Main Channels for Bursaries and How to Apply (2025/2026)

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Everything you need: where to search, who qualifies, documents, deadlines, and how to submit — with official sources.

South Africa’s bursary landscape spans four main lanes:

  • NSFAS for public universities and TVET colleges
  • SETA sector bursaries
  • university-administered aid
  • corporate/foundation bursaries.

Learn how to target each, prepare documents, and submit on time.

1) NSFAS (Government Aid for Public Universities & TVETs)

What it is: Government funding for eligible students at public institutions. Low-income learners may receive a bursary (non-repayable); “missing middle” students may be considered for a loan scheme.

Quick NSFAS Steps

  1. Create/verify your myNSFAS profile (valid email & cellphone).
  2. Complete the application and upload clear scans of required documents.
  3. Submit and save your reference number.
  4. Track status weekly; if rejected, use the Appeals process (usually within 30 days).

Open myNSFASRead How to Apply

2) SETA Sector Bursaries (Industry-Aligned)

SETAs fund scarce-skills studies via bursary/discretionary-grant windows. These are time-boxed calls with specific fields and caps; read each cycle’s advert carefully.

  • merSETA: bursary/discretionary grant criteria & annual plans are published on their site — check current cycle. (Start at merSETA’s Grants/Policies page.)
  • CHIETA: Discretionary Grant adverts list opening/closing dates & priorities for each cycle.
  • EWSETA: bursary/DG manuals and notices outline how to apply and required documentation.

Tip: SETA windows change each year; monitor the relevant SETA’s website and social feeds for the latest opening/closing dates.

3) University-Administered Bursaries & Aid

Most universities run their own needs/merit programmes separately from NSFAS. You usually need an admission offer/student number to access the internal funding portal.

  • Stellenbosch University (SUFO): bursaries & windows are listed on SU’s funding site (e.g., Oct–Nov cycles for prospective undergrads).
  • University of Pretoria (UP): apply via the UP student portal; windows vary by programme and year.
  • Wits: Financial Aid & Scholarships office publishes internal funds & self-service steps.

4) Corporate & Foundation Bursaries (Many via StudyTrust)

Large sponsors run career-aligned bursaries (some include work-back or vacation work). Many are administered through StudyTrust’s platform, typically opening around 1 May and closing 30 September for the following academic year.

  • StudyTrust portal: browse active programmes and apply centrally (you’ll be matched where eligible).
  • Examples: Standard Bank (via StudyTrust), Vodacom (STEM), Sasol (STEM), Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (entrepreneurship Fellowship).

Open StudyTrust Bursaries

When to Apply (Typical Windows)

  • NSFAS: window announced on the official site; 2026 applications are currently open on “How to Apply” — submit via myNSFAS.
  • StudyTrust programmes: ~1 May → 30 Sep (confirm each programme page).
  • University funding: varies by institution (e.g., SUFO windows; others run mid-year for current students).
  • SETA windows: published as Discretionary-Grant/Bursary adverts with explicit open/close dates.

Documents You’ll Usually Need

  • SA ID (and parents/guardian/spouse IDs where required)
  • Academic records (Grade 11/12; full tertiary transcript if applicable)
  • Proof of household income (payslips/IRP5/bank statements; or affidavit if unemployed)
  • Proof of admission/registration (university/TVET)
  • Special forms if applicable (e.g., NSFAS Consent, Declaration, Disability Annexure, Orphan/Vulnerable Declaration)

Step-by-Step: A Generic Bursary Application

  1. List options by lane (NSFAS, SETA, University, Corporate/Foundation) using the official pages.
  2. Gather documents & sponsor-specific forms (see list above).
  3. Apply online:
    • NSFAS → myNSFAS (keep your reference number)
    • University funding → your university’s portal (requires student number)
    • Corporate/Foundation → sponsor page or StudyTrust portal
    • SETAs → as per each SETA’s call window/instructions
  4. Track & respond (log in weekly; fix missing documents promptly).
  5. Appeal/reapply where allowed (e.g., NSFAS Appeals within 30 days).

Write a Strong Motivation

  • Be specific about your field, career path, and impact.
  • Map your academics/activities to the bursary’s priority skills (e.g., STEM for Vodacom/Sasol; finance/data for Standard Bank).
  • Highlight community/leadership experiences and readiness for work-integrated learning or vacation work.

Search Smart & Avoid Scams

  • Use official sources first: NSFAS, your university’s funding page, the relevant SETA, and confirmed corporate pages.
  • Never pay to apply; legitimate bursary applications are free on official portals.
  • Bookmark this post and your top targets; set calendar reminders for closing dates.

Final Checklist (Before You Submit)

  1. I meet this bursary’s eligibility and the closing date has not passed.
  2. My ID, results, and income proofs are ready as clear scans.
  3. I’ve completed any special forms (Consent/Declaration; disability/vulnerable where applicable).
  4. My motivation links my studies to the bursary’s skills focus.
  5. I’ve saved the application reference number and know how to track/appeal.