If you are interested in joining the corporate world, a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree can open many doors. Fields under commerce include Accounting, Finance, Business Management, Economics, Auditing, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Information Systems, and Taxation.

To help South African students succeed in these fields, many organisations offer bursaries for studies. These bursaries are available for various specialisations such as Asset Management, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Risk Management, and more.

Popular Careers in Commerce and Salary Ranges (per annum)

  • Economic Analyst: R72,000 – R580,000
  • Accountant: R120,000 – R500,000
  • Marketing Manager: R122,000 – R605,000
  • Human Resources Manager: R119,000 – R587,000
  • Internal Auditor: R135,000 – R480,000
  • Financial Accountant: R182,000 – R509,000
  • Business Development Manager: R194,000 – R844,000
  • Auditing Manager: R230,000 – R602,000
  • Tax Manager: R248,000 – R925,000
  • Finance Manager: R289,000 – R758,000
  • Information Systems Audit Manager: R306,000 – R840,000
  • Financial Manager: R324,000 – R824,000

Bursary Requirements

To qualify for most commerce bursaries, you generally need to:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Have a valid ID
  • Achieve strong academic results in Mathematics, Accounting, and English
  • Show financial need
  • Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, analytical thinking, and communication skills

Fields and Bursary Categories

1. Asset Management Bursaries

Support students managing investment portfolios. Example: Limpopo Dept of Public Works Bursary.

2. Business Administration & Management Bursaries

Covers degrees like Business Science and Business Management. Example: ABSA BMI Bursary, Investec Bursary.

3. Corporate Governance Bursaries

Focus on business control and regulation. Currently, no bursaries available.

4. Economics Bursaries

Study the distribution and use of resources. Example: SARB Economics Bursary, Genesis Educational Foundation Bursary.

5. Entrepreneurship Bursaries

Support for those aiming to start and run businesses. Example: ISFAP Bursary, Toyota Tsusho Africa Bursary.

6. Fiscal and Public Policy Bursaries

Training analysts to work with financial data and budget policy. Currently, no bursaries available.

7. General Commerce Bursaries

Supports multiple commerce careers like accounting, marketing, etc. Example: Allan Gray Orbis Bursary, IDC Bursary.

8. Human Resources Bursaries

For future HR managers and specialists. Example: Capitec Bank Bursary, DRDGOLD Bursary.

9. Investment Bursaries

Support for careers in financial advising and portfolio management. Example: Stanlib Bursary, Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary.

10. Marketing Bursaries

For students studying communication, branding, and advertising. Example: Tiger Brands Bursary, MTN Bursary.

11. Purchasing & Buying Bursaries

Support for students who want to manage company procurement. Example: FMCSA Ford Bursary, W&RSETA Bursary.

12. Risk Management Bursaries

For students managing financial and operational risks. Example: ABSA BMI Bursary, Santam Bursary.

13. Sales and Retail Bursaries

Support for students in consumer goods and sales. Example: Shoprite Bursary, Truworths Bursary.

14. Transport Economics Bursaries

Study financial solutions for the transport sector. Example: Dept of Transport Bursary, Masakh’iSizwe Bursary.

Many reputable companies such as Investec, Old Mutual, and Coronation are offering full or partial funding for commerce students. If you’re ready to take the first step in your corporate journey, apply for one of the bursaries listed above.

2026 Commerce Bursaries For Studies in South Africa

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary

Investec Bursary

Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship

SARB Economics Bursary

South African Reserve Bank Bursary

Remember to check bursary deadlines and application details on their respective pages.