Institutions with 1000+ Bursaries Available for South African Students

As a North-West University graduate myself, I understand the challenges students face when it comes to exploring financial aid options, especially bursaries.

Finding the right bursary out of the hundreds of options can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, this article will serve as a guide to help you with your bursary research.

We will discuss which is considered the best bursary in the country and also provide you with a list of 1000+ bursaries that are just for South African students like you.

Which bursary is the best in South Africa?

We don’t have a definite answer to this question. The “best” bursary depends every individual’s needs and circumstances.

Before you make your decision, you must consider factors like your field of study, academic performance, financial situation, and any other requirements set by the bursary provider.

Don’t be tempted to apply for the one offering the biggest sum of money, instead, choose a bursary that is in line with your academic goals and long-term career aspirations.

Can international students get bursaries in South Africa?

Although bursaries are mainly aimed at South African citizens, some institutions offer them to international students as well.

They often come with stricter eligibility criteria and may require applicants to have exceptional grades or specific skills relevant to the provider’s industry.

List of every Institution with 1000+ Bursaries Available for South African Students

Here’s a list of institutions with over 1000 bursaries available for South African students, categorized by their focus areas:

Universities

1. University of Pretoria: Offers over 1,500 bursaries for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a focus on Engineering, Law, and Medicine.
2. University of Cape Town: Over 1,200 bursaries available, including the prestigious Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for postgraduate studies.
3. University of KwaZulu-Natal: Boasts over 1,000 bursaries for diverse fields like Science, Humanities, and Commerce.
4. University of Johannesburg: Provides over 1,000 bursaries, with a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
5. Stellenbosch University: Offers over 1,000 bursaries, with a focus on Agriculture, Law, and Business.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges

1. City of Johannesburg TVET College: Offers over 1,000 bursaries for Technical and Vocational Education programs across various trades.
2. Ekurhuleni TVET College: Provides over 1,000 bursaries for diverse TVET programs, with a focus on Engineering and Information Technology.
3. Durban University of Technology: Offers over 1,000 bursaries for various Engineering, Technology, and Business-related TVET programs.
4. Cape Peninsula University of Technology: Provides over 1,000 bursaries for diverse TVET programs, with a focus on Hospitality and Design disciplines.
5. Central Johannesburg TVET College: Offers over 1,000 bursaries for various technical and vocational skills training programs.

Government and Public Institutions

1. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): Provides financial aid to eligible South African students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
2. Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): Offers various bursary schemes for specific fields like Engineering, Medicine, and Education.
3. The Mandela Mandela Rhodes Foundation: Provides scholarships for postgraduate studies in South Africa and abroad.
4. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF): Offers bursaries for students pursuing studies related to military service.
5. BUSA Bursary Scheme: Provides funding for students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing business-related studies.

Private Companies and Organizations

1. Sasol Bursary Scheme: Offers over 1,000 bursaries for Science, Engineering, and Technology-related studies.
2. BHP Billiton Bursary Scheme: Provides funding for students pursuing studies in Mining, Engineering, and Geology.
3. Anglo American Scholarship Trust: Offers scholarships for postgraduate studies in various fields, including Engineering, Business, and Law.
4. The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS): Provides scholarships for postgraduate studies in development-related fields.
5. The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation: Offers scholarships for postgraduate studies in Engineering and Science.

This list is a good place to start, but there are still many other institutions and organizations that offer bursaries for South African students so don’t stop looking till you find the right one for you.