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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Aimed at
Obligation
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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.
Achieved NSC levels 5, 6 and 7 in Mathematics, Physical Science and English; excellent academic results
Household income
Up to R1 000 000 a year
Citizenship
South African citizen
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Grade 12 learners or current university students (1st-4th year, Honours, Masters) in eligible fields
Last published cycle
Opened 3 November 2025 · closed 28 February 2026.
Aimed at
Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd says: “The bursaries will be awarded to learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who intend to study full time in the engineering and science fields of study.” (source)
2026 intake. Web page says applications open 3 Nov 2025-26 Feb 2026; application PDF states closing 28 Feb 2026 (used here). Income cap is combined gross annual parent/guardian income.
CSIR Bursary Programme
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) · Official page ↗
Closed
Work-back
Designated groups
Women
Disability
Previously disadvantaged
Closed on 15 September 2026 · next round not yet published
Covers
For full-time study: registration and tuition fees, books, accommodation…
For
School leavers, already at university and postgraduate · 2027 undergraduate areas: Electronic, Computer, Aeronautical…
More details
Fields of study
2027 undergraduate areas: Electronic, Computer, Aeronautical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Rock Mapping, IT, Geology, Oceanography; CSIR-Sasol Foundation: Mechatronic, Computer, Electronic, Chemical, Industrial and System Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Data Science and others. Honours, master's and doctoral areas are listed separately
Covers
For full-time study: registration and tuition fees, books, accommodation, living allowances and a once-off laptop allowance (master's and doctoral bursaries: registration and tuition fees, living allowances and a once-off laptop allowance), plus academic support, career guidance, personal support and structured vacation work
Marks needed
Undergraduates are funded through the CSIR-Sasol Foundation bursary: Grade 12 Level 6 in Mathematics and Physical Sciences and Level 5 in English; university students need a 65% average with no failed modules. Honours, master's and doctoral bursaries (CSIR Bursary Programme guidelines): an average of 65% and above, and applicants must be below the age of 35.
Citizenship
Unemployed South African citizens
Obligation
Bursars must work at the CSIR after graduating for as many years as they were funded.
Who applies
Matriculants and undergraduates at a public university (CSIR-Sasol Foundation bursary). The main CSIR Bursary Programme's guidelines cover Honours, Master's and doctoral study (applicants must be below the age of 35), though its 2027 page also lists undergraduate areas.
Last published cycle
Closed 15 September 2026.
Aimed at
The CSIR says its bursary programme “aims to attract and increase the participation of women, black and disabled people in science, engineering and technology”. Its 2026 bursary guidelines add: “Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds/NSFAS holders.” (source)
The call for 2027 closed on 15 September 2026; check the page for the next intake. Shortlisted applicants have a virtual interview.
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.
Motsepe Foundation Higher Education Bursary (STEAM Scholarships)
Closed on 16 October 2026 · next round not yet published
Covers
Non-repayable bursary.
For
School leavers and already at university · 2027 call: Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting…
More details
Fields of study
2027 call: Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Maths and Humanities (Music and LLB only); the online form's faculty list is Accounting, Engineering, Health Sciences, Information Technology, Humanities (Law & Music) and Science
Covers
Non-repayable bursary. The 2027 call lists registration and tuition fees, university-accredited accommodation fees, books and stationery (including a laptop), a meal allowance, a tutor allowance and mental wellness support; the foundation's Higher Education page also describes a monthly cash and card allowance and data
Marks needed
An average pass mark of over 70%, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Matric 2026 learners and 1st- or 2nd-year university students from the 26 districts the foundation lists; apply online (pre-screening first, then a student profile and document upload)
Last published cycle
Closed 16 October 2026. 2027 bursaries: applications close on 16 October 2026; no opening date is given.
The FAQ says the initiative works with selected schools in 26 underserved districts and selects learners on academic deservingness and financial need (see /faqs page). The foundation also offers the Martha Rose Scholarship, awarded to promising nursing and psychology students; how to apply is not published.
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.
Registration and tuition fees up to 100%; prescribed books up to 50%
For
School leavers and already at university · BCom Taxation, Accounting or Supply Chain Management; BPharm; MBChB…
More details
Fields of study
BCom Taxation, Accounting or Supply Chain Management; BPharm; MBChB; BSc Chemistry, Microbiology or Pharmacology (Regulatory Affairs); BSc Computer Science & IT; Bachelor of Data Science; BEng, at the institutions listed on the page
Citizenship
South African citizens
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
See Aspen's Careers > Bursary Applications page for current openings; apply online once accepted at a listed institution, with a certified ID, acceptance letter, fee quotation and parents' payslips; no dates published
Awards are decided each year by Aspen. The page lists the eligible institutions but no closing date.
Our confidence in these details: low. The official page publishes little.
not stated (the official announcement lists no benefits, and Eskom's bursary page was unavailable when checked)
For
Fields aligned with Eskom's strategic priorities; described as supporting 'engineers, scientists, and innovators' for the energy sector
More details
Fields of study
Fields aligned with Eskom's strategic priorities; described as supporting 'engineers, scientists, and innovators' for the energy sector
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
A 2027 intake is not confirmed on Eskom's site as of 2026-10-04 (200 bursaries were awarded for the 2026 FY, announced Feb 2026); apply via Eskom's official careers channels
Eskom's bursary page was unavailable when we checked, but this official announcement confirms the programme is running for 2026.
Our confidence in these details: medium. The official page publishes little.
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).
