Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust

About the Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust

The Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust is a broad-based Black economic empowerment trust. It was set up through the South African business of Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global supplier of laboratory equipment and scientific instruments. The word "phambili" means "forward" in isiXhosa and isiZulu, which suits a trust built to move students ahead.

Although it carries the company name, the Trust operates as its own body. It is a transformation vehicle for the local partnership, not a direct programme of the multinational. Its purpose is to help Black South African students complete tertiary studies, with a particular interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

How the Trust supports students

The Trust offers a bursary that covers tuition and living expenses. It can also help with other costs that arise during study. Awards are made for one academic year at a time. However, they can be renewed if the student keeps meeting the conditions, which include good academic performance.

The bursary is spread across 13 partner universities. These include the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and the University of the Witwatersrand. Check the Trust's website for the full list, because only students at partner institutions can apply.

The Trust has paid out about R4.8 million in bursary funding to date, according to its own site. That figure shows steady, if modest, support for a small group of students. Competition is therefore likely to be strong. A solid academic record and a clear case of financial need will help your application.

What to know before applying

StudyTrust now runs the bursary process for the Trust. It handles applications, enquiries and communication with students. As a result, you should apply through the Trust's website and send questions to the StudyTrust team, not to Thermo Fisher itself.

Applications are not open all year. The Trust has reported that one intake closed in 2025 and that the next was due to open on 1 May 2026 for the 2027 academic year. Dates may shift, so confirm the current window on the official site before you plan.

Eligibility focuses on Black South African students who need financial help. Specific marks, field restrictions and documents are not fully confirmed here. Prepare your ID, academic record, proof of registration or acceptance, and proof of household income. Then read the criteria carefully and apply well before the closing date.

Science and technology skills are in demand across South Africa. Fields such as chemistry, biotechnology, engineering and data science lead to work in laboratories, hospitals, mining and manufacturing. Thermo Fisher supplies equipment used in research and diagnostics, so the Trust's focus matches the world the company knows. Check the official site to see whether your own qualification is eligible.