The Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary 2027 is open for applications. This bursary supports well-rounded students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing, or planning to pursue, commerce-related undergraduate study in 2027.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Coronation Fund Managers, administered via Excel@Uni / Aura AMS
Opportunity type: Commerce-related undergraduate bursary
Who it’s for: South African citizens with strong academics, leadership potential and financial need
Study level: Bachelor’s degree or Honours-level NQF 7 route; Masters and PhD do not qualify
Fields: Commerce, Finance, Data Analysis / IT, Computer Science, Software / Computer Engineering and related commerce-linked degrees
Closing date: 31 August 2026 at 12 midday
Last verified: 10 July 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a current 2027 cycle update. The Coronation application portal confirms that applications are currently open and that the bursary is allocated for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary includes a work-back obligation. If Coronation offers employment after graduation, bursars may be required to work back for each year of funding received, or refund bursary benefits plus interest if the conditions are not met.
About the sponsor
Coronation Fund Managers is an independent asset management company founded in 1993 and headquartered in Cape Town. Its Exceptional Student Bursary Programme is designed to identify previously disadvantaged learners with academic potential who want to study commerce at recognised South African universities.
Sponsor/entity link: Coronation – Developing Future Talent
What it covers
Coronation describes the bursary as full support for well-rounded individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The sponsor page states that the programme pays for education, equipment, travel and accommodation, and also provides coaching, mentoring, tutorial support, professional development and vacation-work preparation. Final funded items are confirmed in the bursary award or pledge letter.
Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be pursuing an undergraduate commerce-related degree
- May be a 2026 Matric learner, a gap-year learner after Matric in 2025, or a full-time tertiary student in 2026
- Qualification must be a Bachelor’s degree or Honours route; N4/N5/N6, Higher Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Masters and Doctoral students do not qualify
- Grade 12 applicants must have a Bachelor’s pass with a minimum average of 75%, including Mathematics, not Maths Literacy
- Tertiary applicants must have an academic average of at least 70% for the latest full academic years
- Preference is given to students in Data Analysis / IT, Commerce, Finance, Computer Science and Software / Computer Engineering streams
- Applicants should demonstrate character, leadership potential and altruism
Documents to prepare
- Certified copy of valid South African ID
- One to two-page motivation statement
- Letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to character or academic performance
- CV, maximum two pages
- Certified parent/guardian ID documents or death certificates where applicable
- Proof of household income, SASSA documents, payslips, business registration documents or affidavits where applicable
- NSFAS funding confirmation or affidavit if never funded by NSFAS
- Other bursary/funding confirmation or affidavit if never funded by another award
- Grade 11 and Grade 12 reports for Matric or gap-year applicants
- Academic transcripts, proof of registration and fee statements for current tertiary students
Closing date
31 August 2026 at 12 midday.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a qualification level that the portal excludes
- Applying with Maths Literacy instead of Mathematics
- Leaving out the recommendation letter or motivation statement
- Uploading documents that are not certified or are older than three months
- Ignoring the work-back obligation and renewal conditions
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against Coronation’s sponsor-owned “Developing Future Talent” page and the current Coronation Aura AMS application portal, including the 2027 application status, closing date, eligibility criteria, funded study level and required-document list.
How to apply
- Open the Coronation bursary portal.
- Select 2027 Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary.
- Read the bursary conditions and work-back terms.
- Complete the online application and upload all required documents.
- Submit before 12 midday on the closing date.