Find bursaries for your field and see which are open now.
Apply only on the funder's own website. Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. Dates and criteria change every year: confirm them there.
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Obligation
17 of 55 bursaries1 filter on
Open now 3
NSFAS Bursary Scheme (DHET Bursary Scheme)
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) · Official page ↗
Closing soon
Financial need
Disability
Closes 31 October 2026 (4 days left)
Covers
Full: tuition, accommodation, transport (up to R7,500/yr), living allowance (R15,000/yr), books (R5,200/yr), incidentals
For
School leavers and already at university · Any accredited qualification at a public university or TVET college
More details
Fields of study
Any accredited qualification at a public university or TVET college
Household income
Up to R350 000 a year
Citizenship
SA citizens; SASSA grant recipients also qualify
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Prospective and current students at public universities/TVET colleges
Applications
Opened 18 September 2026 · closes 31 October 2026. 2027 cycle. NSFAS gives the closing time as 31 October 2026 at 23:59 and has said there will be no extension. The Minister's launch speech on 18 September 2026 gave 18 November; NSFAS's own website and its 22 September statement give 31 October.
Aimed at
National Student Financial Aid Scheme says: “Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum”
The household income cap is R350,000 a year, or R600,000 for students with disabilities.
Varies per bursary; administers 25+ named sponsor bursaries/scholarships, described as an investment of up to roughly R500,000 per student
For
School leavers, already at university and postgraduate · Full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study, largely in critical and scarce-skills fields; varies by individual sponsor bursary
More details
Fields of study
Full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study, largely in critical and scarce-skills fields; varies by individual sponsor bursary
Marks needed
Academic potential assessed per bursary; criteria vary by sponsor
Household income
Up to R850 000 a year
Citizenship
South African citizens only
Obligation
Some bursaries (e.g. recruitment bursaries) carry a work-back obligation; varies per sponsor
Who applies
One online application considered automatically against every bursary/scholarship you qualify for
Applications
Opened 1 June 2026 · closes 31 October 2026. Most StudyTrust bursaries for 2027 closed on 30 September 2026. Extended: the AWS Skills Development Bursary to 16 October 2026, and the Lilitha Solar PV, Amandla Omoya, Letsatsi Borutho, Sibona Ilanga, Sishen Solar Facility and Perdekraal East Wind Farm community-trust bursaries (for learners from set local areas) to 31 October 2026.
StudyTrust runs bursaries for many different funders, so one application can reach several of them.
Annual scholarship (2027 framework, Table 2): Honours R180,000 at full cost of study (FCS)…
For
Postgraduate · All research disciplines; NRF's student funding calls are Honours, Master's, Doctoral and postdoctoral only
More details
Fields of study
All research disciplines; NRF's student funding calls are Honours, Master's, Doctoral and postdoctoral only
Covers
Annual scholarship (2027 framework, Table 2): Honours R180,000 at full cost of study (FCS) or R140,000 at partial cost of study (PCS); Master's R190,000 / R145,000; Doctoral R200,000 / R150,000. FCS adds a once-off R10,000 electronic study device allowance and up to R20,000 for an assistive technology device. FCS is for financially needy applicants, applicants with a disability and exceptional achievers; FCS-eligible applicants may be funded at PCS because of budget limits
Marks needed
First-time funding needs a minimum average of 65% (honours: major subjects in the final undergraduate year; master's: honours level; doctoral: master's level)
Citizenship
Honours: South African citizens and permanent residents only; master's and doctoral: other nationalities with valid passports and study permits may also apply
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Honours, Master's and Doctoral students only - undergraduates are NOT funded
Applications
Opened 7 July 2026 · closes 23 November 2026. Dates shown are for Honours (General) for the 2027 academic year, applied for on NRF Connect. Other 2027 calls: NRF-SARAO Honours 1 June to 14 August 2026; first-time Master's 1 April to 3 July 2026; first-time Doctoral closed 3 July 2026; Master's and Doctoral extension support closed 14 August 2026.
Aimed at
National Research Foundation says: “all postgraduate funding must prioritise support for appropriately qualified applicants from designated groups, viz. Black, female, and persons living with disabilities” (source)
The NRF funds Honours and postgraduate study only. There is no NRF undergraduate bursary.
Closed on 6 October 2025 · next round not yet published
Covers
Tuition fees, accommodation and meals, a book allowance and experiential training
For
School leavers and already at university · Technical: Industrial/Electrical/Electronic/Mechanical/Metallurgy/Computer/Civil/Electro-mechanical/Chemical Engineering and Mechatronics.
