Government bursaries are available at both the national and provincial levels and are funded by government departments and provincial education departments. These bursaries are aimed at assisting students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue tertiary education, especially in fields critical to the country’s development.
National Government Bursaries
National departments such as:
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI)
- Department of Transport
- Department of Water and Sanitation
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
- Department of Health
- Department of Correctional Services
These often offer bursaries in fields including teaching, engineering, health sciences, public administration, agriculture, and environmental studies.
Provincial Government Bursaries
Each of South Africa’s nine provinces has its own bursary programme funded by its Provincial Government. These bursaries typically target residents of the province and aim to support students studying in priority fields aligned with provincial needs.
1. Gauteng
Gauteng offers bursaries through the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA), focusing on skills needed in the province such as engineering, health, ICT, and teaching.
2. Western Cape
The Western Cape Provincial Government bursary supports studies in areas like finance, economics, health sciences, and engineering. It aims to increase the provincial skill base in public sector areas.
3. KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and Department of Health offer bursaries in teaching, medicine, and allied health sciences.
4. Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape Department of Education provides bursaries for teaching and scarce skills areas, while the provincial health department supports medical studies.
5. Limpopo
Limpopo Provincial Government, through departments like Education and Agriculture, offers bursaries for rural development fields, teaching, and natural sciences.
6. Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga offers bursaries in environmental studies, education, engineering, and agriculture via the Department of Education and Human Settlements.
7. North West
The North West Provincial Government provides funding for students in sectors such as engineering, health, teaching, and law, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.
8. Northern Cape
Departments like Education and Roads & Public Works offer bursaries for students in engineering, teaching, and public administration.
9. Free State
The Free State Provincial Government offers bursaries primarily for studies in teaching, health sciences, and engineering through the Department of Education.
Note: Bursaries often have specific requirements such as residence in the province, proof of financial need, academic performance, and acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution.
Government Bursaries For Studies In 2026
Department of Water Sanitation Bursary