Studying at a university or college in South Africa can be expensive, but bursaries can help. A bursary is financial support given to students to help pay for their studies.
The best part is that you usually do not have to pay it back, as long as you meet certain conditions, this guide will introduce you to 30 bursaries available for the 2026 academic year. It will also explain who qualifies, how to apply, and how to increase your chances of getting one.
If you are still in high school, already at university, or studying at a TVET college, these bursaries can help cover costs like tuition, accommodation, books, and sometimes even living expenses.
A bursary is money given to students who need help paying for their education. Most bursaries are given based on financial need, good marks, or the course you want to study. Unlike a loan, a bursary does not have to be paid back—unless you break the rules, such as failing your subjects or not following any agreements you signed.
Bursaries are offered by government departments, companies, and organizations. Some are for students from certain backgrounds, provinces, or studying in fields like engineering, teaching, or medicine.
Documents You Need When Applying
Most bursary applications will ask for these documents:
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Your latest school or university results (e.g. Grade 11 report, Matric results, or academic transcript)
- Proof of income for your household (this could be payslips, a sworn affidavit if your parent or guardian is unemployed, or bank statements)
- A motivational letter explaining why you need the bursary and why you deserve it
- Proof that you have been accepted (or conditionally accepted) to study at a university or college
- Reference letters (only if the bursary asks for them)
If you need help writing a motivational letter, read our guide: How to Write a Motivational Letter For Bursary Applications.
Top 30 Bursaries In South Africa to Apply For In 2026
Below is a curated list of 30 bursaries available in South Africa for 2026, covering various fields and institutions, including public universities, TVET colleges, and postgraduate studies.
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
- Field: All courses at public universities and TVET colleges
- Eligibility: South African citizens from households with a combined income below R350,000 per year
- Opens: September 2025
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Details: Covers tuition, accommodation, and allowances. Learn more about NSFAS bursary vs. loan.
- Funza Lushaka Bursary
- Field: Education and teaching
- Eligibility: Students pursuing a teaching qualification, committed to teaching in public schools
- Opens: October 2025
- Website: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
- Sasol Bursary
- Field: Engineering, Science, Accounting, Information Technology
- Eligibility: Strong academic performance in relevant subjects
- Opens: February 2025
- Website: www.sasolbursaries.com
- Transnet Bursary
- Field: Engineering, Logistics, Maritime
- Eligibility: Preference for engineering-related disciplines
- Opens: May 2025
- Website: www.transnet.net
- Eskom Bursary
- Field: Electrical, Civil, Mechanical Engineering, IT
- Eligibility: South African citizens with strong technical aptitude
- Opens: June 2025
- Website: www.eskom.co.za
- Anglo American Bursary
- Field: Mining, Engineering
- Eligibility: Students pursuing mining-related qualifications
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.angloamerican.com
- Shoprite Bursary
- Field: Retail, Accounting, Supply Chain, Pharmacy
- Eligibility: Students in retail-related fields with good academic records
- Opens: March 2025
- Website: www.shopriteholdings.co.za
- Capitec Bank Bursary
- Field: Finance, Business, Information Technology
- Eligibility: Strong academic performance in relevant fields
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.capitecbank.co.za
- FNB Bursary
- Field: Finance, Economics, Computer Science
- Eligibility: Students with financial need and academic excellence
- Opens: May 2025
- Website: www.fnb.co.za
- Investec Bursary
- Field: Mathematics, Engineering, Commerce
- Eligibility: High-achieving students with leadership potential
- Opens: June 2025
- Website: www.investec.com
- Standard Bank Bursary
- Field: Banking, Financial Services, IT
- Eligibility: Students pursuing careers in finance or technology
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.standardbank.co.za
- ABSA Bursary
- Field: Accounting, Economics, Technology
- Eligibility: Financial need and strong academic results
- Opens: May 2025
- Website: www.absa.co.za
- Toyota South Africa Bursary
- Field: Engineering, Business
- Eligibility: Students in automotive-related fields
- Opens: March 2025
- Website: www.toyota.co.za
- MTN Bursary
- Field: Technology, Telecommunications
- Eligibility: Students in tech-related disciplines
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.mtn.co.za
- Vodacom Bursary
- Field: Science, Technology, Engineering
- Eligibility: Strong academic performance in STEM fields
- Opens: May 2025
- Website: www.vodacom.co.za
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Bursary
- Field: Leadership, Entrepreneurship
- Eligibility: Students with entrepreneurial potential
- Opens: March 2025
- Website: www.allangrayorbis.org
- Western Cape Government Bursary
- Field: All study fields
- Eligibility: Residents of the Western Cape
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.westerncape.gov.za
- Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary
- Field: All fields
- Eligibility: Gauteng residents with financial need
- Opens: March 2025
- Website: www.gauteng.gov.za
- KPMG Bursary
- Field: Chartered Accountancy
- Eligibility: Students pursuing CA(SA) qualification
- Opens: June 2025
- Website: www.kpmg.co.za
- PwC Bursary
- Field: Finance, Auditing
- Eligibility: Aspiring Chartered Accountants
- Opens: May 2025
- Website: www.pwc.co.za
- Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary
- Field: Engineering, Logistics
- Eligibility: Students in automotive engineering fields
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.mercedes-benz.co.za
- Department of Health Bursary
- Field: Nursing, Medical Studies
- Eligibility: Students pursuing health sciences
- Opens: March 2025
- Website: www.health.gov.za
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Bursary
- Field: Agriculture, Food Science
- Eligibility: Students in agriculture-related fields
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.dalrrd.gov.za
- Department of Education Bursary
- Field: Teaching
- Eligibility: Aspiring educators
- Opens: May 2025
- Website: www.education.gov.za
- Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary
- Field: Mining, Engineering
- Eligibility: Students in mining-related disciplines
- Opens: June 2025
- Website: www.mqa.org.za
- Murray & Roberts Bursary
- Field: Civil, Mechanical Engineering
- Eligibility: Engineering students with strong academic records
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.murrob.com
- Sanral Bursary
- Field: Civil Engineering, Road Construction
- Eligibility: Students in infrastructure-related fields
- Opens: May 2025
- Website: www.nra.co.za
- BBD Bursary
- Field: Software Development, IT
- Eligibility: Students in tech-related fields
- Opens: March 2025
- Website: www.bbd.co.za
- Telkom Bursary
- Field: Telecommunications, ICT
- Eligibility: Students in technology fields
- Opens: April 2025
- Website: www.telkom.co.za
- SITA Bursary
- Field: Government Information Technology
- Eligibility: Students in IT-related fields
- Opens: May 2025
- Website: www.sita.co.za
For a broader overview of companies offering bursaries, visit Companies in South Africa That Offer Bursaries.
When to Apply for 2026 Bursaries
Most bursary applications for the 2026 academic year will open between March and October 2025.
Some may open earlier or close later, so it is important to start your research as early as January 2025. Gets your documents ahead of time and keep track of deadlines by creating a calendar. This way, you will not miss any important opportunities.
Strategies to Improve Your Chances
To increase your chances of securing a bursary:
- Start Early: Begin researching and preparing applications in early 2025.
- Apply Widely: Submit applications to multiple bursaries to increase your chances.
- Meet Academic Standards: Ensure your grades meet or exceed the minimum requirements.
- Prepare Accurate Documents: Submit certified, error-free documents.
- Craft a Compelling Motivational Letter: Highlight your financial need, academic achievements, and career goals.
- Adhere to Deadlines: Follow all instructions and submit applications on time.
- Follow Up: Check the status of your application if you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe.
