List of Government Bursaries Open for 2026
Find the latest government bursaries in South Africa for 2027. Apply for undergraduate and postgraduate funding from government departments, municipalities, SETAs and public institutions.
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DTPW) • Government
Masakh’iSizwe bursary 2027 for engineering and built environment students. Covers full costs with work-back contract,
Students Application Centre • Government
Find out how to apply for SAC bursary funding in South Africa. Open to students seeking financial support for tertiary studies across various fields.
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) • Government
Explore Thailand Scholarships 2026 for South African students. Study overseas with partial funding for postgraduate programmes in various fields.
South African Medical Research Council • Government
Apply for the SAMRC Medical Research Bursary 2026. Funding for postgraduate medical and health science studies in South Africa. Closing date: 30 April 20
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University of the Western Cape (UWC) • Government
Funding for female Social Work postgraduate students now open for the Erika Theron Trust Scholarship 2026 at UWC. Apply before 30 April 2026.
University of the Western Cape (UWC) • Government
UWC Financial Aid Assistance 2026 applications are now open. Check eligibility, requirements, documents, and how to apply at UWC.
Australia Awards • Government
Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship 2026. Fully funded postgraduate study in Australia for South African students.
World Maritime University • Government
Apply for the TETA WMU Scholarship 2026. Fully funded MSc in Maritime Affairs in Sweden for South African students.
SACAA: South Afrcan Civil Aviation Authority • Government
The SACAA Aviation Bursary 2026 offers South African students the opportunity to study aviation in China. Applicants must have Mathematics and Physical S
City of Ekurhuleni • Government
Apply for the City of Ekurhuleni Bursary 2026. Funding for Gauteng students in engineering, IT, finance, and more.
SITA (State Information Technology Agency) • Government
The SITA Bursary Programme is accepting applications for 2026. The bursary will be awarded to seccond-year students studying within the Information Commu
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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Understanding Government Bursaries in South Africa
Government funded bursaries are among the most sought-after funding opportunities in South Africa because they are often designed to address skills shortages and support students in priority sectors. These bursaries are usually offered by national departments, provincial governments, municipalities, public entities, and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
One of the biggest advantages of government bursaries is that they often cover more than just tuition fees. Depending on the bursary provider, students may receive funding for accommodation, study materials, meals, and other education-related expenses.
Many also focus on fields that are important to South Africa's economic development, such as engineering, teaching, healthcare, agriculture, science, and public administration.
Students looking for undergraduate bursaries and postgraduate bursaries should regularly check government funding opportunities, as many programmes open and close at different times throughout the year. Some bursaries require recipients to work for the sponsoring department after graduation, while others focus purely on supporting students financially during their studies.
When applying, it is important to read the requirements carefully. Government bursaries often have strict eligibility criteria relating to citizenship, academic performance, field of study, and household income. Applying early and submitting complete documents can significantly improve your chances of being considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions South Africans who are students, graduates, undergraduates and scholars are asking everyday.
A government bursary is a funding programme offered by a government department, municipality, public entity, or SETA to help students pay for their studies.
Requirements differ between bursaries, but most government bursaries are available to South African citizens who meet the academic requirements and are studying in an approved field.
Many government bursaries cover tuition fees, while some also pay for accommodation, books, meals, transport, and other study-related expenses.
Yes. Many departments, research institutions, and SETAs offer postgraduate bursaries for Honours, Master's, and PhD studies.
SETA bursaries are funded by Sector Education and Training Authorities. They are usually linked to industries experiencing skills shortages and may support both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Most government bursaries do not need to be repaid if students meet all bursary conditions. However, some may require graduates to complete a work-back period after finishing their studies.
Fields such as engineering, teaching, healthcare, information technology, agriculture, accounting, and science often receive significant government funding due to national skills demand.