PIC (Public Investment Corporation) is inviting learners from South Africa to apply for its 2026 PIC Bursary programme. This bursary programme provides financial support to academically performing and financially deserving students. It also aims to bridge the funding gap in tertiary education. Thus, it assists unemployed South African citizens registered for full-time studies at accredited institutions.
If you are here to learn more about the bursary programme from the Public Investment Corporation, we are here to guide you. In this article, we have outlined all the answers to your doubts regarding the bursary programme. We will discuss its monthly allowance, eligibility criteria, online application steps, necessary documents, and deadlines. So, let us start!
Table of Contents
- About Public Investment Corporation
- What does the PIC Bursary cover?
- PIC Bursary Eligibility Requirements
- Tips to Bear in Mind While Applying for Public Investment Corporation Bursary
- Steps Involved in PIC Bursary Online Application
- Know the Importance of an Application Letter for PIC Bursary
- Key Documents Required for PIC Bursary Application
- When is the Closing Date for the Public Investment Corporation Bursary?
- Number of Bursaries Given by the Public Investment Corporation Bursary
- Contact Details of the Public Investment Corporation Bursary Programme
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions: PIC Bursary 2024
About Public Investment Corporation
Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is a South African investment management company that aims to make meaningful contributions to the communities in which it operates. In other words, it aims to improve people’s lives. As a result, in 2017, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) established a bursary programme for underprivileged students with academic potential who want to pursue their education.
Therefore, if you are applying for the bursary, you must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement and intend to study undergraduate programmes at accredited institutions within South Africa.

What does the PIC Bursary cover?
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary offers financial assistance so you can focus on your studies without financial burden. In addition, it offers benefits that support your career development and advancement. However, you must know you will get this bursary for the full academic period at a single institution.
So, let us see the PIC bursary monthly allowance you may receive from this bursary:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- Accommodation within the institution
- Meal allowance
Besides, with this financial assistance, you can also expect additional benefits as mentioned below:
- Vacation-Work Intern Programme
- Graduate Development Programmes
- Workplace Readiness Programme
However, it is important to note that these programmes are open for bursary recipients during the June/July or the December/January terms.
PIC Bursary Eligibility Requirements
When you are applying for the bursary programme provided byPublic Investment Corporation, there are mandatory application criteria you must follow. These criteria, mentioned by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), determine whether you are eligible for the bursary programme. Hence, let us take a look at the requirements to meet the eligibility criteria:
Academic Requirements:
In order to get selected for the bursary programme from PIC, you have to fulfil the following academic requirements:
- Applicant must be currently in Matric or have finished Matric
- Must be studying or planning to study full-time towards an undergraduate qualification
- Registered to study at a South African public accredited institution of higher learning
- Must be pursuing your first undergraduate qualification
- Must be unemployed
- Should be in financial need
- Have proven excellent academic performance
General Requirements:
Besides the academic requirements, the learners must also satisfy the general requirements to secure funding from the PIC bursary 2026:
- Applicant must be a South African citizen
- Applicant must be younger than 25 years old
- Matriculants with a minimum of 60% pass in each subject
- Tertiary level applicants with a minimum of 60% pass in each module and an overall average of the most recent results
- Candidates living with a disability
Tips to Bear in Mind While Applying for Public Investment Corporation Bursary
When applying for the same, you must know the dos and don’ts. This will not only help you stay organised but also guide you in securing the bursary programme. Here are some of the key tips to follow when applying for the bursary programme from PIC:
- Make sure you submit applications for the bursary programme from PIC early, i.e., way before the deadline
- Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready
- Pay attention to specific requirements and formatting guidelines for the application
- Understand the requirements and deadlines.
- In your motivational letter, highlight your academic achievements and the relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate.
Know how to write a motivational letter for a bursary.
Steps Involved in PIC Bursary Online Application
The application process for the Public Investment Corporation bursary is seamless and uncomplicated. That means candidates can easily apply for the bursary programme in a straightforward process. However, as you are applying for the bursary programme from the PIC, you can apply in two different ways.
Offline Process
The first way includes downloading and submitting the application through the following steps:
- Step 1: Visit the PIC official website
- Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom of the Home page to find the ‘Bursaries’ under the ‘Employment and Other Opportunities’ section
- Step 3: Click the ‘Bursaries’
- Step 4: On the ‘Bursaries’ page, you will find the ‘Bursary Application Form’
- Step 5: Download the ‘Bursary Application Form’
- Step 6: Fill in the ‘Bursary Application Form’
- Step 7: Email your application Form along with your supporting documents to bursaryapplications@pic.gov.za
Online Process
The second way includes submitting your application online through the steps outlined below:
- Step 1: Go to the PIC Bursary Application Online 2026
- Step 2: If you are a new user, click the Register button to enter your name, email address and password
- Step 3: Log in with your new User Name and new Password
- Step 4: Submit your supporting documents along with your application form
Know the Importance of an Application Letter for PIC Bursary
While submitting your application for the PIC bursary 2026, you need to provide your application letter. This letter will help you showcase yourself as a deserving candidate for the programme. In other words, it is your opportunity to impress the selection committee.
Therefore, when you are preparing your application letter, include the following content:
- Introduction
- Personal Information
- Educational Background and Academic Achievements
- Financial Need
- Purpose of the Letter
- Relevant Experiences
- Future Goals
- Conclusion
Get a step-by-step guide and an example of a bursary application letter.

