Discover the Tomorrow Trust Bursaries 2026: a holistic support programme offering financial assistance, academic coaching, emotional guidance and career development to help South African students achieve university success. Learn who qualifies, what the bursary covers and how to apply.
For many young South Africans, the dream of studying further is often overshadowed by financial barriers. Tuition fees continue to rise, and students from underserved communities frequently have to choose between pursuing their goals and supporting their families. But every year, opportunities arise that change the path for those who dare to apply — opportunities created to empower, uplift and enable young people to learn without limits.
One of these life-changing opportunities is the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme, a holistic support model built for students who have the talent, ambition and determination, but not the financial means, to pursue post-school education.
With applications expected for 2026, this bursary stands out not only for covering academic costs but for its deep commitment to empowering the whole student — academically, emotionally and professionally.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: who qualifies, what the bursary covers, what makes Tomorrow Trust different, and how to give yourself the best chance of being selected.
Understanding the Tomorrow Trust: More Than Just Funding
Tomorrow Trust is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to closing the educational gap for youth from underserved communities. Since its founding, it has worked to provide students with more than financial support — it provides academic tools, emotional stability, mentorship and career readiness, empowering learners to reach their full potential.
The organisation’s philosophy is simple but powerful:
Success requires more than tuition — it requires holistic support.
This belief is what makes the Tomorrow Trust different from most bursary providers. Instead of simply helping students get into university, Tomorrow Trust ensures they stay there, complete their programmes, and enter the world confident, skilled and ready.
Their support spans:
- Academic tutoring
- Psychological and emotional support
- Holiday programmes and development workshops
- Professional readiness and career mentoring
- Transport, accommodation and textbook assistance
- Community-building activities
Their approach sees students not as statistics, but as individuals with unique needs, strengths and potential.
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Why the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Is One of the Most Holistic in SA
Most bursaries cover tuition and basic study needs. Tomorrow Trust covers the same — and then goes much deeper.
1. Academic Support
Students aren’t left to cope alone. The bursary includes:
- Tutoring programmes
- Academic monitoring
- Access to study guides and academic tools
- Support interventions when a student struggles
2. Emotional and Psychological Support
University can be overwhelming, especially for first-generation students. Tomorrow Trust offers:
- Access to psychologists
- Wellness check-ins
- Group sessions
- Personal development resources
This is vital, because emotional well-being often determines academic success.
3. Career Preparation
The organisation creates a bridge between university and the working world through:
- CV writing support
- Job readiness workshops
- Mentorship programmes
- Internships and industry exposure
- Networking opportunities
4. Community and Belonging
Students become part of a supportive peer community, reducing feelings of isolation — a major factor in student dropout rates.
5. Financial Relief
Most Tomorrow Trust bursaries cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals or allowances
- Textbooks and learning resources
- Transport (where needed)
The aim is simple: remove financial pressure so students can focus on succeeding academically.
Who Should Apply for the Tomorrow Trust Bursaries 2026?
The bursary targets youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who show:
- Strong academic potential
- Motivation and discipline
- A commitment to education
- Leadership ability
- A desire to make a positive impact in society
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
While specific requirements vary by programme and partner funders, applicants typically must:
- Be South African citizens
- Come from a financially disadvantaged background
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be accepted or applying to a recognised South African university or tertiary institution
- Demonstrate academic ability and motivation
Fields of Study Supported
Tomorrow Trust partners with various funders, meaning supported fields vary, but generally include:
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Education
- IT and Computer Science
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Built Environment
- Natural Sciences
- Business Management
- Humanities
Some years include specialised bursaries (e.g., for STEM fields), depending on donor partners.
What Makes a Strong Candidate?
Getting selected for a Tomorrow Trust bursary is competitive. Successful applicants usually demonstrate:
1. A Clear Sense of Purpose
You should be able to explain:
- Why your chosen field matters
- What you hope to achieve
- How the bursary helps you get there
2. Commitment to Personal Development
Tomorrow Trust values growth-oriented students who:
- Attend workshops
- Seek mentorship
- Show resilience
- Have a learning mindset
3. Community Involvement
Students who volunteer, mentor others, or participate in community projects often stand out.
4. Strong Academic Record
You don’t need to be perfect — but you must show consistent effort and ability, especially in subjects related to your field.
