PPS

About PPS

PPS, the Professional Provident Society, is a South African mutual financial services group. It serves graduate professionals only, such as doctors, engineers, accountants and lawyers. The head office is in Parktown, Johannesburg. Because it is a mutual society, its members share in its success.

As a mutual society, PPS does not answer to outside shareholders in the usual way. Instead, it exists for its members, who are graduate professionals. This background explains why its student funding links so closely to professional degrees.

Giving back to young people is part of its story. The PPS Foundation bursary programme was reportedly set up in 2016 to widen access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies. Earlier, PPS supported students through the PPS Chairman's Fund, which is still linked to its name.

How PPS supports students

The PPS Foundation funds roughly 50 to 70 students a year. Selection looks at both financial need and academic merit. STEM degrees receive preference, but some selected humanities programmes are included too. Examples of fields mentioned on the site include veterinary science, psychology, physics, biotechnology and medical studies.

The bursary covers tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, meals and residence accommodation. Besides money, students get tutoring, study skills sessions, networking events, career services and advice on financial aid. As a result, support goes beyond fees. Funding runs from first year up to Honours level.

What to know before applying

For the 2026 round, applicants had to be South African citizens in matric in 2025 or already matriculated. They needed an average of at least 65% and a combined household income of R1 million a year or less. Studying full-time at a public South African institution was also required.

Gather your paperwork early. Past rounds asked for certified copies of ID, academic records and proof of registration, along with financial statements, proof of household income and quotes for books. Everything had to be current. Missing one document can delay or sink an application.

Applications were made online. Profiles had to be created by 5 December 2025, and supporting documents uploaded by 20 December 2025. Successful students were due to hear by the end of January 2026. Recipients must hand in results every semester and attend development sessions. We found no mention of a work-back obligation.

The older Chairman's Fund was aimed at fourth-year and postgraduate students in professions that qualify for PPS membership, such as accounting, engineering, law and medicine. Its money was paid directly to the university. Dates and rules change each year, so read the current Foundation page carefully before you apply.