The Monocle Foundation is inviting female students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year. The Monocle Foundation is dedicated to investing in women and enabling them to achieve their full potential by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. This includes improving access to education, promoting financial literacy, providing essential resources, and advocating for gender equality.
The Foundation have always had a strong focus on personal development, training, and education at Monocle – not just for their employees, but for society at large.
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About The Monocle Foundation Bursary
The Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme is committed to supporting women of colour who have limited to no funding, and who are currently studying in a variety of graduate and postgraduate fields.
Bursaries will be awarded to previously disadvantaged black females, for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies, including but not limited to the following fields:
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance
- Mathematics
- Medicine
What thr Bursary Covers
The bursary will provide comprehensive cover for the following expenses:
- tuition fees,
- book and study material allowance,
- laptop,
- accommodation and a subsistence allowance.
- Students will also receive career counselling and a MS Office course.
Candidates will be shortlisted by the Trustees and contacted during November 2025, successful applicants will then be selected by mid-December 2025. All applicants will receive feedback on the outcome of their application.
The first step of the selection process is a telephonic screening with the Trust Administrator, followed by a personal meeting with The Trust Administrator. Next, shortlisted candidates will attend a one-on-one interview with one of the Trustees.
Important to note
Bursary recipients will NOT be required to pay back or work back the funds to the Trust, after graduation.
Students must provide regular updates to the Trust regarding their studies and progression and provide their final academic results to the Trust.
Who qualifies for the Monocle Foundation Bursary
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must a South African citizen
- You must be Female
- You must be Black (African, Coloured, Indian or Asian)
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying towards an Undergraduate or Postgraduate degree, in one of the fields of study listed above (other fields of study may also be considered)
- You must be in your second or higher year of study
- You must be studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must be in financial need, with limited to no funding towards your education
- You must NOT be receiving any other bursary funding
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MONOCLE FOUNDATION BURSARY
Applications must be submitted online at: Monocle Foundation Bursary 2026
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Full academic record/ transcripts (on institutions letterhead & stamped by the University)
- Degree certificate, if a postgraduate student (certified copy)
- Breakdown of funds required for 2026 (including tuition fees, study support and books, accommodation, and subsistence allowance)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Letter that includes the following details (addressed to the Trustees of the Monocle Foundation Trust):
- Information and background about yourself
- Field of study
- Career ambitions
- Motivation – why you should be awarded the bursary
The Monocle Foundation Bursary Closing Date
The closing date has not been specified but the Foundation indicated that applications must be submitted before November 2025. So the possible closing date could be 31 October 2025.
