The science field plays a critical role in solving real-world challenges from food security and climate change to technological innovation and disease control.
South African students with a passion for research, discovery, and innovation can pursue a variety of science-related qualifications through available bursary opportunities. Below is a breakdown of key scientific disciplines where bursaries are offered.
Aviation, Air Traffic and Pilot Studies
Bursaries in this field support students training to become commercial pilots, aviation technicians, or air traffic controllers. These programmes are often intense and expensive, making financial support essential.
Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science combines mathematics, statistics, and finance to assess risk and uncertainty. It is a high-demand profession in insurance, banking, and investment sectors.
Agriculture and Agricultural-Related Studies
Agricultural bursaries support studies in agronomy, agricultural economics, farm management, and sustainable agriculture, all vital for food production and rural development.
Analytical Chemistry and General Chemistry
Chemistry students are trained in lab analysis, research, and chemical safety. They can work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and food production.
Animal Science
This discipline focuses on the biology of farm animals, breeding, genetics, and animal nutrition. Careers include animal health, research, and production management.
Anthropology and Archaeology
Anthropology explores human societies and cultures, while archaeology studies past civilizations through excavation. These fields contribute to heritage, museums, and academic research.
Biology and Biological Science
These studies involve the structure, function, and evolution of living organisms. Graduates often work in research, conservation, and biotechnology.
Biomedical Science
Biomedical professionals focus on diagnosing and understanding disease at a molecular and cellular level. This field supports healthcare through lab work and research.
Botany and Plant Studies
Botanists study plant life, helping in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental science.
Earth Science and Earth Observation
Earth scientists explore the physical makeup of the Earth. This includes satellite monitoring and geospatial data analysis used in weather, mining, and disaster planning.
Econometrics
This field applies statistical methods to economic data. Econometricians support policy-making, finance, and economic forecasting.
Environmental Science
Environmental scientists study ecosystems, pollution, climate change, and sustainability. Careers include environmental consulting, research, and conservation.
Farming
Farming studies focus on crop and livestock production, soil science, and farm management. This is essential for rural development and food security.
Food Science and Food Technology
These programmes prepare students to develop, process, and improve food products for safety and quality.
Forestry
Forestry students are trained in the management, conservation, and sustainable use of forests.
Genetics
Genetics is a growing field focusing on DNA, heredity, and genetic diseases. It plays a role in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture.
General Science
General Science bursaries are ideal for students still exploring their specialization within the broader science landscape.
Geography and Geographic Studies
This field examines spatial relationships, environmental changes, and human geography. It supports careers in planning, mapping, and resource management.
Geo-Related Studies (Geomatics, Geohydrology, Geochemistry, Geo-informatics)
These disciplines involve the analysis of Earth’s structure and resources. They contribute to mining, mapping, water resource management, and geospatial technology.
Geology
Geologists study the Earth’s structure, processes, and materials, playing a key role in mining, oil exploration, and natural disaster prevention.
Grain and Crop Studies
Focuses on plant science and crop production, vital for commercial and subsistence farming.
Horticulture
Horticulturists study the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
Hydrology and Geohydrology
Hydrologists examine the distribution, movement, and quality of water. Careers are in environmental protection, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Marine Biology, Oceanography, Maritime and Related Studies
Marine scientists explore ocean ecosystems, fishery management, and ocean climate systems. Maritime studies also cover navigation and marine engineering.
Mathematics Studies
This includes:
- Applied Mathematics – real-world problem-solving
- Business Mathematics – financial and actuarial applications
- Financial Mathematics – banking and investments
- Mathematical Statistics – data-driven research and forecasting
Material Science
Material scientists study the properties of materials to develop new products in manufacturing, energy, and construction industries.
Microbiology
Microbiologists investigate microscopic organisms and their effects on humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
Natural Science
This field encompasses the physical world, combining physics, chemistry, and biology to provide a foundational scientific understanding.
Physics
Physics bursaries support studies in mechanics, optics, energy, and quantum systems. Graduates work in research, aerospace, and electronics.
Soil Science
Soil scientists evaluate soil properties to improve farming, construction, and environmental restoration.
Statistics and Statistical Science
Statisticians collect, analyse, and interpret data to inform decisions in government, healthcare, and business.
Technology
Students in this field develop and implement technical solutions to modern problems, often integrating with engineering and computing.
Veterinary and Related Studies
Veterinary bursaries support students training to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in animals, as well as promoting animal welfare and food safety.
Water, Waste and Sanitation
This area covers the sustainable use and treatment of water, waste disposal, and sanitation systems—essential for health and infrastructure development.
Weather and Climate Studies
Meteorologists and climatologists study atmospheric conditions to improve weather forecasting and understand climate change impacts.
Zoology, Entomology and Nematology
These fields study animals, insects, and microscopic worms. Careers span conservation, pest control, and academic research.
2026 Bursaries For Science Related Studies In South Africa
Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa Bursaries