Key facts
- Status
- Check with the provider
- Provider
- REAP
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
No 2027 closing date had been published when we checked.
VerifiedThe Rural Education Access Programme helps young people from poor rural homes get into and through university, with funding and mentoring.
About the REAP Bursary
- For students from disadvantaged rural households.
- Funding plus mentoring and student development.
- At public universities and colleges.
Eligibility requirements
- South African from a rural household in financial need.
- Studying or accepted at a public institution.
- Good academic potential.
- Also applying for NSFAS or other funding.
How to apply
- Watch reap.org.za for the 2027 call.
- Prepare your ID, results, proof of acceptance and household income.
- Apply through REAP’s online portal before the closing date.
Closing date
Around mid-February in past rounds. No 2027 date announced.
Contact details
- Email: applications@reap.org.za
Rural students should also see the NSFAS bursary, the StudyTrust missing middle bursary and the Thebe Foundation scholarship.
FAQs
1. When does the REAP bursary close for 2027? +
No 2027 closing date had been published when we checked. Past rounds closed around mid-February for the same academic year, so watch reap.org.za from late 2026.
2. What is REAP? +
The Rural Education Access Programme, a non-profit registered in 2001 that funds and mentors students from poor rural households.
3. Who is it for? +
Students from disadvantaged rural households studying at public universities and colleges.
4. What does REAP offer? +
Funding support plus guidance, mentoring and student development.
5. How do I apply? +
Through REAP's online application portal when the call opens.
6. Should I also apply to NSFAS? +
Yes. REAP students are usually expected to apply for NSFAS or other funding too.
Update note (checked September 2026): REAP does not publish an application closing date on its website. It supports rural students who are funded by NSFAS, recruiting through partner schools and community organisations, so contact REAP directly to ask how to be considered. Source: reap.org.za.
Checked the requirements and closing date? Apply directly with the provider.
Apply on the provider’s website