Key facts
- Status
- Applications open Closes 31 January 2027
- Provider
- Blind SA
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
Blind SA runs two rounds a year, closing on 31 January and 31 July, with payments made by 31 March and 31 August.
VerifiedBlind SA is the national organisation of blind and partially sighted South Africans, best known for its campaigns for accessible books and braille. Its bursary fund gives small awards twice a year to blind and partially sighted students, and to the children of blind parents, so that they can study alongside their sighted peers.
About the Blind SA Bursary
- Value: R8 000 for full-time study and R4 000 for part-time study.
- Fields: any field of study at an accredited tertiary institution.
- Two rounds a year, with funds paid to the institution after registration is verified.
- This is a contribution towards costs, not a full bursary, so plan for other funding too.
Blind SA Bursary eligibility requirements
- South African citizen who is blind or partially sighted, or the child of a blind or partially sighted parent who is a member in good standing of an organisation affiliated to Blind SA.
- Completed Matric or an equivalent qualification.
- First-time applicants: at least a 60% overall average in Matric. Returning recipients: passed the majority of courses in the previous year.
- Enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited tertiary institution.
How to apply for the Blind SA Bursary
- Download the student bursary application form from blindsa.org.za.
- Attach your certified most recent academic results, your final results from the previous year, certified proof of registration and your student number, a detailed course description with duration and fees, and an eye condition form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Email the application to the finance administrator, or post it to Blind SA, Private Bag X9005, Crown Mines 2025, before the round’s closing date.
Blind SA Bursary closing dates
31 January and 31 July each year, with payments by 31 March and 31 August.
Contact details
- Lindre Playandi: 011 839 1793 or 011 839 1794, finance.admin@blindsa.org.za
- Website: blindsa.org.za
Students with disabilities should also apply to NSFAS, which funds disability-related support, the Bradshaw LeRoux bursary and the Compensation Fund bursary.
FAQs
1. When does the Blind SA bursary close for 2027? +
Blind SA runs two rounds a year, closing on 31 January and 31 July. Payments to successful students are made by 31 March and 31 August. The first 2027 round should close on 31 January 2027.
2. How much is it? +
R8 000 for full-time study and R4 000 for part-time study. The award is a contribution towards costs rather than a full bursary, so you will need other funding as well.
3. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens who are blind or partially sighted, and the children of blind or partially sighted parents where the parent is a member in good standing of an organisation affiliated to Blind SA.
4. What are the academic requirements? +
First-time applicants need at least a 60% overall average in Matric. Returning recipients must have passed the majority of their courses in the previous year.
5. Which fields? +
Any field of study at an accredited tertiary institution, full-time or part-time.
6. How do I apply? +
Email the completed form to the Blind SA finance administrator with your certified most recent academic results, your final results from the previous year, certified proof of registration and student number, a detailed course description with duration and fees, and an eye condition form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You can also post it to Blind SA, Private Bag X9005, Crown Mines 2025.
Update note (checked September 2026): Blind SA’s own website does not publish a dated 2027 round. Its application form (revised November 2021) sets two yearly cut-offs, 1 February and 1 July, so confirm the current form and date with Blind SA before applying. Source: blindsa.org.za.
Checked the requirements and closing date? Apply directly with the provider.
Apply on the provider’s websitePaper applications go to:
Blind SA, Private Bag X9005, Crown Mines 2025