at least half of their holiday period, and a transport stipend will be provided during the vacation-work period.

Applicants should consider this condition before accepting funding, particularly if they have other commitments during university holidays. The vacation-work period may also give students useful workplace experience related to their future careers.

Will students have to work for the company after graduating?

Successful bursary recipients may be required to take up employment with the company after graduation at the company’s discretion. The potential employment period may be equal to the period for which the student received bursary funding.

Applicants should read the bursary agreement carefully before accepting an award so that they understand any employment obligations attached to the funding.

This is also important for students who already receive other financial assistance. Applicants cannot hold another bursary or award that binds them to employment with another organisation after completing their studies.

Which documents are required?

Applicants must submit supporting documents as part of the online application.

Required documents include:

• Certified South African ID
• Matric certificate or statement of results
• Most recent academic results
• Acceptance letter or proof of application from the institution
• Details of the chosen qualification
• Name and address of the registered institution
• Proforma or estimated invoice from the institution
• Proof of the institution’s banking details
• Proof of residential address
• Motivational letter

Applicants should make sure that all documents are clear, current and complete before uploading them. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

What should the proforma invoice include?

Applicants need to provide a proforma invoice or estimated cost breakdown from their institution. This information allows the bursary programme to understand the expected cost of the applicant’s studies.

Where applicable, the estimate should provide separate amounts for:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks or study materials
• Accommodation
• Living assistance

Students may need to request this information from their institution, so it is advisable to prepare the document before the application deadline.

What should you include in the motivational letter?

Applicants must submit a motivational letter written in their own words. The letter should explain why they are applying for the Future is Bright Bursary, why they believe they should receive financial support and how the bursary would help them complete their studies.

Applicants can also discuss their chosen qualification, career goals and how their studies fit into their plans for the future. The motivational letter may be up to 2,000 words.

The motivation should provide useful information about the applicant rather than simply repeating details already included elsewhere in the application.

Which application route should you use?

The Hollywood Foundation provides separate application routes for external and internal applicants.

The external application route is for applicants who are not employees of Hollywoodbets and are not immediate family members or relatives of Hollywoodbets employees or employees of related entities.

The internal application route is for Hollywood Group employees and relatives of Hollywood Group team members.

Applicants should make sure they select the route that applies to their circumstances before completing the application.

How does the selection process work?

Submitting an application does not automatically mean that a student will receive a bursary. The Hollywood Foundation may use additional assessments to select successful applicants.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to:

• Complete assessments.
• Attend interviews.
• Participate in other selection activities.

Final bursary decisions will be made after the selection process has been completed. Applicants are expected to receive feedback on their applications by the end of December 2026.

Meeting the minimum academic and eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

How do you apply for the Future is Bright Bursary?

Applications must be submitted online through the Hollywood Foundation bursary application process.

Applicants should first determine whether they need to use the internal or external application route. They can then complete the relevant online application and upload all requested supporting documents.

Before submitting, applicants should check that their academic information, institution details, contact information and supporting documents are correct and complete. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

When do applications close?

Applications for the Hollywood Foundation Future is Bright Bursary Programme close at 12:00 midday on 3 September 2026.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the time of the deadline. Applications do not remain open until the end of the day on 3 September.

Students should therefore aim to complete and submit their applications well before midday rather than waiting until the final hours. Late applications will not be accepted.

Who can you contact for bursary enquiries?

Applicants who need more information about the programme can contact the Hollywood Foundation Bursaries Team at bursaries@hollywoodfoundation.co.za.

This email address is for bursary-related enquiries. Applications must still be completed through the official online application process.

Applicants should review the bursary terms and conditions carefully before accepting an award.

Applications close at 12:00 midday on 3 September 2026.