AstraZeneca Bursary 2026 – STEM Funding for Final-Year Students

AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative medicines.

The company is committed to improving the quality of life of people around the world.

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, AstraZeneca offers bursaries to deserving South African students.

About AstraZeneca Bursary

AstraZeneca plc is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, UK. 

It focuses on scientific innovation to develop life-changing medicines and contributes to academic progress through its bursary and scholarship initiatives in South Africa.

Fields of Study Funded

The bursary supports final-year undergraduate or Honours students in science-related fields, specifically:

• Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics
• Medical Science, Physics
  Funding has historically been available to students at the University of Johannesburg and University of the Witwatersrand

Benefits for Recipients

Recipients receive comprehensive financial support covering:

• Registration, tuition, exam fees
• Prescribed textbooks, meals, and accommodation
  Applications from previous cycles indicated these benefits were part of bursary packages.

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants must meet all of the following:

1. South African citizen
2. Final-year undergraduate or Honours student
3. Enrolled in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Medical Science, or Physics
4. Studying at UJ or Wits
5. From previously marginalized backgrounds and under the age of 30.

How to Apply

Applications are made via the Fundi bursary portal:

1. Visit: https://bsp.fundi.co.za
2. Register and create an account
3. Complete the application form and upload documents
4. Submit before the deadline (e.g. 15 January)

Required Documents

Prepare and upload:

1. Certified South African ID document
2. Certified Matric certificate
3. Full tertiary academic record on institution letterhead
4. Proof of university registration (on official letterhead)
5. Current fees statement (official)
6. Motivational letter (max 500 words)
7. Proof of family income (payslips or affidavit)

Closing Date

The exact 2026 closing date has not yet been released. In past cycles, the deadline was 15 January.

Only applications submitted before the confirmed deadline will be considered.

Contact Details

For assistance or inquiries:

• Email: [email protected]
• Tel: +27 (0)11 797 6000 (Bryanston, Johannesburg)