Nedbank’s External Bursary Programme exists to close South Africa’s scarce-skills gaps, and the bank has narrowed that goal to two areas: science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and the green economy. If you plan an undergraduate or Honours qualification in one of those fields and your household cannot afford the fees, this is the Nedbank programme to watch.
Nedbank closed its 2027 round
Nedbank closed applications for the 2027 academic year on 31 August 2026, and its careers page now confirms that the 2027 intake is closed. Nedbank says funding applications for the 2028 academic year will open in 2027, without giving a date yet. Grade 11 learners reading this now are the group that round is meant for.
STEM and green-economy study only
Nedbank funds full-time study at a South African public university or university of technology. Your qualification must sit in STEM or in green-economy development. Nedbank describes green-economy skills as work that cuts carbon emissions and pollution, improves energy and resource efficiency, protects natural capital and supports human well-being and social equity. Environmental science, renewable energy and similar programmes fit that description, as do the engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.
Nedbank’s academic and financial tests
- Nedbank only considers South African citizens.
- You need an average of 65% in the year you apply, and 65% in the subjects linked to the degree you want. This applies whether you apply from Grade 12 or from university.
- Nedbank rejects anyone who wrote Mathematical Literacy in matric. You need pure Mathematics.
- You need admission to a public university or university of technology for the qualification.
- Your household income must show a real financial need.
- A parent or guardian must give consent to your application.
Paperwork that proves financial need
Nedbank disqualifies incomplete applications, so the documents deserve as much attention as the form. Nedbank asks for:
- a certified copy of your South African ID
- your most recent academic results (the exact results depend on whether you are in Grade 12, have finished school or are already studying)
- Nedbank’s financial check affidavit, which the bank provides as a template on its careers page
- your latest three months of bank statements
- your parents’ or guardians’ supporting documents, such as IDs, payslips and other proof of income
From online form to the Nedbank Educational Trust
- You submit online, through the link Nedbank publishes when the round opens. Nedbank ignores applications sent any other way.
- Nedbank screens every application against the criteria and draws up a shortlist.
- Shortlisted applicants write psychometric and other assessments and attend a virtual interview.
- The Nedbank Educational Trust makes the final award decisions.
- Nedbank says it gives every applicant feedback on the outcome.
Check Nedbank’s graduates and bursaries page during 2027 for the 2028 application link and the affidavit template. The Nedbank Bursary Team answers questions at Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za.
Other STEM funders to look at now
With Nedbank closed for 2027, look at funders whose fields overlap. Renewable-energy companies such as Enel support green-economy study, and power utility Eskom funds engineering students. Our engineering bursaries list has many more.
Can I get the Nedbank bursary if I took Maths Literacy?
No. Nedbank states that applicants who completed Grade 12 or the senior certificate with Mathematical Literacy do not qualify.
Does Nedbank fund Honours?
Yes. The External Bursary Programme covers undergraduate and Honours qualifications in STEM and green-economy fields.