itute

2027 Cornerstone Institute Give Back 100 Bursary: Requirements, Programmes and How to Apply

Students looking for financial support for business-related studies can consider the 2027 Cornerstone Institute Give Back 100 Bursary.

Cornerstone Institute is currently accepting applications for the fourth round of its Give Back 100 Campaign. The initiative is designed to expand access to higher education for people who want to build careers in business, management and entrepreneurship but may not have had the opportunity to study at tertiary level.

The bursary supports selected studies at Cornerstone Institute and provides an opportunity to complete qualifications through online distance learning. The 2027 application window opened on 10 August 2026 and closes on 28 September 2026.

What Is the Cornerstone Institute Give Back 100 Bursary?

The Give Back 100 Campaign is a Cornerstone Institute initiative aimed at improving access to higher education for aspiring business leaders.

The programme is focused specifically on selected Business Studies qualifications offered by Cornerstone Institute. Unlike bursaries that require students to attend classes at a particular campus, the available programmes are delivered through distance and online learning.

This makes the opportunity potentially suitable for students who live outside major cities, have work or family responsibilities, or prefer studying remotely.

According to Cornerstone Institute, the current application round is the fourth round of the Give Back 100 bursary programme.

2027 Cornerstone Institute Bursary at a Glance

Bursary: Give Back 100 Bursary
Institution: Cornerstone Institute
Study mode: Online distance learning
Study options: Full-time or part-time
Application opening date: 10 August 2026
Closing date: 28 September 2026
Main study area: Business Studies
Application year: 2027

The bursary is intended for applicants interested in business-related careers and who meet the relevant academic and eligibility requirements.

What Does the Bursary Cover?

One of the main features of the Give Back 100 opportunity is its tuition support.

Cornerstone Institute states that the bursary covers full tuition for the duration of the studies, excluding modules that have to be repeated or were failed.

Additional support may also be available in deserving cases. This can include assistance with a laptop, data allowance and textbooks, depending on an individual needs assessment.

Applicants should therefore not assume that every successful bursary recipient will automatically receive a laptop, data or textbooks. These additional forms of support are assessed according to individual circumstances.

Who Can Apply?

The Give Back 100 bursary has specific eligibility requirements.

Applicants should generally meet the following criteria:

• Be a first-time undergraduate student, although Cornerstone indicates that applicants with additional qualifications may in some cases be considered.
• Have a certified Matric certificate.
• Have a valid South African ID or passport.
• Show a genuine interest in business and entrepreneurship.
• Be motivated to build a career in management or business.
• Be able to commit to the demands of online academic study.
• Demonstrate determination and a strong work ethic.

Applicants should carefully check the programme-specific requirements before submitting an application.

Higher Certificate in Business Studies

One of the programmes available through the Give Back 100 Campaign is the Higher Certificate in Business Studies (HCBS).

Cornerstone describes this as a foundational business qualification designed to build business knowledge and skills.

For this programme, the listed academic entry requirement is a Matric certificate. The qualification is offered through online distance learning, with students able to study either full-time or part-time.

The Higher Certificate may be relevant to applicants who want to develop a foundation in business before progressing further in their studies or entering the workplace.

Bachelor of Commerce

The second listed programme is the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom).

Cornerstone says the BCom has specialisations in areas including economics, marketing and strategy. The institution also indicates that places are limited.

For admission to the BCom under this bursary, applicants must have a Matric certificate with Mathematics at 50% or above.

This means applicants who do not meet the Mathematics requirement should not assume that they qualify for the BCom simply because they have completed Matric.

Study Online From Anywhere in South Africa

A notable feature of this bursary is the distance-learning format.

Both listed programmes are available online and can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis.

For students who are unable to relocate for university, this can remove some of the practical challenges associated with studying away from home. Cornerstone specifically highlights the benefit of online study for people who may be working, living in rural areas or balancing other responsibilities.

Students should, however, be realistic about the discipline required for online learning. Being able to study remotely does not remove the academic workload, deadlines and assessment requirements associated with a tertiary qualification.

What Does Cornerstone Look For?

Meeting the basic academic requirement is only part of the application.

The Give Back 100 information says Cornerstone is looking for applicants who demonstrate academic potential, an interest in business and entrepreneurship, motivation to develop a career in management, determination and a strong work ethic.

Applicants should also be prepared to commit to the demands of studying online.

When preparing an application, it is important to provide accurate information and make sure that supporting documents are clear and valid.