Satisfactory academic results at secondary/tertiary level (no minimum percentage published). Final selection also depends on an interview and medical fitness
Obligation
1 year of service per year of funding received; subjects failed must be repeated at student's own cost
Who applies
Prospective full-time undergraduates at any SA university in relevant fields
Last published cycle
Closed 6 October 2025. Last published cycle: the 2025 application form gave a closing date of 6 October 2025 for support in 2026. No form for 2027 support has been published yet.
The page still shows the 2025 application form (closing date 6 October 2025, for support in 2026); no 2027 call has been published.
Closed on 30 April 2026 · next round not yet published
Covers
Full funding (accommodation, meals, textbooks/tutoring allowance, monthly stipend) if household income <=R1m/year; needs-based funding above that
For
School leavers and already at university · Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Arts & Health Science (excl. Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry)
More details
Fields of study
Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Arts & Health Science (excl. Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry)
Marks needed
Grade 11: min 60% Pure Maths or 80% Maths Literacy; min 70% average across Grade 11 (excl. Life Orientation)
Citizenship
South African citizen
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Apply in Grade 12 using Grade 11 results; online application with certified ID and report
Last published cycle
Closed 30 April 2026.
Grade 12 applicants must be under 21 in the year of application. Deadline 30 Apr 2026 17:00 SAST; interviews Jul, selection camp Sep 2026, for 11 partner universities (the page shows UKZN, UCT, SU, UP, TSIBA, UWC, RU, Wits, UJ, UFS and NMU). The 2026 first-year university campaign was closed and nomination-based: each partner university could nominate up to 20 first-year students with a 65% average after the first semester of 2026, turning no older than 22 in 2026, and running a venture or working on a viable idea.
Scholarships for higher education in underrepresented fields; specific financial coverage amounts not published on official site
For
Fields where young black professionals are underrepresented, particularly engineering and commerce
More details
Fields of study
Fields where young black professionals are underrepresented, particularly engineering and commerce
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Only for learners from schools in Kagiso Trust's Beyers Naude Schools Development Programme; not an open application
Aimed at
Kagiso Trust says: “This programme provides scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, promoting higher education in fields with a substantial shortage of black professionals. … to support learners from rural and disadvantaged schools affiliated with Kagiso Trust's Beyers Naudé Schools Development Programme.”
No amounts, dates or public application process are published. Enquiries go to info@kagiso.co.za.
Our confidence in these details: medium. The official page publishes little.
Full funding scholarship (the Moshal Program's wording…
For
Medicine (MBChB), Pharmacy (UKZN only), Veterinary Science; Computer Science…
More details
Fields of study
Medicine (MBChB), Pharmacy (UKZN only), Veterinary Science; Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science, Information Systems, Information Technology; Engineering (Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic); Actuarial Science, Econometrics, Mathematics, Statistics; Accounting, Economics, Financial Sciences, Investment Management, Management Sciences
Covers
Full funding scholarship (the Moshal Program's wording; the page does not itemise the costs it pays), living and meal allowances, personal Program Coordinator support, professional workshops, mentoring, career guidance
Marks needed
70% minimum for English, Mathematics and Physical Science/Accounting
Household income
Up to R200 000 a year
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Online application, acceptance to a Moshal-funded institution, then in-person interview and selection
Only for UCT, Stellenbosch, UWC, Wits, UP, UKZN, UFS or UJ; degrees/universities funded subject to change at Moshal's discretion. Applications open per SA site banner.
Tuition, meals, university or university-approved accommodation, a laptop, books, education equipment, monthly data and a stipend, plus student medical aid cover where required; also a leadership programme
Marks needed
65% or higher required; June 2025 preliminary or final matric results accepted
Citizenship
Permanent citizens of South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique or Ghana, studying at a listed South African public university
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
First-year undergraduate student (aged 18-25) at a public South African university
Last published cycle
Closed 10 September 2025.
Selects 50 applicants/year via screening, psychometric assessment, shortlisting and interviews; applies through absa-bsp.fundi.co.za; 2026-intake closing date shown, next cycle not yet published.
none stated (bursary feeds into Exxaro's Professional-in-Training graduate programme and internship programme)
Who applies
Advertised Sept-Oct via university Head of Department contacts, student platforms and Exxaro's social media/website
Aimed at
Exxaro Resources says: “Every year, we select talented community members to study at formal tertiary institutions”
Details come from Exxaro's official bursary information document. No application dates or Maths mark are published. After graduating, bursars with a 4-year (NQF 8) or Honours degree join the PIT graduate programme; 3-year (NQF 7) graduates join the internship programme.
