Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

About the IDC

The Industrial Development Corporation, or IDC, is a state-owned development finance institution. Parliament created it in 1940 to promote economic growth and industrial development in South Africa. The government owns it through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. It pays its own way, meaning it does not depend on a government budget for its day-to-day running. The head office is at 19 Fredman Drive in Sandown, Sandton. The IDC lends money to businesses, and it also takes equity stakes in them. Its clients work in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and other sectors. Many of the projects it backs are large and create jobs. To run such a business, the corporation needs people with finance, legal and technical skills.

How the IDC supports students

The IDC runs an external bursary scheme for undergraduate students. It aims to widen access to higher education for young people who have the marks but lack the money. The scheme covers four broad groups of study. These are finance and management, science and engineering, law, and selected postgraduate programmes. Funding young people in these fields helps fill skills gaps in the economy.

Finance and management fields include accounting, financial management, supply chain management and economics. Under science and engineering, the IDC lists several engineering disciplines, data science and computer science. Law students in BCom Law, LLB and diploma programmes can apply too. Postgraduate options have included actuarial science and the accounting CTA.

The award pays full tuition fees and university accommodation. In addition, it provides a meal allowance, a transport allowance and a once-off laptop. The IDC does not state a service obligation on its bursary page, so check the contract terms if you win an award.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be unemployed South African citizens, no older than 26, who are studying full-time toward a first undergraduate qualification. Household income matters. The IDC prioritises families that earn up to R350,000 a year, but it may consider those earning up to R600,000. Learners with disabilities receive first preference, and the IDC also gives priority to applicants from quintile 1 to 3 schools.

Academic standards are firm. School leavers need an admission point score of 75, and current university students need a 65% average. Once funded, you must keep a 60% average. Acceptable proof of household income includes payslips, bank statements, affidavits and SASSA letters, so gather whichever fits your family's situation. Applications go through an online portal. You upload a certified ID, your academic results, and proof of household income. The latest window ran from 1 June to 30 September 2026. Dates may differ in future, so watch the IDC website closely. Submit well before closing, because portals slow down near the deadline.