Clicks Foundation Bursary 2026/2027
If you are a South African student with a passion for healthcare, pharmacy, or beauty sciences and you are searching for credible funding to make your degree a reality, the Clicks Foundation Bursary deserves your full attention in 2026/2027. This is not a widely publicised scholarship that every student knows about — which means the students who research it thoroughly and apply strategically carry a real advantage.
This article gives you a complete, expert, and trustworthy guide to the Clicks Foundation Bursary — what it is, who qualifies, how to apply, what the selection process looks like, and how to make your application genuinely competitive.
What Is the Clicks Foundation Bursary?
The Clicks Foundation Bursary is a corporate-funded scholarship programme administered by the Clicks Group Foundation — the corporate social investment arm of Clicks Group, one of South Africa’s most recognised retail pharmacy and health and beauty chains. The Foundation channels resources into developing the next generation of healthcare professionals who will serve South African communities.
The programme specifically targets students pursuing qualifications in pharmacy and related health sciences at accredited South African universities. It reflects the Clicks Group’s strategic interest in growing a skilled, transformation-aligned healthcare workforce — and its commitment to giving deserving South African students a genuine pathway into professional healthcare careers.
The Clicks Foundation Bursary is not just financial aid. For many recipients, it opens the door to a career within the Clicks Group itself.
Why the Clicks Foundation Bursary Stands Out
South Africa faces a significant shortage of pharmacists and qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved communities. The Clicks Foundation Bursary directly addresses this national challenge by investing in students who might otherwise be unable to afford the cost of a pharmacy or health sciences degree.
What makes this bursary particularly valuable is its combination of financial support and career pathway. Clicks operates hundreds of pharmacies across South Africa, and scholars who receive this funding enter a pipeline that can lead directly to employment within the Clicks network after graduation. That combination — funding plus career opportunity — is rare and exceptionally valuable for students who want both educational and professional certainty.
Fields of Study Funded
The Clicks Foundation Bursary is sector-specific. It does not fund general degrees across all disciplines. The programme focuses on qualifications that feed directly into pharmacy and healthcare practice. Funded fields typically include:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) — the primary focus of the bursary
- Pharmacist’s Assistant Qualification — for students in vocational healthcare training
- Health Sciences — allied health programmes linked to pharmacy practice
- Cosmetic Science and Beauty Therapy — in select cycles, beauty-related qualifications may qualify
Pharmacy is the heartbeat of the Clicks Foundation Bursary. If your degree sits outside this healthcare cluster, this bursary is likely not the right match — but if pharmacy is your calling, this funding was designed precisely for you.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you invest time in the application, confirm that you meet every one of the Clicks Foundation Bursary eligibility conditions. These are non-negotiable:
South African Citizenship You must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID document. Permanent residents and foreign nationals do not qualify.
Academic Performance A strong matric result is essential. For pharmacy specifically, universities require high marks in Mathematics and Physical Science at matric level — and the Clicks Foundation aligns with these academic standards. Most successful applicants present an overall matric average of 70% or above, with particularly strong results in science subjects.
Financial Need The Clicks Foundation Bursary prioritises students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. You must demonstrate that funding your own tertiary education is genuinely beyond your household’s financial means. This is assessed through income documentation during the application process.
Enrolment at an Accredited Institution You must be enrolled or accepted for enrolment in an accredited South African university offering the BPharm or relevant health sciences qualification. Institutions that typically feature include the University of the Western Cape, Rhodes University, North-West University, and other universities with accredited pharmacy schools.
First-Year or Continuing Student The bursary is open to both first-year applicants and continuing pharmacy students. Continuing students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress to qualify for renewal.
What the Clicks Foundation Bursary Covers
Recipients of the Clicks Foundation Bursary receive financial support across the key cost areas of university study. The award typically includes:
| Component | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Covered up to the institution’s annual rate |
| Accommodation | Residence or approved private accommodation allowance |
| Prescribed Textbooks | Study material costs included |
| Monthly Allowance | Stipend for daily living expenses |
| Practical Placement | Potential in-store pharmacy exposure at Clicks |
The total value of the bursary is substantial, given that a BPharm degree spans four years and carries significant annual costs. The Clicks Foundation Bursary effectively removes the financial ceiling that stops many capable students from completing a pharmacy qualification.
The Career Pathway Component
One of the most compelling elements of the Clicks Foundation Bursary — and one that many students overlook — is the employment pathway it creates. Clicks operates one of the largest retail pharmacy networks in South Africa, with pharmacies in virtually every major retail centre across the country.
Scholars who receive the bursary are not just funded students — they are future candidates for positions within the Clicks Group. Many bursary recipients complete vacation work or internship rotations within Clicks pharmacies during their studies, gaining real-world clinical and retail experience while building professional relationships with Clicks management.
After completing their degree and meeting the post-graduation employment conditions, many bursary holders transition directly into full-time pharmacy positions within the Clicks network. In a competitive graduate job market, that assurance is enormously valuable.
Application Process for 2026/2027
Applying for the Clicks Foundation Bursary requires organised preparation. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete, compelling, and submitted on time.
Step 1 — Visit the Official Clicks Group Website Navigate to www.clicksgroup.co.za and locate the Foundation or Corporate Social Investment section. The bursary application portal and downloadable forms are accessible here. You can also check the Clicks careers page, as bursary opportunities sometimes appear there.
Step 2 — Confirm Application Dates The Clicks Foundation Bursary application window for 2026/2027 typically opens between August and October. Monitor the official website and set reminders — the window does not stay open for long, and late applications are not considered.
