Latest Bursaries

Discover the latest Bursaries available. Stay informed about the latest Bursary listings to find the best options suited for your field of study and educational needs.

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Looking for a bursary? This site has been helping students over the past decade, in this pursuit. It provides the necessary information and a curated repository of resources that explains how bursaries work in South Africa, where to find the latest opportunities, who qualifies, and how to apply — with verified links to the main funders and programmes. For a constantly updated list of active bursaries, use our curated repository here on Bursaries-SouthAfrica.co.za (bookmark this page for new posts daily).

What Is a Bursary?

A bursary is financial assistance for study at a public university or TVET college. It can be need-based (e.g., NSFAS/DHET bursary) or merit/field-based (corporates, professional bodies, SETAs). Some bursaries include a work-back/service obligation (you agree to work for the funder for a set period); others do not.

• The government’s DHET/NSFAS scheme is the primary public bursary for low-income students.
• Corporate and professional bursaries usually target specific fields (e.g., engineering, teaching, accounting, ICT).

The Current Bursary Environment (Who Funds What)

1) Government/DHET via NSFAS (Public Universities & TVETs)

Means-tested DHET bursary administered by NSFAS. General income cap: R350,000 household income (R600,000 for students with disabilities). Some SASSA recipients meet financial eligibility automatically. Apply via the NSFAS portal.
Link: NSFAS: Eligibility & Apply

2) Teaching: Funza Lushaka

Multi-year bursary to promote teaching (BEd/PGCE priority subjects). 2026 applications opened 7 Oct 2025 via e-Services. Read the official guidance and apply online.
Links: Apply via e-Services | Funza Lushaka Information

3) Accounting (CAs): SAICA Thuthuka Bursary

Full-package bursary for students on the CA(SA) pathway (BCom Accounting), with academic support structures. Apply via SAICA/Thuthuka.
Links: Thuthuka Bursary Fund | SAICA

4) SETA & Skills-Scarcity Bursaries

Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) fund studies in scarce/critical skills through various programmes. Use the DHET SETA list to find your sector’s official site and application route.
Link: DHET – SETA Links (directory)

5) Major Corporate/Industry Funders (Examples)

• IDC External Bursary: Typically opens 1 June – 30 September for the next academic year. IDC Bursaries
• Vodacom Merit Bursary (STEM): Tuition, accommodation (with caps), textbooks, meals; 1st–3rd year STEM. Vodacom Bursary Programme
• Anglo American / Kumba: Engineering, geosciences, finance, etc. Kumba – Graduates & Bursaries
• Eskom: Engineering-focused bursaries (watch Careers/News for intakes). Eskom
• South African Reserve Bank (SARB): External bursary for economics/finance-aligned studies. SARB

Tip: We track these and hundreds more on this site with verified links and closing dates. Browse our latest listings: Bursaries-SouthAfrica.co.za.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility varies by funder, but typically includes:

• Citizenship: South African citizen or permanent resident (especially for NSFAS).
• Financial need (for need-based schemes like NSFAS) or merit/field fit (for corporate/SETA/professional bursaries).
• Academic performance meeting programme minimums (e.g., strong Maths/Science for many STEM bursaries; priority subjects for teaching).

What Do Bursaries Usually Cover?

Depending on the scheme: tuition, registration, accommodation (res or capped private), textbooks, meals, and sometimes transport/stipends. Comprehensive packages are common in NSFAS/DHET and major corporate merit bursaries (always read the T&Cs and service obligations).

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify your pathway
   • NSFAS/DHET if you study at a public university/TVET and meet income criteria. Apply at NSFAS
   • Field-specific bursaries: Funza Lushaka (Teaching), Thuthuka (Accounting), SETAs/Corporate programmes
2. Create your account on the official portal (or use the funder’s “Apply” link).
3. Prepare documents (certified where required): SA ID, matric results/latest academic record, household income proof/SASSA proof (if applicable), proof of application/registration, programme-specific forms.
4. Submit early and track your application (most portals allow status checks).

Documents Checklist (Typical)

• SA ID (yours; parents/guardians if required)
• Matric certificate / latest academic results
• Proof of household income (payslips/affidavits/SASSA) – for need-based schemes
• Proof of application/acceptance at a public university/TVET (for NSFAS)
• Any programme-specific forms or priority subject confirmations

When Do Bursaries Open/Close?

There isn’t one national window. Many large programmes open mid-year to spring for the following academic year. Examples:

• IDC: typically 1 June – 30 September (for the next year).
• Funza Lushaka (2026): opened 7 Oct 2025 (watch the portal for deadlines).
• Corporates/SETAs: vary by sector; always check the official pages linked above or our latest listings.

Avoid Scams (Important)

• Apply only via official sites/portals (NSFAS, government e-Services, company domains).
• Never pay for a bursary application form or “placement”.
• Be wary of social-media DMs promising guaranteed funding — verify on official websites.

Quick Links (Official)

• NSFAS (DHET bursary) – Eligibility & Apply
• Funza Lushaka (Teachers) | Apply via e-Services
• SAICA Thuthuka (CAs)
• DHET – SETA Links
• IDC External Bursary
• Vodacom Bursary (STEM)
• Anglo American/Kumba Bursaries
• Eskom – Careers/News
• South African Reserve Bank (SARB) – Bursaries

FAQs

Is a bursary the same as a loan?
No. Some bursaries include a work-back obligation (you “repay” with service), while NSFAS/DHET is a public bursary with its own rules. Always read the contract terms.

Can I use NSFAS at a private college?
No — NSFAS funds public universities and public TVET colleges only. Private-institution funding usually comes from corporate/professional bursaries or private finance.

Do bursaries cover accommodation and meals?
Often yes (sometimes with caps and conditions). Check the specific bursary’s list of covered costs.

Start Here (Action Plan)

1. Confirm your pathway (NSFAS, teaching, accounting, sector/field).
2. Open the official application from the links above.
3. Prepare and upload documents (see checklist).
4. Apply early and monitor status.
5. Subscribe to updates on Bursaries-SouthAfrica.co.za so you don’t miss new postings and closing dates.