List of SA Bursaries Still Open for 2027
Find and apply for funding opportunities curated just for you.
ACT: Arts & Culture Trust • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship 2026. Funding up to R300,000 for performing, visual, and digital arts students in South Africa.
City of Ekurhuleni • Government UPDATED
Apply for the City of Ekurhuleni Bursary 2026. Funding for Gauteng students in engineering, IT, finance, and more.
SITA (State Information Technology Agency) • Government UPDATED
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 UPDATED
Apply for the Levenstein Masters Bursary 2026 at UWC. Funding for Science, IT and Health postgraduate students. Closing date: 31 March 2026.
Tronox • Private Sector UPDATED
Tronox is offering a STEM bursary to students enrolled at any University or University of Technology in South Africa. Engineering and IT students are enc
Department of Tourism • Government UPDATED
Apply for the Department of Tourism Bursary in South Africa. Funding available for tourism, hospitality and related studies for eligible students in 2026
OMT - Oppenheimer Memorial Trust • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the OMT Postgraduate Bursary 2026. Funding is available for Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies in South Africa and abroad. Learn eligibili
South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the SAIIPL Intellectual Property Bursary 2026. Open to LLB and LLM students in South Africa with interest in IP law. Learn requirements and how
Mezzanine • Private Sector UPDATED
Learn about the Mezzanine Computer Science Bursary 2026 - eligibility, coverage, closing dates, application steps, and requirements for South African stu
Department of Employment & Labour • Government UPDATED
Apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary 2026 in South Africa. Funding for tertiary studies across multiple fields. Deadline: 31 March 2026.
South African Nursery Association (SANA) • Private Sector UPDATED
Mbuyelo Coal - Khashani Colliery • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the Mbuyelo Coal Bursary 2026 in South Africa. Funding for engineering, mining, and geology students. Closing date: 30 March 2026.
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.