4 Bursaries for Private Colleges in South Africa | Apply Now

Bursaries for private colleges are rare. But, that doesn't mean they don’t exist. 

Most of the funding options in South Africa cater to students studying in public institutions. Organizations such as NSFAS do not issue bursaries for learners enrolling at a private institution. 

As disheartening as that is, there are other ways you can gain financial aid at a private college in South Africa.  

If you’re looking to enrol at a non-public institution of learning, here are 4 bursaries that might help you with funds.

Bursaries that Fund Private Colleges

Review our list of bursaries that fund private colleges in South Africa and apply to the one that fits your interests the most.

Boston City Campus Bursaries

The private college has locally and internationally accredited programmes you can apply for. Their programmes range from MBAs, to degrees, and short courses. If any of these interest you, then their bursaries are worth checking out. 

Boston City campus offers various bursaries to new and returning students. However, the bursaries are internal and do not cover:

• External Examination fees
• Accommodation
• Transport
• Stationery

Their bursary applications open twice in a year, and can be made at the support centre you’ll be registering at. If you plan to study for Semester A, place your application between the 1st and 30th of November of the year before. 

Meaning, if you want to study in 2027, apply in 2026 for the bursary and chosen course. Should you wish to enroll in 2026, apply between the 1st and 31st of May for Semester B studies. 

Documents Required for Boston City Campus Bursaries

• Letter of motivation
• Copy of ID. It can be certified or uncertified.
• Latest academic results

Visit their website for more information: Bursaries for Private Colleges - Boston.

Writers Take: Boston City campus may have partial funding, but their 30+ years of experience in the field precedes them. And most importantly, they have the correct accreditations. So, you don’t have to worry if your courses are accredited or not.

Crane international Academy Bursaries

Crane International Academy is a private FET College that’s registered with the DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training). The college has 5 campuses and offers different courses in:

• Engineering
• Management
• Security and Legalities

They also have occupational certificate courses in early childhood development, office admin, health promotion officer, family law practitioner, and more.

Just like Boston College, their bursaries for the mentioned programmes are internal. Applications can be made online and feedback will be given after the application is processed.

Documents required for CIA Bursaries

No documents have been listed, however, it’s best to have them uploaded on your device when applying.

Bursaries for Private Colleges: Crane International Academy Bursaries.

Writers Take: Crane International does distribute books for its students; free of cost. So you don’t have to worry about sourcing them yourself, and possibly getting scammed. Another added bonus is that you can study via E-learning or distance learning, if none of their campuses are near you. 

Student Hero

Student Hero is distinct from Boston City Campus and Crane International Academy as it isn't a learning institution, but a finance facilitator. Student Hero helps you find bursaries that fund private colleges, by partnering with major banks and other sponsors in South Africa.

Since Student Hero is a finance facilitator, it’s important to note that some forms of funding may be loans, instead of bursaries. Review your options carefully once matched with a funder.

Documents Required for Student Hero Funding Application

• ID Copy
• Latest academic results or matric certificate
• Letter of Acceptance
• Detailed Fee Statement or Invoice

Student Hero: Click Here to Find Bursaries for Private Colleges.

Writers Take:  If you’re looking for variety, Student Hero is the safest bet. Instead of a single funding application, you may find more bursaries for private colleges you qualify for. Thus, increasing your chances of getting funding.

Varsity College Bursaries and Awards

Varsity college, now under Emeris, concludes the list of bursaries that fund private colleges in South Africa.

Varsity College provides financial support to new and current students at their institution. Bursaries and awards are limited to the college, and can’t be transferred to another. 

Their bursaries vary from funding for matriculants, athletes, students with great sporting performance, to bursaries for learners with family members at the college.

Documents Required for Varsity College Bursaries

Each bursary has various requirements, so the documents you must upload may differ. It’s best to select which bursary or award you’re applying to, and gather relevant documentation. 

2026 applications closed  on the 1st of March 2026, however, they’ll re-open in June 2026 for the next academic year (2027).

Varsity College: Bursaries and Awards.

Writers Take: Varsity College (Emeris), caters to students with different talents and backgrounds, that means your chances of financial aid will multiple. It’s an excellent choice if you’re academically strong, great in sports, or have family members at the college.

FAQs on Bursaries for Private Colleges 

• Can I get a bursary for private college? Yes, institutions like Boston City Campus, Crane International Academy, and Varsity College have internal bursaries for their students.

• Does capitec bursary fund private colleges? Yes, Capitec offers funding for students applying at private colleges.

• Are any bursaries open for 2026?There are several bursaries open for 2026, find them here: Bursaries in South Africa, and apply before the stated deadline.
• Is there a bursary for Rosebank college?
  No, unfortunately Rosebank college doesn’t have internal bursaries. However, they welcome external bursaries should you find any.
• Do private colleges have bursaries?Private colleges like Boston City Campus, Crane International Academy, and Varsity College have bursaries.

Final Thoughts on Bursaries for Private Colleges 

Bursaries for private bursaries are mostly internal and can be accessed via the institutes financial aid centre.

Unlike bursaries for public universities and colleges,  funding may be limited to just tuition fees. As such, it’s best to seek other options that’ll assist in reducing costs at a private college.

Before applying to a private college, check if they have offer bursaries, and what they normally cover.