IDC

About the Industrial Development Corporation

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a state-owned development finance institution. Government created it in 1940 to grow South Africa's industries and create jobs. It funds itself, which means it lends and invests rather than relying on grants from the national budget. The head office is at 19 Fredman Drive in Sandown, Sandton, and the IDC reports to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Its main business is finance for companies. It backs manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and other sectors. Large industrial projects often depend on its loans and equity. In addition, the IDC says that building skills is part of its mission, because the economy cannot grow without trained people.

How the IDC supports students

The IDC runs an external bursary scheme for students who are not yet part of the organisation. Almost 300 students have been reported on the programme at one time, with payouts of about R14 million in a single year.

Current criteria cover four broad groups of study. The first is finance and management, such as accounting, economics, supply chain and business management. The second is science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including engineering fields, chemistry, data science and computer science. The third is law. Finally, Honours students in law, accounting, actuarial science and mathematics or statistics can apply. Only these fields are considered.

The package pays full tuition and university accommodation. It also includes a once-off laptop, a meal allowance and a transport allowance. For example, a student in engineering at a public university could receive support through the whole degree, as long as results stay on track.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens, aged 26 or younger, studying full time at a public university or university of technology. Household income matters. Combined parental income up to R350 000 a year qualifies, while households earning between R350 000 and R600 000 may be considered after an affordability check. School leavers have needed a 75 percent admission point score, and current students a 65 percent average. Preference goes to applicants from rural areas, quintile 1 to 3 schools and people with disabilities.

The most recent call opened on 1 June 2026 and closed on 30 September 2026 for the 2027 academic year. You apply online through the IDC portal and upload certified documents that are no more than three months old. Dates and rules can change, and we could not confirm any work-back conditions. Therefore, read the full advert on the IDC website before you apply, and send in your documents early.