List of SA Bursaries Still Open for 2027
Find and apply for funding opportunities curated just for you.
Google • Private Sector
Apply for the Google PhD Fellowship 2026 for computer science. Fully funded with stipend, tuition support, and more.
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.
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation • Private Sector
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Progamme for 2027 is now open for applications. It focuses on leadership & entrepreneurship while also funding your unive
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.
World Maritime University • Government
Apply for the TETA WMU Scholarship 2026. Fully funded MSc in Maritime Affairs in Sweden for South African students.
National Research Foundation with Department of Innovation and Science • Private Sector
Get funding for Masters and PhD studies in South Africa with the DSI-NRF Human Development Bursary 2027.
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
Mandela Rhodes Foundation: MRF • Private Sector
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027 offers full funding for Honours or Master’s studies in South Africa, including leadership training for high-potential
Fulbright South Africa • Bursary
Apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027–2028. Fully funded Master’s, PhD and research scholarships for South African students to study in th
Southern Platinum Sphere • Private Sector
Apply for the Southern Sphere Platinum Bursary 2026. Funding up to R200,000 for mining, engineering, IT, science and related studies for eligible student
Browse by Study Field
Students can explore government bursaries, SETA bursaries, corporate funding programmes, and private sector sponsorships across multiple disciplines. We also list field-specific funding such as law bursaries, engineering bursaries, accounting and finance bursaries, and education bursaries for future teachers. If you are looking for teaching bursaries or bursaries for private colleges, our category structure allows you to filter opportunities quickly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions South Africans who are students, graduates, undergraduates and scholars are asking everyday.
In South Africa, bursaries are usually awarded to students who meet specific academic and financial requirements. Most bursaries require you to have passed matric or be currently studying at a recognised university or college. Some bursaries are based on financial need, while others focus on academic performance, study field, or province. Each bursary has its own eligibility criteria, so it is important to read the requirements carefully before applying.
The requirements depend on the bursary provider. However, most SA bursaries ask for:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your latest academic results
- Proof of registration or acceptance at an institution
- Proof of household income (for need-based bursaries)
- A completed bursary application form
Some providers may also require a motivational letter or proof of residence.
Several South African banks offer bursaries, especially for fields like finance, accounting, IT, and business studies. These may include banks such as Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, and First National Bank (FNB). Bank bursaries often focus on students with strong academic results and may include work-back agreements after graduation.
In most cases, bursary money does not need to be paid back. However, some bursaries have a work-back agreement. This means you agree to work for the company or organisation for a certain period after completing your studies. If you do not meet the agreement, you may be required to repay the funding.
The two common types of bursaries in South Africa are:
- Full bursaries – These cover tuition, books, accommodation, and sometimes a monthly allowance.
- Partial bursaries – These cover only part of the study costs, usually tuition fees.
A bursary is often awarded based on financial need, academic performance, or a specific study field.
A scholarship is usually awarded based mainly on academic excellence, leadership, or sporting achievement. Scholarships do not normally require financial need to qualify.
There is no limit to how many bursaries you can apply for. It is recommended to apply for multiple bursaries to increase your chances of receiving funding.
Make sure you meet the requirements for each bursary before applying.
It depends on the bursary. Some bursaries pay tuition fees directly to the institution and provide a monthly allowance for living expenses.
Others only cover tuition and do not provide monthly payments.
Some bursaries come with conditions such as:
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Maintaining a certain academic average
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Studying in a specific field
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Working for the sponsor after graduation
If you do not meet these conditions, the bursary may be withdrawn.
Most bursaries last for one academic year but can be renewed if you meet the required academic performance.
Some bursaries fund students for the full duration of their qualification, provided they pass each year.