Step 3 — Gather Your Documents Prepare the following before you begin:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your matric certificate or most recent academic transcript
- Proof of university registration or acceptance letter
- Proof of household income — payslips, SASSA statements, or a signed affidavit
- A motivational letter addressed to the Clicks Foundation
- Two reference letters — one academic, one personal or community-based
Step 4 — Write a Strong Motivational Letter Your motivational letter is the most personal part of your application. Explain why pharmacy matters to you, how the Clicks Foundation Bursary enables your specific academic plan, and what you intend to contribute to healthcare in South Africa after graduation. Avoid copying templates — write in your own voice with specific and honest reasoning.
Step 5 — Submit Through the Official Channel Submit your complete application via the Clicks Group’s official bursary submission channel — either the online portal or the specified email address. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Step 6 — Follow Up Appropriately After submission, monitor your email for communication from the Foundation. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview or further documentation. Keep your contact details current.
Selection Process: How Clicks Chooses Its Scholars
The Clicks Foundation Bursary selection process is competitive and structured. Here is how assessors evaluate applications:
Document Verification — Every application is first checked for completeness and eligibility. Missing documents or ineligible applicants exit at this stage.
Academic Assessment — Matric and university results are reviewed carefully. For pharmacy applicants, Mathematics and Physical Science marks receive particular attention.
Financial Need Assessment — Household income documentation is reviewed to confirm that the applicant genuinely requires financial support.
Motivational Letter Review — Assessors evaluate the authenticity, clarity, and relevance of your letter. Generic letters score poorly. Specific, personal, and pharmacy-focused letters stand out.
Interview Stage — Shortlisted candidates may attend an interview — in person or virtual — where they discuss their academic goals, their interest in pharmacy, and their plans post-graduation.
Final Award — Successful candidates receive formal offer letters outlining the terms and conditions of the bursary.
Obligations After Receiving the Bursary
Accepting the Clicks Foundation Bursary comes with responsibilities you must take seriously from day one:
You are required to maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout your funded studies. The Foundation typically specifies a minimum pass rate or average that you must sustain each academic year.
You must submit academic results to the Foundation at the end of each semester or year. Failing to report results can trigger a review or suspension of funding.
A post-graduation employment obligation is commonly attached to corporate bursaries of this type. You may be required to work within the Clicks Group for a defined period after qualifying as a pharmacist. Failing to honour this obligation can result in the bursary converting into a repayable loan. Read your bursary agreement carefully before signing.
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
Competition for the Clicks Foundation Bursary is real. These practical strategies improve your chances significantly:
Start your motivational letter early and revise it multiple times. Your first draft is rarely your best draft.
Be specific about your reasons for choosing pharmacy — “I want to help people” is too vague. Describe a real experience or moment that directed you toward this career.
Choose referees who know you well and can speak specifically about your character and academic ability. A brief, vague letter from someone with a prestigious title helps far less than a detailed letter from a teacher who taught you for three years.
Submit your application several days before the deadline — not on the final day. Last-minute submissions often contain errors that early submission would have caught.
Demonstrate awareness of South Africa’s healthcare challenges in your motivational letter. Showing that you understand the context you are entering signals maturity and genuine commitment.
Other Bursaries to Apply for Alongside Clicks Foundation
Expanding your funding applications is wise. While pursuing the Clicks Foundation Bursary, consider these complementary programmes:
- NSFAS — for broad undergraduate financial support at public universities
- Dis-Chem Foundation Bursary — pharmacy-focused corporate bursary from a direct competitor
- South African Pharmacy Council Bursary — sector-specific funding for pharmacy students
- Discovery Foundation Bursary — healthcare-aligned funding for medical and health sciences students
- Sanlam Bursary Programme — broad corporate bursary open to science and health students
- Old Mutual Bursary — financial support for students in multiple disciplines including health sciences
Applying to several complementary bursaries simultaneously reduces your risk and increases your chances of receiving at least one form of full or partial funding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Clicks Foundation Bursary available for postgraduate students?
The bursary primarily targets undergraduate pharmacy students. Postgraduate applicants should check the current cycle’s guidelines, as the programme focus can shift slightly year to year.
Q: Can I apply if I am already in my second or third year of pharmacy?
Yes. Continuing students are eligible to apply, provided they meet the academic performance and financial need requirements. Include your most recent academic transcript to demonstrate satisfactory progress.
Q: What happens if I fail a module while on the bursary?
You must inform the Clicks Foundation immediately. Persistent academic failure risks suspension or cancellation of the bursary. Reach out to your institution’s academic support services before your results deteriorate.
Q: Does receiving the bursary guarantee employment at Clicks?
It does not guarantee employment, but it significantly increases your access to opportunities within the Clicks network. Many bursary holders go on to work within Clicks pharmacies, particularly those who complete vacation placements during their studies.
Q: How do I get my application form?
Download or access the application form directly from the official Clicks Group website at www.clicksgroup.co.za. Do not use third-party sources — only the official portal carries verified and current forms.
Q: Is the bursary renewable each year?
Yes. The bursary is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance and continued financial need. You must reapply or confirm your continuation status each year as required by the Foundation.
Final Thoughts
The Clicks Foundation Bursary is one of the most targeted and career-connected funding opportunities available to South African pharmacy students. It does not just cover your costs — it connects you to one of the country’s leading healthcare employers and positions you for a credible professional future in a sector that South Africa genuinely needs.
If pharmacy is the career you are building toward, and financial barriers stand between you and that degree, then the 2026/2027 Clicks Foundation Bursary cycle is an opportunity you cannot afford to ignore. Prepare your documents, write your motivational letter with honesty and purpose, and submit on time.
South Africa needs more qualified pharmacists — and the Clicks Foundation is actively looking for students like you to invest in.