Anglo American / Kumba Iron Ore Graduate and Bursary Programme
Anglo American (Kumba Iron Ore business unit) · Official page ↗
Financial need
No dates on the official page
Covers
Financial assistance to individuals in need, and support for practical experience required for mining-related subjects (specific benefits not itemised on page)
For
School leavers and already at university · Mining, Engineering, Process, Geosciences and Finance-related fields relevant to the mining industry
More details
Fields of study
Mining, Engineering, Process, Geosciences and Finance-related fields relevant to the mining industry
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
Grade 12 learners or students studying towards a SA degree/B.Eng Tech; apply per business unit
The official page appears out of date: its application windows are for 2018 and it says 'No bursaries available for 2018' for one unit. No 2026 or 2027 bursary call was found on Kumba's site, so check directly that the scheme is still recruiting. Some listed business units have changed since the Valterra Platinum demerger.
Comprehensive package including financial and developmental support throughout the study period (tuition, and other study costs per Sasol's package)
For
School leavers, already at university and postgraduate · Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, Mechanical, Mining Engineering; Chemistry; Geology; Data Science; Metallurgy (B.Eng/B.Sc)
Mainstream undergraduate bursary: 70-79% or more in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and English at 60% (First Additional Language) or Home Language, or 50% (Level 4) for English Second Additional Language. Applicants must be below the age of 30 at the time of the bursary application. University students must keep up their results. Honours students applying for a Masters bursary apply with their 3rd-year results and Masters students applying for a PhD bursary with their Honours results; undergraduate and Honours students must have passed all modules. B.Eng.Tech Mine Surveying (University of Johannesburg only): Level 5 (60-69%) in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Citizenship
South African citizens
Obligation
Workback and/or payback obligation after graduation; potential placement on Sasol Graduate Development Programme
Who applies
Grade 12 learners and current undergraduates applying online via sasolbursaries.com; Mainstream also funds MSc, MEng and PhD studies in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, with core research areas that also include Cyber Security and Data Science (Honours students apply for a Masters bursary, Masters students for a PhD bursary)
Aimed at
Some of Sasol's bursaries are restricted. Sasol says: “STEM / Non-STEM bursaries are reserved only for qualifying children of Sasol employees, Khanyisa/Inzalo shareholders or candidates from Sasol fence-line communities.”
These are the Mainstream bursary criteria. Sasol Foundation bursaries (household income up to R800,000, South African citizens by birth) are reserved for children of Sasol employees, Khanyisa/Inzalo shareholders and Sasol fence-line communities; Foundation applicants must not be older than 25 at the time of application and first-year applicants must have completed matric within a year (or be completing it); university students applying for 2nd, 3rd or 4th year need an average of 60% for all modules. Applications were closed when we checked in September 2026. Technical Maths and Maths Literacy are not accepted.
Our confidence in these details: medium. The official page publishes little.
Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursaries
South African Sugar Association (SASA) - SITFE · Official page ↗
Employees or local communities
No dates on the official page
Covers
Bursary does not have to be repaid; covers advertised fields of study (amount not stated)
For
School leavers and already at university · Chemical/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Science, Agriculture, or any field for children of sugar cane farmers
More details
Fields of study
Chemical/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Science, Agriculture, or any field for children of sugar cane farmers
Citizenship
not stated
Obligation
none stated - bursary does not need to be repaid
Who applies
Apply directly to SITFE for the fields currently being advertised
Aimed at
South African Sugar Association says: “aimed at assisting dependants of people associated with the sugar industry”
Targets students in/dependants of the sugar industry in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga sugarcane growing areas
Our confidence in these details: medium. The official page publishes little.
Valterra Platinum Bursary Programme
Valterra Platinum (formerly Anglo American Platinum) · Official page ↗
Need considered
Work-back
Employees or local communities
No dates on the official page
Covers
Tuition fees, accommodation (private or university residence), meals/living allowance, prescribed textbooks, and a laptop for qualifying students
For
School leavers and already at university · Mining, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; Metallurgy; Geosciences; Mechatronics; Electronic Engineering (fields vary year to year)
More details
Fields of study
Mining, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; Metallurgy; Geosciences; Mechatronics; Electronic Engineering (fields vary year to year)
Marks needed
Applicants need strong academic performance (65% average or above); bursary holders must keep an average above 65% to remain in the programme
Citizenship
South African citizen
Obligation
Work-back period equal to the duration of the bursary funding; mandatory vacation work at operations during university holidays
Who applies
SA citizens studying/accepted for a mining-related degree; apply online, applications open annually around mid-year
Aimed at
Valterra Platinum says: “In line with our commitment to supporting the communities in which we operate, bursary opportunities are prioritised for learners from the provinces where we have mining operations.”
Anglo American Platinum demerged from Anglo American and rebranded as Valterra Platinum in 2025; this is its current official bursary page. Applicants may not hold another full bursary elsewhere.
No application dates on the official bursary page; bursaries are advertised under the vacancies section of the Sibanye-Stillwater website.
Covers
Not published
For
School leavers and already at university · BSc Mining, Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical and Chemical Engineering; BSc Geology; Finance; Survey
More details
Fields of study
BSc Mining, Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical and Chemical Engineering; BSc Geology; Finance; Survey
Marks needed
Proof of academic results for grade 11 and progress in grade 12, or a grade 12 certificate with acceptable symbols or tertiary results; acceptance by the university for the degree course
Citizenship
South African citizens
Obligation
none stated
Who applies
South African citizens under or turning 21 during their first year of study (23 for second year), studying or intending to study full-time towards a bachelor's degree at a recognised South African university
Last published cycle
No application dates on the official bursary page; bursaries are advertised under the vacancies section of the Sibanye-Stillwater website.
Age limits apply. The scheme aims to provide the company with graduates who wish to make their career there, but the page states no formal work-back term or what the bursary pays for.
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.
