List of Science Bursaries for 2027 in SA
Browse science bursaries in South Africa for 2026. Find funding for biological sciences, environmental science, chemistry, physics, mathematics and related qualifications.
Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC/OPDT) • Private Sector
Postgraduate funding for oilseeds research in South Africa. OAC/OPDT Scholarship 2027 supports Masters and PhD students in agriculture.
Sasol • Private Sector
Apply for the Sasol Bursary 2027. Funding is available for South African students in STEM fields. Postgraduates are welcome.
Trans Hex Group • Private Sector
Apply for the Trans Hex Bursary 2026 in South Africa. Find out about eligibility, requirements, documents, closing date, and how to apply.
Australia Awards • Government
Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship 2026. Fully funded postgraduate study in Australia for South African students.
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World Maritime University • Government
Apply for the TETA WMU Scholarship 2026. Fully funded MSc in Maritime Affairs in Sweden for South African students.
University of the Western Cape (UWC) • Government
Apply for the Levenstein Masters Bursary 2026 at UWC. Funding for Science, IT and Health postgraduate students. Closing date: 31 March 2026.
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Science Bursaries in South Africa: Most Common Things to Know
Covering everything from Biology and Chemistry to Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Geology, Biotechnology and Agricultural Science. Because science graduates contribute to research, healthcare, agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing and environmental management, funding opportunities come from a wide range of organisations rather than a single industry.
One thing worth knowing is that science bursaries are often linked to areas where South Africa needs more research and technical expertise. This is why organisations such as the National Research Foundation (NRF), CSIR, SANBI, Mintek, ARC and various government departments regularly fund science students.
Many private companies also support science qualifications when they relate directly to their industries. For example, mining companies may fund Geology students, while agricultural organisations often support Agricultural Science and Plant Science studies.
These bursaries are also different from some professional fields because postgraduate funding becomes much more common. While undergraduate students can access a variety of bursaries, a large portion of science funding is directed towards Honours, Master's and PhD students who are conducting research.
In many cases, research proposals, academic performance and supervisor support become important factors during selection.
Students often make the mistake of searching only for "science bursaries." A better approach is to search within your specific field. A Chemistry student, for example, may find opportunities that would never appear under a general science bursary search. The same applies to Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Physics, Mathematics, Microbiology and other specialised disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions South Africans who are students, graduates, undergraduates and scholars are asking everyday.
Fields such as Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Geology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics regularly receive funding because they support industries that are important to South Africa's economy and research sector.
Organisations such as the NRF and CSIR invest in science students because they help develop future researchers, scientists and innovators. Many research projects depend on skilled graduates who can contribute to scientific advancement and problem-solving.
Most science bursaries are aimed at university students because many science careers require university qualifications. However, some specialised programmes may support technical and vocational training related to scientific fields.
Yes. Mining companies frequently fund Geology, Geoscience, Environmental Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry and related qualifications. These fields play an important role in exploration, resource management and mining operations.
Absolutely. Mathematics is considered a scarce and valuable skill across many industries. Students studying Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics and related disciplines can find funding from research institutions, financial organisations, technology companies and government programmes.
A large amount of scientific work happens at postgraduate level. Research institutions, universities and government agencies often fund Honours, Master's and PhD students because advanced research contributes to scientific knowledge, innovation and national development goals.
Some of the most recognised funders include the National Research Foundation (NRF), CSIR, Agricultural Research Council (ARC), SANBI, Mintek, various government departments, universities, mining companies, agricultural organisations and research-focused foundations. These organisations support both undergraduate and postgraduate science students across a wide range of disciplines.