Fields of Study That You Can Get Bursaries For in South Africa
When it comes to applying for bursaries for the first time without any help, it can be quite challenging.
It gets even harder if you’re not sure whether your chosen field of study will even be considered worthy by your bursary provider.
This article contains a full list of the major career fields and their related tertiary programs that bursary providers normally look for, as well as answers to some other related questions.
Fields of Study That You Can Get Bursaries For in South Africa
The good news is that there are bursary opportunities for almost every field. Below is a list of some major areas where bursaries are readily available:
1.Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
South Africa recognizes how important STEM fields are in national development.
Numerous bursaries are available for students pursuing studies in engineering, computer science, medicine, mathematics, and various scientific disciplines.
Examples include the Sasol Bursary Scheme for Engineering and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship for Science.
2. Business and Management
Aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate leaders can find support through bursaries in business, finance, accounting, and marketing.
The ABSA Bursary Programme and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship are just a few examples.
3. Education and Teaching
Investing in future educators is always important. Bursaries like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the GetSmarter Bursary for Postgraduate Education in Education offer valuable financial assistance.
4. Healthcare and Medicine
With a growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, bursaries in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health fields are readily available.
The South African Medical Association Bursary Fund and the Mpilo Health Bursary Programme are prominent examples.
5. Arts, Culture, and Design
South Africa’s lively culture is kept strong through bursaries in music, visual arts, drama, film, and design.
The National Arts Council Bursary and the Standard Bank Arts Apprenticeship Programme are noteworthy examples.
6. Agriculture and Food Science
Ensuring food security and driving rural development are priorities reflected in bursaries for agriculture, animal science, and food technology.
The Agricultural Research Council Bursary Scheme and the Grain SA Bursary Scheme are prime examples.
7. Social Sciences and Humanities
Studying about the complex nature of human society and culture is supported by bursaries in fields like psychology, sociology, history, and political science.
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for Social Sciences and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship are just a few examples.
Are there bursaries for private colleges in South Africa?
Yes. While public universities usually enjoy more bursary opportunities, some private colleges also have their own funding programs or partner with external organizations to offer financial assistance to their students.
It’s important to research these colleges and bursary platforms to find opportunities that match your chosen field and institution.
How to ensure you qualify for bursaries in South Africa?
While there are many fields available for funding, securing a bursary requires meeting specific criteria. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Meet the academic requirements: Most bursaries have minimum academic performance criteria, often requiring a good GPA or high matric scores.
- Demonstrate financial need: Bursaries are typically awarded to students facing financial hardship. Provide evidence of your financial situation.
- Choose the right field of study: Align your bursary application with fields prioritized by the provider, often those that are seen as critical for national development like engineering, education, finance, etc.
- Develop a strong application: Highlight your academic achievements, career aspirations, and any relevant skills or experiences.
- Meet deadlines and follow instructions: Be cautious about application deadlines and follow all the provider’s requirements strictly.
Bursaries are a valuable resource, but they’re not the only way to finance your education so feel free to explore other options like government loans, scholarships, and part-time work to create a strong financial plan for your studies.