StudyTrust

“Disability doesn’t limit what I can achieve.”

Meet Tebatso Mokonyane, a partially blind LLB student at the University of Johannesburg, proudly funded by the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation and administered by StudyTrust. Known as “the blind man with a vision,” Tebatso continues to break barriers and pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer.

Through bursary support, Tebatso received ZoomText , an assistive learning tool that has helped him access study materials and succeed in a reading-intensive degree. For him, the bursary has been more than financial support; it has been a source of confidence, opportunity, and empowerment.

His story is a reminder that with the right support, determination and resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges.

🎓Alumni Spotlight: Leigh-Vern Lamberts

From De Aar in the Northern Cape to pursuing a PhD in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Leigh-Vern Lamberts' journey is proof that when talent meets opportunity, incredible things happen.

Supported by Lilitha Solar through a scholarship administered by StudyTrust, Leigh-Vern was able to focus fully on her studies, progressing from undergraduate level through to an MCom in Industrial Psychology cm laude.
Today, she is a PhD candidate, a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, and a lecturer in Psychometrics, Human Resources, and Labour Relations.

Her story is a powerful reminder that investing in education goes beyond funding qualifications, it unlocks potential, creates opportunities, and empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.

As Leigh-Vern shares:

"Access to funding doesn't just support education — it unlocks human potential and creates opportunities for individuals to flourish."

We are proud to have been part of her journey and look forward to seeing the impact she continues to make. 💙🎓

🎓 It’s graduation season, and we’re celebrating the incredible achievements of our graduates!

From lecture halls to graduation stages , your hard work, resilience, and dedication have paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder. 🌟

This week, we shine a spotlight on some of our graduates across different fields of study as they step into exciting new chapters. Congratulations on this well-deserved milestone, your StudyTrust family is cheering you on every step of the way! 💙

“Receiving this bursary changed my life.” ✨

For Gianni Roman, studying AI, Mathematical Statistics & Data Science at University of Cape Town was once a distant dream , one made possible through the support of the FirstRand bursary and the sacrifices of a hardworking single mother.

As the first future graduate in his family, Gianni carries every achievement with pride, gratitude, and purpose. Beyond financial support, this opportunity has given him peace of mind, confidence, and the freedom to focus on building a future not only for himself, but for the woman who made it all possible.

“My biggest goal is to make my mom proud and one day be able to take care of her the way she has always taken care of me.”

Stories like Gianni’s remind us that access to education changes lives, families, and generations. 💙

✨ Big News for First-Year Students!
Applications for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Undergraduate Bursary open 1 June! If you're planning to start your first degree at a public university, this could be your chance for a fully funded education! 📚

📅 Applications open: 1 June 2026
⏳ Closing date: 30 September 2026

👤 Who's it for?
South African citizens who'll be 21 or younger in 2027, with a strong academic record and a combined gross annual family income of up to R700 000.

💼 What's in it for You?
• Full tuition and study resources
• Accommodation and meals
• Monthly stipend for the essentials
• Professional development, academic, and mental wellness support to help you thrive!

Interested? Visit 👉 https://studytrust.org.za/fref-bursary/ for more info and to apply.
Know someone who qualifies? Tag them below — this opportunity could change everything. 👇

✨ Alumni Spotlight: Vutomi Chantal Baloyi ✨

Meet Vutomi Chantal Baloyi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Science student at the University of Johannesburg and proud FirstRand Foundation Bursary alumna. 🎓

Through the support of the team at StudyTrust, Vutomi successfully completed her Bachelor of Accounting degree, but for her, the bursary was about so much more than financial assistance.

“The bursary was not just a bursary, it was a family.”

From emotional and mental support during challenging moments to career exposure, mentorship, leadership camps, and opportunities for personal growth, the programme helped Vutomi build confidence in both herself and her future. One experience that stood out most was learning to find her voice and overcoming her fear of public speaking.

Her journey is a reminder that student success is shaped not only by academics, but by the support systems that empower students to keep going even when self-doubt creeps in. 🌱

We are incredibly proud of Vutomi and excited to see all she will achieve in the future. 💙

🌍✨ In celebration of Africa Day, join us for the African Intelligence Masterclass Series hosted by StudyTrust.

This meaningful conversation invites us to reflect on African knowledge systems, cultural intelligence, leadership, and what it truly means to educate an African fit for the 21st Century.

We are honoured to host Gogo Dineo Ndlanzi — a pioneer on African spirituality with modern insight, and a celebrated teacher, life coach, storyteller, and facilitator in African spiritual healing and indigenous knowledge systems.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
⏰ Time: 18:00 – 19:30
💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams

Be part of an enriching dialogue centred on empowerment, identity, leadership, and the wisdom rooted within African thought and practice.

🚀 WE ARE HIRING!

StudyTrust is offering 12-month internship opportunities across multiple fields:
• Financial Management
• Information Technology
• Personnel
• Bursary Administration & Student Support

If you’re an unemployed graduate looking to gain valuable work experience, this is your chance to step into your career ✨

📍 Johannesburg (Richmond)
📅 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027

🗓 Apply online by 17 May 2026 (midnight)

👉 Apply here: https://ngopulse.net/ads/internship-opportunities-8ujzic

📧 For more info: [email protected]

Happy Workers’ Day 🇿🇦✨
Today we celebrate the hustle, the passion, and the purpose behind every role 💼🌱

A special shoutout to the incredible team at StudyTrust , your dedication to changing lives through education does not go unnoticed. Thank you for the impact you make every single day 🙌🏽❤️

Here’s to building dreams, opening doors, and showing up with purpose. 💫