Key Documents Required for PIC Bursary Application
Throughout the article, we mentioned that supporting documents should be submitted along with the application form. However, what exactly are these documents? Which essential documents has PIC requested that the learners submit? Let us check them out now
Given below are the documents required:
- A certified copy of the ID document
- Certified copies of Grade 11 final results and Matric results, if you are currently in Matric
- If completed Matric, a certified copy of the Matric certificate
- Full academic records/ transcripts
- Proof of acceptance or registration
- Signed student study loan agreement or contract
- Quotation from the institution for tuition, books, institution-accredited accommodation and food
- Proof of disability, if applicable
- Proof of monthly household income
When is the Closing Date for the Public Investment Corporation Bursary?
The PIC Bursary closing date for the academic year 2026 has not been released yet. However, make sure you regularly visit the website to get the latest information regarding the opening and closing dates.
Moreover, when applying, ensure you include your contact details and provide accurate information to avoid your application being cancelled. Also, remember that incomplete applications will not be considered. Therefore, always make sure you submit the complete application before the deadline.
Number of Bursaries Given by the Public Investment Corporation Bursary
As mentioned earlier, Public Investment Corporation (PIC) values providing expressive contributions to the community in which it operates. It assists and fills the funding gap in tertiary education by offering financial support to learners with financial needs and academic potential. As a result, PIC has funded over 300 students through its bursary programme across various fields of study. The field of studies includes the following:
- Accounting and Accounting Science (CA stream)
- Actuarial Science
- Applied Development Economics
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Computer Science
- Economics and Mathematical Science
- Finance / Financial Management
- Human Resources Management
- Information Management, Systems or Technology
- Internal Audit
- Investment Management
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Mathematical Statistics
- Quantitative Finance
- Research
- Risk Management
Contact Details of the Public Investment Corporation Bursary Programme
Those interested in applying for the PIC Bursary 2026 may have queries about the eligibility requirements, required documents, application closing date, or the application process. The best way you can clear your doubts is by contacting the bursary providers directly through:
- Tel: +27 12 742 3400
- Email: bursaries@pic.gov.za
Most importantly, when submitting your enquiry about the bursary programme to the PIC, ensure you include your contact details. This will help the bursary provider contact you back to clarify your doubts.

Conclusion
With a key commitment to bridging educational funding gaps, Public Investment Corporation’s bursary programme offers academically talented and financially deserving South African learners a chance to pursue their first undergraduate qualification. Besides, it encourages them to focus on their studies without financial worries by covering educational expenses and providing valuable career development programmes. In this article, we explored all the information you need to know about PIC’s bursary programme. So, take the opportunity to pursue your higher education through the PIC bursary 2026.
For more information related to bursaries and education opportunities, visit Regenesys Education‘s Reginsights page now!
Frequently Asked Questions: PIC Bursary 2024
Who is eligible to apply for the PIC Bursary 2026?
To apply for the same, you must be a South African citizen below the age of 25, currently in Matric or finished Matric, and enroled or planning to enrol full-time in your first undergraduate qualification at an accredited South African institution.
What monthly allowance does the PIC bursary cover?
It covers a monthly allowance, including tuition fees, prescribed books, accommodation within the institution, and a meal allowance.
How many students got bursaries from PIC?
PIC awards bursaries to over 300 students across various fields of study, such as Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Finance, Information Technology, Law, and more.
How can I contact the PIC for more information regarding the bursary programme?
You can contact the PIC Bursary Programme at +27 12 742 3400 or email them at bursaries@pic.gov.za. However, please provide your contact details for prompt assistance.
How will I know if my PIC Bursary application has been successful?
Successful applicants will be notified via email or phone after the selection process is complete. Therefore, ensure your contact details on your application form are accurate.
