Latest Primary School Bursaries and Scholarships Available to Students in South Africa

We are all aware that good education is the best key for opening doors to opportunities and securing a brighter future.

But for many South African families, affording quality primary education can be a major challenge.

Thankfully though, primary school bursaries and scholarships are available to shoulder some, if not all, of the financial burdens.

This article will tell you all you need to know about these funding options.

What are Primary School Bursaries?

Primary school bursaries and scholarships are financial aids given out to support students throughout their primary school education, typically from Grade 1 to Grade 7.

These awards can cover various expenses, including:

1. Fully or partially covering tuition costs, making high-quality education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
2. Providing essential learning materials like textbooks and stationery to ensure students are well-equipped for their lessons.
3. Catering for uniforms and extracurricular activities.
4. In some cases, bursaries may even cover the basic living expenses for students from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds.

Primary School Bursaries and Scholarships Available to Students in South Africa

There are many different options when it comes to primary school bursaries and scholarships in South Africa. Here are some of the best options:

1. National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP): Provides bursaries to children from extremely poor families attending NSNP-designated schools.
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme: Offers financial support to academically talented students pursuing studies in education, with the commitment to teach in public schools after graduation.
3. Provincial bursary schemes: Various provinces offer bursaries through their education departments, targeting learners from disadvantaged communities.
4. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Bursary Programme: Supports academically gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds with school fees and educational resources.
5. Standard Bank’s Bursary Programme: Offers bursaries for primary school students from low-income families, focusing on academic excellence and leadership potential.
6. Sasol Inzalo Foundation: Provides bursaries for talented learners in STEM fields, encouraging early interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

What grade is best to apply for bursaries or scholarships?

There’s no exact answer to this particular question. While some bursaries are available from Grade 1, others target specific grades like Grade 4 or 5.

However, experts say that it is always best to apply in grade 6 or less because the competition is lower and the requirements are always less demanding.

Early application is always important so make sure to research all suitable bursaries and prepare your application materials in advance to increase your chances of success.