South African students pursuing law degrees in 2025/2026 can access over 80 bursaries and scholarships that cover tuition, books, accommodation, and living costs. These opportunities are offered by municipalities, government departments, law firms, corporates, and trusts.
Law bursaries are competitive, but they provide financial relief and open pathways to mentorship, clerkships, and employment in the legal sector. If you’re planning to study law, this guide lists the top bursaries you can apply for in 2025/2026.
Law Bursaries in South Africa 2025/2026
Law bursaries target students entering LLB or postgraduate studies in law, as well as related fields like public policy, governance, and human rights. Sponsors often prioritize applicants with strong academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need.
In 2024, thousands of South African students received law funding, and sponsors are expanding their offerings in 2025/2026 to support future legal professionals.
Eligibility Criteria for Law Bursaries 2025/2026
Most bursaries include the following requirements:
- Citizenship: South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Academic Results: At least 60–70% in Matric (English and relevant subjects) or consistent university grades.
- Financial Need: Household income below R350,000–R600,000 annually.
- Enrollment: Proof of full-time study at a public university or university of technology.
- Other Factors: Leadership, community service, or involvement in student governance may improve chances.
Always review each bursary’s specific rules before applying.
Top 80+ Law Bursaries for 2025/2026: Full List
| # | Bursary / Scholarship Name |
| 1 | Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary |
| 2 | Baker Hughes Bursary |
| 3 | Bheki Mlangeni Memorial Scholarship |
| 4 | Black Management Forum (BMF) Bursary |
| 5 | Bowmans Bursary |
| 6 | Brand South Africa Bursary |
| 7 | Bridgestone Bursary |
| 8 | Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary |
| 9 | Calvin and Family Group (CFG) Bursary |
| 10 | Canon Collins Trust and University of London Scholarships for Distance Learning |
| 11 | Canon Collins Trust Joel Joffe Scholarship |
| 12 | Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship |
| 13 | Canon Collins Sol Plaatje Scholarship |
| 14 | Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Bursary |
| 15 | City of Cape Town Bursary |
| 16 | Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Bursary |
| 17 | Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) Bursary |
| 18 | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary |
| 19 | Dept of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC) Bursary |
| 20 | Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) Bursary |
| 21 | Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary |
| 22 | Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary |
| 23 | EP Bradlow Bursary at Stellenbosch University |
| 24 | Fasken Martineau/ Bell Dewar Bursary |
| 25 | FirstRand Foundation Trust Bursary |
| 26 | Foskor Bursary |
| 27 | Gallagher Foundation Scholarship |
| 28 | Gama Attorneys Bursary |
| 29 | Gauteng Dept of Roads and Transport Bursary |
| 30 | Gauteng Provincial Treasury Bursary |
| 31 | Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) Bursary |
| 32 | Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary |
| 33 | Hessequa Local Municipality Bursary |
| 34 | HKA Bursary |
| 35 | Hollywood Foundation Bursary |
| 36 | Imperial Stellenbosch University Bursary |
| 37 | Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary |
| 38 | Investec Bursary |
| 39 | INSETA Bursary |
| 40 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary |
| 41 | Joe Morolong Assmang Bursary |
| 42 | Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme |
| 43 | KAS-SAIIA Scholarship |
| 44 | KwaDukuza Municipality Bursary |
| 45 | KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport Bursary |
| 46 | Land Bank Bursary |
| 47 | Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary |
| 48 | LegalWise Bursary |
| 49 | Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Bursary |
| 50 | Mastercard Foundation Scholarship |
| 51 | Megchem Bursary |
| 52 | Mercedes-Benz Bursary |
| 53 | Mitsubishi Power Africa Bursary |
| 54 | Moses Kotane Institute Bursary |
| 55 | Mpumalanga Attorneys Council Bursary |
| 56 | Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary |
| 57 | NESP Scholarship |
| 58 | North West Provincial Government Bursaries |
| 59 | Norton Rose Fulbright Bursary |
| 60 | NUMSA Bursary |
| 61 | Oasis Bursary |
| 62 | Pernod Ricard Bursary |
| 63 | Pretune SIM Card Bursary |
| 64 | Prince Albert Municipality Bursary |
| 65 | Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary |
| 66 | Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) |
| 67 | Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary |
| 68 | Roche Diagnostics Bursary |
| 69 | Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary |
| 70 | Road Traffic Infringement Agency Bursary |
| 71 | RSM Education Trust Bursary |
| 72 | Santam Bursary |
| 73 | SASSETA Bursary |
| 74 | SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary |
| 75 | South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) Bursary |
| 76 | South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) Bursary |
| 77 | South African Reserve Bank Bursary |
| 78 | Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Bursary |
| 79 | Talksure Bursary |
| 80 | TCTA (Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority) Bursary |
| 81 | The Paul Mthimunye Bursary Fund |
| 82 | Tim Mills Memorial Bursary |
| 83 | TOTAL Bursary |
| 84 | Toyota Tsusho Africa Bursary |
| 85 | Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary |
| 86 | UWC/ INSETA Bursary |
| 87 | VKB Group Bursary |
| 88 | Webber Wentzel Scholarship |
How to Prepare for Law Bursary Applications
Follow these steps to improve your chances:
- Research Carefully: Shortlist 5–10 bursaries that best align with your academic record and career path.
- Prepare Documents: Certified ID, latest transcripts, proof of household income, motivational essay, and proof of admission.
- Apply Early: Don’t wait for closing dates. Submit ahead of deadlines to avoid system errors.
- Tailor Your Motivation: Highlight your interest in law, justice, and community development.
- Stay Updated: Some bursaries require interviews or additional assessments—be ready.
From BursaryForms to Our Readers
Always confirm the requirements and official information directly from the bursary provider before sending your application. This helps you avoid scams and ensures your documents go to the correct platform.
BursaryForms will continue updating this page with official bursary application links as they open. Keep checking back regularly so you don’t miss your opportunity.
