UKZN has published a notice for the Dell Bursary Program 2026, inviting eligible undergraduate students to submit applications via their campus Financial Aid office.
At a glance
- Who it’s for: Undergraduate students applying via their UKZN Financial Aid office (the notice is hosted on the UKZN Notice System).
- Fields supported: The UKZN notice lists IT, Marketing, Finance, and BCom General; the attached Dell application form notes a preference for Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, and Marketing.
- What it covers: The application form asks you to provide a breakdown for study costs (e.g., registration, tuition, books, residence, meals, travel). The final funded items and amounts are determined through Dell’s selection process and the contractual agreement.
- Means test: The application form states the total combined household income should not exceed R450 000 per annum.
- Key dates: The application form states a closing date of 31 January 2026. (The UKZN notice lists 06 February 2026 — submit by the earlier date unless UKZN Financial Aid confirms otherwise.)
- Service obligation: No formal work-back is stated on the form; however, Dell notes it may request an internship programme after completion of studies (details provided upon acceptance).
Who’s offering this?
This bursary opportunity is presented as the Dell South Africa bursary programme, distributed to students via the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) notice system and administered through the university’s Financial Aid offices for submission and shortlisting.
What’s on offer
- The Dell application form indicates funding is paid directly to the educational institution on behalf of the student.
- The form requires applicants to list expected study costs (registration, tuition, books, residence, meals, travelling and “other” with proof), which suggests these categories are considered during assessment.
- Successful recipients are required to sign a contractual agreement.
Eligibility checklist
- You are an undergraduate student (the form states only undergraduate students are eligible).
- You are applying in a relevant field (see “Fields supported” above).
- Your combined household income is within the stated threshold (≤ R450 000 per annum).
- You do not already hold a scholarship/bursary from another company or organisation (as stated in the form).
Documents to prepare
The form includes a checklist. Examples of documents referenced include:
- Certified copy of South African ID document or passport.
- A recent photograph.
- Certified copy of your latest examination results and (when available) your Matric certificate.
- Proof of acceptance to the educational institution.
- Evidence supporting cost items you list (e.g., official fee information for tuition/residence, and schedules for meals/travel where applicable).
- Proof of household income (e.g., payslips, pension slips, affidavits for unemployment, or affidavits/financial statements for informal income), as applicable.
Closing date
- Closing date (per the Dell application form): 31 January 2026
- Important note: The UKZN notice lists 06 February 2026, but the attached application form states 31 January 2026. To avoid missing out, submit by 31 January 2026 unless your UKZN Financial Aid office confirms a later internal deadline.
How selection and communication work
- According to the UKZN notice, the university screens applications and compiles a shortlist.
- Dell then reviews shortlisted applications, may request additional documents, and may invite shortlisted students for a telephonic interview.
- If approved, students receive a bursary award letter and MOU; unsuccessful applicants receive regret letters.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the later date from the notice and missing the earlier deadline on the application form.
- Submitting an incomplete form or missing checklist items (incomplete applications are not considered).
- Leaving out income proof or providing unclear/uncertified copies where certification is required.
- Applying while already funded by another bursary/scholarship (the form states these applications will not be considered).
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Open the UKZN notice and download the Dell Bursary Application Form 2026.
- Complete the form fully (the form states it must be completed in all respects).
- Prepare and attach all supporting documents listed in the checklist.
- Submit the original application (the form notes it must be delivered and not faxed) to your UKZN Financial Aid Advisor / Financial Aid office before 31 January 2026.