Applying for bursaries is stressful, but the process is simpler than it looks. Each entry below links to the official source and includes today's status so you can focus on the ones currently open.
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
ClosedThe biggest state-funded bursary in SA. Covers public universities and public TVET colleges, not private institutions.
- Who it's for
SA citizens and permanent residents at public universities and TVETs.
- What it covers
- Full tuition, accommodation, transport, learning materials and a living allowance.
- Income threshold
Household income R350 000 or less per year. R600 000 for applicants with disabilities.
- Cycle
Annual. 2026 applications closed 15 November 2025. 2027 cycle usually opens September 2026.
How to apply: Apply online at nsfas.org.za with your ID, latest school report and household-income proof.
Open official site →Funza Lushaka (Teaching)
ClosedGovernment bursary for aspiring teachers. You commit to teach at a public school for the same number of years you receive funding.
- Who it's for
BEd and PGCE students under 30, at public SA universities.
- What it covers
- Full tuition, accommodation, meals, books and an allowance.
- Cycle
Applications opened 7 October 2025. Closes 24 January 2026 for new applicants, 30 November 2025 for returning.
How to apply: Apply at www.eservices.gov.za with your acceptance letter and ID.
Open official site →Sasol Mainstream Bursary
Open nowCorporate bursary feeding Sasol's engineering and science graduate pipeline. Open to the public at most SA universities.
- Who it's for
Full-time students working towards approved Engineering (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, Mechanical, Mining) or Science degrees. Degrees only, no diplomas.
- What it covers
- Comprehensive package: tuition plus developmental support.
- Cycle
For the 2027 academic year: applications open 1 April 2026, close 17 May 2026.
How to apply: Apply at sasolbursaries.com during the open window.
Open official site →Thuthuka Bursary (SAICA)
Open nowSAICA's flagship initiative to grow the pipeline of Chartered Accountants in SA, with a special focus on formerly disadvantaged African students.
- Who it's for
African SA citizens accepted to a SAICA-accredited BCom Accounting degree. Minimum 60% in Pure Maths in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
- What it covers
- Full tuition, textbooks, meals, accommodation, plus academic support, mentoring and work-readiness training.
- Income threshold
Combined household income no more than R350 000 per year.
- Cycle
For the 2027 academic year: applications close 31 August 2026.
How to apply: Apply online at thuthukabursaryfund.co.za.
Open official site →Motsepe Foundation Bursary
RollingPrivate philanthropic bursary from the Motsepe family foundation. Focused on STEM-adjacent fields.
- Who it's for
Matric or post-matric students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds with a 70% average in core subjects. STEM fields including Agriculture, Business, Engineering, IT, Mathematics, Science, Medical Studies.
- What it covers
- Tuition, accommodation and a stipend for textbooks and study materials.
- Cycle
Rolling annual cycle. Check the foundation site for the current round's deadline.
How to apply: Submit the online application form, then email supporting documents to bursaries@motsepefoundation.org if shortlisted.
Open official site →Eskom University Bursary
ClosedEskom's engineering talent pipeline. Awards around **138 bursaries** per year across university and UoT studies.
- Who it's for
Conditional acceptance to an accredited public SA university for Engineering (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Surveying). Must not hold another bursary.
- What it covers
- Tuition, accommodation, meals and a living allowance.
- Cycle
2026 applications closed 14 November 2025. 2027 cycle usually opens August 2026.
How to apply: Apply via the Eskom careers portal during the open window.
Open official site →Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
Open nowPrestigious fellowship for entrepreneurially-minded students. Full funding plus mentoring, business mentors and a development programme through university.
- Who it's for
Grade 12 learners entering university. Min 70% average (excl LO), min 60% Pure Maths or 80% Maths Lit. Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Health Science at selected universities (Wits, UJ, UCT, NMU, Rhodes, UWC, Stellenbosch, UP, UFS, UKZN, TSiBA).
- What it covers
- Full tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, tutoring allowance and a monthly stipend.
- Income threshold
Full funding for household income R1 000 000 or below. Needs-based funding above that.
- Cycle
For 2027 intake: applications close 30 April 2026 at 17:00. Interviews July, selection camp September.
How to apply: Apply online at allangrayorbis.org before 30 April 2026.
Open official site →Standard Bank Bursary (via StudyTrust)
ClosedCorporate bursary from Standard Bank covering commerce, engineering and science. Administered through StudyTrust's central portal.
- Who it's for
SA students entering 2nd year or above at a public university. Min 65% average. Fields: Commerce (Economics, Finance, Investment), Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial), Agriculture, Mathematics, Science.
- What it covers
- University fees and accommodation (private accommodation subject to limits).
- Cycle
2026 applications closed 30 September 2025. 2027 cycle usually opens mid-year via StudyTrust.
How to apply: Apply through studytrust.org.za during the open window.
Open official site →Transnet Technical Bursary
ClosedParastatal bursary from Transnet for engineering and technical studies. Includes vacation work and possible employment after graduation.
- Who it's for
SA citizens under 25. Studying BEng or BSc Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Heavy Current, Industrial, Electronic, Metallurgy). Min Level 5 (60%) in English and relevant subjects.
- What it covers
- Tuition, accommodation and a living allowance.
- Cycle
2026 applications closed 6 October 2025. 2027 cycle usually opens August 2026.
How to apply: Apply via the Transnet careers portal during the open window.
Open official site →StudyTrust (multi-bursary portal)
ClosedAn educational trust and public benefit organisation that runs a central bursary application platform. You submit one application and StudyTrust matches you to all qualifying bursaries in their portfolio.
- Who it's for
SA students at public universities, UoTs, TVET and agricultural colleges studying critical and scarce-skills programmes. Financial need assessed per sponsor.
- What it covers
- Varies by sponsor. Typically full tuition, accommodation, books and mentoring support.
- Cycle
Application portal opens 1 June each year. Most bursaries close 30 September.
How to apply: Apply once at studytrust.org.za. Your profile is matched to every qualifying bursary in their portfolio.
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