Bachelor's pass (university exemption) with at least 60% (Rating Code 5) in Mathematics, Science and English
Obligation
Must work for the Company for the full period of the bursary and undertake vacation work at the Company at the end of each year
Who applies
Prospective and current undergraduates apply on the downloadable bursary application form (e-mail it to bursaries@implats.co.za); Chemistry, Geology, Accounting and Human Resources (BCom) are funded to honours level
Last published cycle
Closed 30 September 2026. The application form says applications close on 30 September (no year given) and that late applications are not considered.
Mechanical and Electrical (heavy current) disciplines must comply with DMPR requirements. The closing date, minimum marks and the Nursing and Teaching disciplines come from the bursary application form linked on the page (pages 1-2).
Closed on 30 September 2026 · usually reopens around June
Covers
University fees, accommodation, meals, books and study materials, a laptop, a monthly stipend, and transport between home and campus 4 times a year
For
Already at university and postgraduate · Accounting, actuarial science, analytics, commerce, computer/data science…
More details
Fields of study
Accounting, actuarial science, analytics, commerce, computer/data science, economics, engineering, finance, IT, investments, maths, statistics; also agriculture, information science and technology, financial technology, and Behavioural Economics disciplines (behavioural finance, sociology, psychology, neuroscience)
Marks needed
Average of 65% and above in latest examinations; well-rounded academic performance in an eligible field
Citizenship
South African citizen
Obligation
Bursary holders must work for Standard Bank if the bank offers them a job when they graduate.
Who applies
Full-time students going into 2nd, 3rd or final year of an undergraduate degree, or postgraduate study up to Master's level. It does not fund 1st year.
Last published cycle
Opened 1 June 2026 · closed 30 September 2026. 2027 season, applied for through StudyTrust.
Administered through StudyTrust (studytrust.org.za). The 2027 season ran from 1 June to 30 September 2026 (StudyTrust, checked 29 September 2026); the next season usually opens around June.
Supplementary funding: stipend, laptop, technical equipment and wrap-around mentoring support; core tuition/accommodation comes from NSFAS or an external bursary
For
School leavers and already at university · Wide range of undergraduate disciplines at public universities or TVET colleges
More details
Fields of study
Wide range of undergraduate disciplines at public universities or TVET colleges
Household income
Up to R350 000 a year
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Selected via REAP's Post School Readiness Programme at partner rural schools; not an open public application
Aimed at
REAP says: “assists young people from low income households in marginalised rural communities in South Africa to access and succeed in post-school education and training (PSET) opportunities”
REAP wraps around NSFAS/other bursary funding rather than being the primary funder itself; supported 206 students in 2026 (120 university, 86 TVET).
Closed on 9 October 2026 · next round not yet published
Covers
not stated (full-time bursary; benefits not itemised on the page)
For
School leavers and already at university · Core/critical mining fields (60% of intake), non-core mining-related fields (30%), other disciplines (10%); varies per year
More details
Fields of study
Core/critical mining fields (60% of intake), non-core mining-related fields (30%), other disciplines (10%); varies per year
Marks needed
National Senior Certificate with 60%+ in all subjects; engineering applicants also need at least 70% in Mathematics and Physical Sciences; tertiary students must maintain 60%+ average in major subjects
Citizenship
South African citizen with valid SA identity document
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Applicants aged 18-35, from communities in and around Harmony's mining operations, applying with a brief 3-page CV
Last published cycle
Closed 9 October 2026. 2027 intake (now closed): applications were by email to Bursaryscheme@harmony.co.za with the documents listed on the official page.
Aimed at
Harmony Gold Mining Company says: “At Harmony we offer full-time bursaries to communities in an around our mining operations.”
The 2027 bursary intake closed on 9 October 2026 (official page, checked 29 September 2026). On 12 October 2026 the page says the 2027 intake is closed and "The 2028 intake will open in October 2027."
Varies by university/faculty; typically a partial or full tuition-fee award for high NSC achievers
For
School leavers and already at university · All faculties; most SA public universities award automatic or application-based merit/entrance bursaries on NSC results
More details
Fields of study
All faculties; most SA public universities award automatic or application-based merit/entrance bursaries on NSC results
Marks needed
Awarded to applicants meeting each faculty's published NSC/APS threshold; often automatic, no separate application
Citizenship
Typically restricted to South African citizens and permanent residents (varies by university)
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Automatic on admission at most universities (e.g. UCT); some require a separate application - check per institution
Aimed at
UCT, the verified example, says: “Entrance Scholarships are awarded to applicants on the basis of National Senior Certificate (NSC) achievement in open and redress pools.” Other universities set their own criteria.
Terms, thresholds and amounts vary significantly by university and faculty; verified example is UCT's Entrance Scholarship policy
Our confidence in these details: medium. The official page publishes little.
Closed schemes usually run again at about the same time each year. Tags such as “Designated groups” use each funder’s own wording: see More details for the exact criteria.
