Main Channels for Bursaries and How to Apply (2026/2027)

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

South Africa’s bursary landscape usually falls into four main lanes:

  • NSFAS (government aid for public universities & TVET colleges)
  • SETA funding (sector bursaries and/or Discretionary Grant windows tied to scarce skills)
  • University-administered aid (financial aid, scholarships, internal bursaries)
  • Corporate & foundation bursaries

At a glance: where to apply (official starting points)

  • NSFAS: apply/track via myNSFAS (public universities & TVETs)
  • SETAs: apply via each SETA’s official adverts/portals (windows change per cycle)
  • Universities: apply via your university’s student portal / financial aid office
  • StudyTrust: one application can be considered for multiple sponsor programmes (when open)

Open myNSFAS NSFAS: How to Apply / Track StudyTrust Bursaries

When to apply (2026 vs 2027)

  • NSFAS (2026): applications are closed. If you applied, track outcomes and next steps in your myNSFAS profile.
  • NSFAS (2027): NSFAS announces the annual application window on its official “How to apply” page. Set a reminder to check it during 2026.
  • StudyTrust (typically for the next academic year): applications usually open 1 May and (in most cases) close 30 September. Always confirm on each programme page.
  • University funding: varies by institution (often tied to admission cycles and/or mid-year windows).
  • SETA windows: published as adverts with explicit opening/closing dates; they can differ per SETA and per cycle.

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

What it is

NSFAS provides financial aid for eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges. Depending on your circumstances, you may be assessed for a bursary (non-repayable) and/or for the student loan (“missing middle”) option.

Who qualifies (high-level)

  • South African citizens (and, in some cases, permanent residents — see NSFAS rules for the current cycle)
  • SASSA grant recipients generally qualify under the bursary scheme
  • Household income test: NSFAS uses income thresholds (including a higher threshold for applicants living with disabilities)
  • You must be accepted/registered for an approved programme at a public institution

Missing-middle loan option (NSFAS Student Loan)

If your household income is above the bursary threshold but still within the loan band, NSFAS publishes interim criteria for loan applications on its Student Loan page.

Where to apply / track

  • Apply, upload documents, and track status in myNSFAS
  • Always use NSFAS’s official pages for the current window, requirements, and forms

NSFAS FAQs NSFAS Student Loan (Missing Middle) NSFAS Appeals

Quick NSFAS steps

  1. Create/verify your myNSFAS profile (email + cellphone must be correct).
  2. Complete the application during the official window and upload the documents the system requests for your situation.
  3. Submit and save your reference number.
  4. Track status regularly in your portal.
  5. If rejected and eligible to appeal, submit an appeal on time via myNSFAS.

Common NSFAS notes (worth knowing)

  • NSFAS publishes and links to common forms (e.g., Consent, Declaration, Disability Annexure, Orphan/Vulnerable declarations) on its official pages.
  • NSFAS may update requirements and rules per cycle. Use the latest PDFs on the NSFAS Policies/Guidelines page.
  • Never share your NSFAS portal password with anyone.

NSFAS Policies & Guidelines (latest PDFs)

2) SETA Sector Funding (industry-aligned)

SETAs fund scarce-skills and sector priorities through bursaries and/or Discretionary Grant (DG) windows. The important point: each SETA runs its own windows with its own rules and submission platform.

How to target SETA opportunities

  • Start at the SETA’s official website and look for: “Discretionary Grants”, “Bursaries”, “Funding Windows”, “Notices/Adverts”.
  • Read the advert carefully: it will specify fields, eligibility, how to submit, and opening/closing dates.
  • Some SETAs fund employers/providers/institutions (DG model), while others also run learner-facing bursary programmes.

Examples of official SETA starting points (always confirm the latest cycle dates)

  • CHIETA: Discretionary Grant cycle adverts are published on CHIETA’s site.
  • merSETA: DG adverts and guidelines are published on merSETA’s site (often with NSDMS/portal submission instructions).
  • CETA: CETA publishes notices and also uses an online bursary portal for its bursary scheme applications.
  • EWSETA: Discretionary Grant information and windows are published on EWSETA’s site.

CHIETA DG: Example Advert merSETA DG: Example Advert (PDF) CETA Bursary Portal

Tip: SETA windows move

SETA funding windows can open/close quickly. If you’re targeting SETA funding for 2027, monitor your SETA’s website and official notices during 2026 so you don’t miss the window.

3) University-administered bursaries & financial aid

Most universities run internal funding separately from NSFAS (and often on their own timelines). In many cases, you need an admission offer/student number to access the relevant funding portal.

Where to start

  • Search your university site for: “Financial Aid”, “Student Funding”, “Scholarships”, “Bursaries and Loans”.
  • Apply via your student portal/self-service where available.
  • Check deadlines carefully: internal funding can be earlier than you expect.

Examples of official university funding pages

4) Corporate & Foundation bursaries (many via StudyTrust)

Many large sponsors offer career-aligned bursaries (sometimes with work-back or vacation work requirements). A number of these are administered through StudyTrust, where a single application may be considered for multiple programmes (when open).

StudyTrust application window (typical)

  • Applications generally open on 1 May and in most cases close on 30 September (confirm each programme page).
  • StudyTrust warns applicants not to pay anyone to apply and not to use “intermediaries”.

Browse StudyTrust Bursaries StudyTrust Application Notes

Documents you’ll usually need (prepare once, reuse everywhere)

  • SA ID (and parent/guardian/spouse IDs where required)
  • Academic records (Gr 11/12 results; full tertiary transcript if applicable)
  • Proof of household income (payslips/IRP5/bank statements; or affidavit where required)
  • Proof of admission/registration (university/TVET)
  • Proof of residence (commonly required by some funders/portals)
  • Special forms where applicable (e.g., disability/vulnerable-child declarations, sponsor-specific forms)

Practical upload tips

  • Scan clearly (no blur/cut-off corners), keep files small, and label them sensibly (e.g., “ID.pdf”, “Transcript.pdf”).
  • Use the portal’s required format (often PDF/JPG) and follow size limits.

Step-by-step: a generic bursary application process

  1. List your targets by lane: NSFAS, SETA(s), university funding, corporate/foundations.
  2. Check eligibility + closing dates on the official page for each opportunity.
  3. Prepare documents and any sponsor-specific forms.
  4. Apply online via the correct channel:
    • NSFAS → myNSFAS
    • University funding → your university portal/self-service
    • Corporate/Foundation → sponsor portal or StudyTrust
    • SETAs → as per the SETA’s advert/system
  5. Track and respond: log in regularly and fix missing docs promptly.
  6. Appeal / reapply where the programme allows it (and only via the official platform).

Write a strong motivation (when required)

  • Be specific about your field, career path, and why the funder’s priorities match your goals.
  • Show evidence: grades, projects, leadership/community work, resilience, and commitment.
  • If the bursary includes workplace exposure, explain how you’re ready for it (and what you want to learn).

Search smart & avoid scams

  • Use official sources first: NSFAS, your university funding page, the relevant SETA, and confirmed corporate pages.
  • Never pay to apply. Legitimate bursary applications are free on official portals.
  • Never share passwords/OTPs. If someone asks for your login details, it’s a red flag.

Final checklist (before you submit)

  • I meet the eligibility criteria and the closing date has not passed.
  • My ID, results, and income proofs are ready as clear, readable uploads.
  • I completed any special forms required for my situation (disability/vulnerable/etc.).
  • My motivation (if required) matches the programme’s skills/sector focus.
  • I saved my reference number and I know where/how to track outcomes.

Official NSFAS service page (Government): gov.za – Apply for NSFAS