Black Management Forum (BMF) Bursary 2026 Requirements & Application Guide

College can be expensive, and it can be even harder to afford if one does not have a lot of money.

The Black Management Forum (BMF) is a South African group that wants to help students who come from families with poor financial backgrounds. They offer a Bursary Programme to give deserving students the cash they need to reach their goals.

The BMF is not picky about what a student wants to study. As long as it is a subject that will help one get a good job, they might be able to assist.

About the Organisation

The Black Management Forum (BMF), founded in 1976, is a non-racial, non-partisan, and non-sexist organization dedicated to developing managerial leadership among black professionals in South Africa. 

BMF supports transformation by offering bursaries across key academic fields.

Fields of Study Funded

Eligible fields include:

1. Agriculture
2. Arts
3. Engineering
4. Entrepreneurship
5. Law
6. Mathematics
7. Medical and Health Sciences
8. Science
9. Technology

Benefits for Recipients

• Financial support to cover study costs—no further specifics are publicly detailed.
• Intended to relieve financial burden and enable full-time study.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen and identified as black, as defined by the Employment Equity Act
2. Be a current Matriculant intending to study in 2026, or a newly registered student
3. Have achieved a minimum overall Matric average of 70% (excluding Life Orientation & a second language)
4. Demonstrate financial need
5. Reside in one of the following districts:
   • Eastern Cape: Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, OR Tambo
   • Free State: Mangaung, Thabo Mofutsanyana
   • Gauteng: Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Tshwane
   • KwaZulu-Natal: eThekwini, King Cetshwayo, uMgungundlovu
   • Limpopo: Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe
   • Mpumalanga: Bushbuckridge, KwaMhlanga, Mbombela
   • North West: Bojanala, Madibeng, Mmakau
   • Northern Cape: Frances Baard, John Taolo Gaetsewe
   • Western Cape: Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain

How to Apply

There is no downloadable form. Instead, compile the required documents (see next section) and email them to:
[email protected]
Use the subject line: “BMF Foundation Bursary Application”

Required Documents

Include certified copies of:

1. South African ID
2. Matric certificate or final results
3. Proof of university acceptance (on institution letterhead)
4. Proof of residence
5. Proof of parents’ or guardians’ income—one of the following:
   • Payslips or employment letter (if employed)
   • Affidavit if unemployed or self-employed
   • Three months of recent bank statements
   • Signed and stamped letter from Social Services (if on grants)

Closing Date

As of 2025, BMF has not published an official closing date for 2026 bursary applications. 

In previous years, the 2023 bursary application closed on 13 October 2022, which may serve as a reference point—but official confirmation for 2026 is pending.

You must check the official BMF website or contact them directly for the confirmed 2026 deadline.

Contact Details

For enquiries, contact BMF directly:

• Contact Person: Mamello Mpelo
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 011 784 4407