1. Introduction — Bursaries

Students looking for financial support for business-related studies can consider the 2027 Cornerstone Institute Give Back 100 Bursary. You can also explore our latest Bursaries for other funding opportunities in South Africa.

2. After the “What Is the Cornerstone Institute Give Back 100 Bursary?” section

The initiative is part of a wider range of opportunities available to South African students and young people. See our Youth Opportunities section for other education and development opportunities.

3. After the “Higher Certificate in Business Studies” section

Students interested in building qualifications and practical skills can also explore our Career Guides for information about study options, career paths and entry requirements.

4. After the “Study Online From Anywhere in South Africa” section

For readers comparing different routes into employment and training, our Learnerships section features opportunities that combine workplace experience with structured learning.

5. Before the FAQs

Looking for more opportunities after Matric? Browse our latest Bursaries and Youth Opportunities for additional options.

6. Final Word

Readers interested in other education and employment opportunities can also visit our SETA Learnerships and Internships sections.

How to Apply for the 2027 Give Back 100 Bursary

Applications for the fourth round opened on 10 August 2026.

The application window closes on 28 September 2026. UniApplyForMe lists the closing time as 5:00 PM on 28 September 2026, while Cornerstone Institute’s official page gives the application period as 10 August to 28 September 2026.

Applicants should submit their applications through the relevant Cornerstone Institute application process and ensure that all required information and documents are provided before the closing date.

Do not leave the application until the final day. Allow enough time to check your details, upload the required documents and correct any problems before the application window closes.

Documents You Should Prepare

The published eligibility information specifically refers to a certified Matric certificate and a valid ID or passport.

Applicants should make sure these documents are available and legible before starting the application process.

Where additional documents or information are requested during the application process, provide them accurately and according to Cornerstone Institute’s instructions.

Is This Bursary Only for Business Students?

The current Give Back 100 opportunity is specifically linked to Business Studies programmes at Cornerstone Institute.

The listed options are:

Higher Certificate in Business Studies (HCBS) – a foundational business qualification.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – with areas including economics, marketing and strategy, subject to the listed admission requirements and limited places.

This means applicants looking for funding for engineering, healthcare, teaching or unrelated fields should not assume that the Give Back 100 bursary will apply to their intended qualification.

Why This Opportunity May Be Useful

For students who meet the requirements, the Give Back 100 bursary could reduce one of the biggest barriers to tertiary education: tuition costs.

The combination of full tuition support and online study makes the programme particularly relevant to people who need flexibility. The availability of part-time study may also be useful for individuals who have other responsibilities.

However, applicants should remember that a bursary does not remove the responsibility to complete the qualification successfully. Repeated or failed modules are specifically excluded from the full tuition coverage described by Cornerstone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2027 Cornerstone Give Back 100 Bursary close?

The application window runs until 28 September 2026. UniApplyForMe lists the closing time as 5:00 PM.

Does the bursary cover full tuition?

Yes. Cornerstone says the bursary covers full tuition for the duration of the studies, excluding repeated or failed modules.

Does the bursary provide a laptop?

Laptop and data support may be available in deserving cases following an individual needs assessment. It is not presented as an automatic benefit for every applicant.

Can I study part-time?

Yes. Both listed programmes are available through distance/online learning on either a full-time or part-time basis.

What Mathematics mark is required for the BCom?

The published requirement is Mathematics at 50% or above in Matric.

Is the Higher Certificate available with a Matric certificate?

Yes. Cornerstone lists a Matric certificate as the entry requirement for the Higher Certificate in Business Studies.

Important Notice for Applicants

SETA News is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with Cornerstone Institute.

Applicants should verify the latest requirements, application instructions and closing information directly with Cornerstone Institute before submitting an application. Programme availability and application information can change, and applicants remain responsible for ensuring that their application is submitted correctly and on time.

Final Word

The 2027 Cornerstone Institute Give Back 100 Bursary is an opportunity for eligible applicants interested in pursuing business-related qualifications through online distance learning.

With applications open from 10 August to 28 September 2026, prospective students should check the eligibility requirements carefully, prepare their documents and submit their applications before the closing date.

The two listed study options — the Higher Certificate in Business Studies and Bachelor of Commerce — provide different entry routes into business education, with the BCom requiring Matric Mathematics of at least 50%.

For applicants who meet the criteria, the bursary could provide valuable financial support toward a business qualification at Cornerstone Institute.