5. Emotional Intelligence
Because the programme is holistic, students with self-awareness, discipline and openness to development are prioritised.
How the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Application Process Works
The 2026 cycle typically follows a structured process like this:
1. Application Submission
Candidates submit:
- Full online application
- Personal motivation
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of income (parent/guardian)
- Acceptance letter or proof of registration
- ID copy
- Supporting documents
2. Shortlisting
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic performance
- Financial need
- Motivation
- Field of study
- Future potential
3. Interviews
Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview that may include:
- Personal motivation questions
- Discussion about career goals
- Assessments of emotional readiness
- Behavioural questions
4. Final Selection
Successful candidates receive official bursary confirmation and sign a student contract.
5. Onboarding
Learners join:
- Orientation programmes
- Holistic development sessions
- Academic coaching plans
- Support communities
This ensures students begin the year with confidence and direction.
What the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Covers in 2026
While coverage varies based on donor partners, it typically includes:
Financial Support
- Full or partial tuition
- Textbook allowances
- Accommodation (on or off campus)
- Meal allowances
- Transport support
- Study materials
Holistic Support
- Academic tutoring
- Psychosocial support
- Mentorship
- Skills training
- Leadership workshops
- Career coaching
Professional Preparation
- Internship pathways
- Work readiness programmes
- Networking platforms
- Alumni opportunities
Additional Benefits
- Emergency academic support
- Access to digital learning tools
- Support during exam periods
- Care packages and wellness check-ins
This level of comprehensive support is rare — making the Tomorrow Trust one of the most impactful bursary programmes in the country.
Why Students Choose Tomorrow Trust
Students who join the Tomorrow Trust often speak about three things:
1. The Feeling of Belonging
Many are first-generation university students who have never had structured guidance or emotional support. Tomorrow Trust becomes a safe space for learning, growing and being seen.
2. Academic Confidence
With tutoring and check-ins, students do not fall through the cracks. Struggles are addressed early, and support is always available.
3. Personal Transformation
Learners discover:
- independence
- leadership potential
- emotional maturity
- career confidence
- financial empowerment
- APPLICATION PROCESS
Tomorrow Trust doesn’t just help students graduate — it helps them develop into capable, whole, future-ready adults.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application for 2026
1. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Focus on:
- your background
- your challenges
- your academic goals
- how the bursary supports your dreams
- your commitment to giving back
2. Demonstrate Academic Effort
Even if your marks aren’t perfect, consistency and improvement matter.
3. Show Emotional Readiness
Talk about:
- discipline
- time management
- resilience
- personal growth
4. Be Honest About Your Circumstances
Financial need must be clearly explained and backed by documentation.
5. Highlight Leadership and Community Impact
Even small contributions count.
6. Submit Clean, Well-Organised Documents
Presentation matters. Make sure:
- PDFs are clear
- documents are labelled
- deadlines are met
Long-Term Benefits of Being a Tomorrow Trust Graduate
Graduates of the programme often move into:
- high-demand careers
- leadership roles
- postgraduate studies
- entrepreneurship
- community development
Tomorrow Trust has built a strong alumni network whose success stories continue to inspire new applicants.
Graduates become:
- confident
- employable
- emotionally strong
- socially aware
- career-ready
These qualities make Tomorrow Trust alumni well-regarded in the professional world.
Why the Tomorrow Trust Bursary Matters in South Africa
South Africa’s education system is deeply unequal. Many talented youth never reach university or drop out early due to financial pressure or lack of support.
Tomorrow Trust is tackling this reality with a human-centered approach that creates real change.
The bursary uplifts communities by:
- breaking generational poverty cycles
- empowering first-generation graduates
- fostering leadership
- improving employability
- supporting mental health
- building social responsibility
This is more than funding: it is education justice.
Conclusion: Tomorrow Trust Bursaries 2026 Are a Chance to Rewrite Your Future
For thousands of students across the country, Tomorrow Trust represents hope — the hope of being seen, supported and given the chance to grow into the person they dream of becoming.
If you are motivated, academically focused, and ready to commit to personal development, this bursary could transform your life. It offers financial support, emotional guidance, academic strength and a community that believes in your potential.
The Tomorrow Trust Bursary 2026 is not simply an opportunity — it is an invitation to rise.