Tiso Foundation

About the Tiso Foundation

The Tiso Foundation is a South African non-profit and registered public benefit organisation. It was established in 2001 and describes itself as self-sustained. Its founders are linked to the Tiso Group, a black-controlled investment company. The Foundation says it grew from a small initiative into a wider support system with university partners, mentorship and an alumni network.

The Foundation's guiding idea is that talent is universal but opportunity is not. In other words, many gifted young people never reach tertiary study because their families cannot afford it. Tiso works to close that gap.

How the Foundation supports students

The flagship offer is the undergraduate bursary programme. It supports full-time study toward a degree or diploma at an accredited university or university of technology. Any field of study qualifies. This sets Tiso apart from company bursaries that fund only a few scarce-skills courses.

The Foundation also lists a Masters scholarship, a PhD scholarship and an apprenticeship bursary for artisan training. Beyond money, it offers mentorship, psychosocial care and career development support. Recipients also gain access to networking opportunities with partners.

Recent listings give the typical requirements. You must be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 34 and come from a previously disadvantaged group. A matric average of 70% is expected, or 65% if you are already at university. You should also be unemployed and show genuine financial need, with references that speak to your character and commitment to your community.

What to know before applying

Applications go through the online portal linked on the Tiso Foundation website. In recent years, the window has opened around August and closed in October. However, dates change, so confirm them on the official site before you start. Gather your ID, your matric or university results and your references early.

The bursary is not tied to a job at the Tiso Group or any of its companies. Public information describes no work-back or repayment obligation. Even so, read your award letter carefully and keep to its conditions, including academic progress. The Foundation can be contacted on 011 784 4111 or at info@tiso.co.za for general questions.

Competition is strong because the programme is open to all fields. Apply on time and submit a complete file. Also, apply to other bursaries in parallel, since no single award is guaranteed.

Tiso's alumni network includes graduates in medicine, engineering, business and education. This matters because it shows the programme backs many career paths, not only one profession. Students who join the network can ask older alumni for advice on choosing courses and finding first jobs. Treat the mentorship seriously, because strong relationships often matter as much as the funding itself.