Monocle Foundation Bursary 2026: Scholarships for Previously Disadvantaged Black South African Women

Introduction
Education transforms lives when opportunity meets support. The Monocle Foundation (est. 2014) awards scholarships to previously disadvantaged Black South African women, offering financial support and holistic development to help recipients complete tertiary studies and build careers.

Roots and mission

The Monocle Foundation was established to remove financial and structural barriers that prevent talented Black women from accessing higher education. Beyond paying fees, the trust provides mentorship, career guidance and practical tools so scholars can succeed academically and professionally.

What the bursary covers

The Monocle Foundation bursary provides a comprehensive support package that typically includes:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation fees
• A laptop
• An allowance for books and study materials
• Subsistence allowance
• Career counselling and mentorship
• Access to short courses (for example Microsoft Office or similar skills training)

Who is eligible

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Black female students who are South African citizens
• Applicants must be in their second year of study or higher (undergraduate and postgraduate applicants may be considered where specified)
• Students studying in priority fields such as accounting, computer science, economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, medicine and related disciplines
• Demonstrable financial need and limited or no other funding

How to apply — requirements & process

Application requirements

Applicants should assemble the following documents:

• A formal letter addressed to the Trustees of the Monocle Foundation Trust explaining your background, study field, career goals and reasons for applying
• A current CV (education, work experience, extracurricular activities)
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Official academic record up to date and stamped by your university
• Grade 12 academic certificate (if applicable)
• If applicable, certified graduate degree certificate
• A clear breakdown of financial need (tuition, books, accommodation, subsistence)

The application process

1. Screening: initial telephone screening with the Trust Administrator.
2. Meet & Greet: a personal meeting so the Trustees can learn more about the applicant beyond the paperwork.
3. Trustee Interview: a face-to-face or virtual interview with one or more Trustees.
4. Finalisation: candidates are notified of the Trustees’ decision.

Deadline: All applications must be submitted before November 2025. Shortlisting is done by the Trustees and all applicants will be given feedback.

Why it matters — more than just funding

The Monocle Foundation’s approach understands that financial support alone is not enough. Its holistic model supports:

• Academic success through fee and material support
• Personal and career development via counselling and mentorship
• Digital inclusion by providing devices like laptops

By focusing on high-impact fields and supporting whole-person development, the Foundation helps graduates access careers that benefit families, communities and the broader economy.

Looking forward

The Foundation aims to expand its reach and become a leading scholarship provider for South African women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each cohort of scholars strengthens the network and multiplies long-term social and economic benefits.