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.
Department of Tourism • Government
Apply for the Department of Tourism Bursary in South Africa. Funding available for tourism, hospitality and related studies for eligible students in 2026
Department of Employment & Labour • Government
Apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary 2026 in South Africa. Funding for tertiary studies across multiple fields. Deadline: 31 March 2026.
NSFAS: National Student Financial Aid Scheme • Government
Apply for the NSFAS Bursary 2026. Get full funding for university or TVET studies including tuition, accommodation, and allowances and fulfil your dreams
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) • Government
Apply for the MISA Technical Bursary 2026/2027. Full funding for engineering and infrastructure studies in South Africa is provided to eligible students.
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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.