ExploreAI Academy Bursary
ExploreAI Academy is a South African-based data science and artificial intelligence training institution that offers full-time and part-time certified programmes in Data Science and Data Engineering.
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
The ExploreAI Academy Bursary is designed to support deserving South African applicants who are keen to pursue a career in these high-demand fields by reducing the tuition cost barrier.
ExploreAI Academy Bursary Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Demonstrate an interest in studying either Data Science or Data Engineering at ExploreAI Academy (either full-time or part-time) as defined by the current bursary call.
- Be able to commit to the study programme: if full-time, the requirement may be approximately 50 hours/week; if part-time, approximately 15 hours/week.
- As the programmes are delivered online (or with remote components), the applicant must have access to a computer, a stable internet connection, and a quiet workspace.
- The applicant must not be an employee of ExploreAI Academy, or related to an employee or affiliated in any way with ExploreAI.
What does the ExploreAI Academy Bursary cover?
- The bursary is valued at up to R 70,000 for each award (in recent cycles) and covers tuition fees for the selected programme (Data Science or Data Engineering) at ExploreAI Academy.
- It appears to cover tuition only and not necessarily other expenses such as accommodation, travel or equipment (unless otherwise specified).
- The bursary supports online delivery: as the course is largely remote or has remote components, the award enables access to training from anywhere in South Africa, provided the technical requirements are met.
ExploreAI Academy Bursary Application Process
- Visit the ExploreAI Academy website or the bursary-call link to access the current application form.
- Complete the application with personal details, proof of South African citizenship, age verification, motivation for choosing Data Science or Data Engineering, and confirmation that you meet the remote-study infrastructure requirements (computer, internet, workspace).
- Submit the required supporting documents as specified in the call (these may include ID copy, matric certificate or equivalent proof of qualification, proof of access to internet/device, etc).
- Ensure submission before the closing date and follow any instructions about notification of winners or declaration forms.
- If shortlisted, await communication from ExploreAI Academy regarding selection. Winners may need to sign a declaration confirming their commitment and compliance with the bursary terms.
ExploreAI Academy Bursary Closing Date
In previous years, the closing date was 9 January at 23:59 for that year’s cycle.
For the 2026 application period, the exact closing date has not yet been confirmed at the time of this writing.
Applicants should monitor the official ExploreAI Academy website and bursary announcements for the 2026 closing date.
ExploreAI Academy Bursary Contact Details
- Website: Visit ExploreAI Academy at explore.ai for the bursary programme and application form.
- Email enquiries: admissions@explore.ai
As the programme is largely online/remote, applicants can apply from across South Africa provided they meet eligibility and infrastructure requirements.
FAQs
1. What is the ExploreAI Academy Bursary?
It is a tuition-funding award offered by ExploreAI Academy for South African citizens who wish to study Data Science or Data Engineering, aimed at helping reduce cost-barriers for emerging tech careers.
2. Who can apply for the bursary?
Applicants must be South African citizens, at least 18 years old, intending to study Data Science or Data Engineering at ExploreAI Academy, have access to a computer/internet workspace, and meet the remote-study commitment. They must also not be employees or affiliated to ExploreAI.
3. Which fields of study does this bursary support?
It supports two main tracks: Data Science (machine learning, data visualization, Python) and Data Engineering (big data, SQL, Python, AWS, Apache Spark) at ExploreAI Academy.
4. What does the bursary cover?
The bursary covers tuition fees (up to approx. R70,000) for the selected programme. It does not clearly guarantee coverage of accommodation, travel or other living costs unless specified.
5. What is the closing date?
For recent cycles the closing date was 9 January at 23:59. For the 2026 intake you must check the official call for the exact date, as it has not yet been publicly confirmed.
6. What documents do I need to submit?
Typically you will need a certified copy of your ID (South African citizen), proof of age (≥18), evidence of your interest in Data Science/Data Engineering, confirmation that you have required remote-study infrastructure, and any application form or motivation letter required by ExploreAI.
7. Is prior work experience required?
No explicit prior work experience is required in the publicly-available information. The focus is on interest, commitment and suitability for the chosen track. However applicants should meet the programme’s academic prerequisites and have the infrastructure to study remotely.
8. Can I apply if I already have another bursary?
The publicly-available guidelines do not clearly forbid holding another bursary. But since only a limited number (e.g., three) of awards are given, applicants should disclose all other funding and ensure they meet any conflict of interest rules.
9. Is the award renewable?
The award covers a specific programme (Data Science or Data Engineering) and a specific cohort. It is not clearly described as renewable for multiple years. Applicants should check the terms in the official bursary contract.
10. Where can I find the application form?
The application form is accessed via ExploreAI Academy’s website or the bursary call link; instructions for submission (email or portal) are provided in the call document.
🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist
Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.
📥 Download Checklist (PDF)