100+ Undergraduate Bursaries Available for 2026/2027 Academic Year
Finding the right funding is a critical step for South African students who want to study at university or college. Thousands of learners miss opportunities every year simply because they do not know where to apply.
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Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
This guide lists over 100+ undergraduate bursaries available for the 2026/2027 academic year, explains the general requirements, shows how to apply, and clarifies the difference between bursaries, NSFAS, and student loans.
Important: Each bursary has its own rules and closing dates. Always check the full application details before applying. Bursaries Africa publishes updated requirements and links for each bursary.
Government and Public Sector Bursaries
These bursaries are funded by national and provincial government departments.
- NSFAS — All public university courses
- Funza Lushaka — Teaching and Education
- Department of Health (Provincial) — Medicine and Nursing
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development — Agriculture and Forestry
- Department of Water and Sanitation — Engineering and Water Science
- Compensation Fund — COID dependents
- Department of Sport, Arts and Culture — Arts, Heritage, History
- Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport — Civil Engineering
- KZN Department of Transport — Engineering and Logistics
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government — Various fields
- Western Cape Provincial Treasury — Accounting and Economics
- Northern Cape Department of Education — Education and related fields
- Limpopo Department of Public Works — Built Environment
- National Arts Council — Arts and Design
- Railway Safety Regulator — Engineering, Law, Media
- SASSA — Social Sciences
- South African Weather Service — Meteorology and Science
- CSIR — STEM
- IDC — Finance, Law, Engineering
- Transnet — Engineering and Logistics
Engineering, Mining, and Science Bursaries
These bursaries support scarce skills and technical careers.
- Sasol Foundation
- Anglo American
- Gold Fields
- Exxaro
- De Beers
- Harmony Gold
- Assmang
- Sibanye-Stillwater
- Glencore
- African Rainbow Minerals
- Eskom
- Rand Water
- Astron Energy
- Shell South Africa
- TotalEnergies
- SAPREF
- Arup
- Hatch
- Worley
- Gibb
- Zutari
- Aurecon
- Mintek
- Sentech
- Telkom
- Vodacom
- MTN
- Mercedes-Benz SA
- Volkswagen SA
- Toyota SA
Commerce, Finance, and Law Bursaries
These bursaries focus on business, accounting, finance, actuarial science, and law.
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
- Absa Fellowship Programme
- Standard Bank Bursary
- FirstRand Foundation
- Nedbank External Bursary
- Capitec Bank Bursary
- Investec CSI
- Old Mutual
- Sanlam
- Liberty Life
- Discovery
- PwC
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- EY
- Grant Thornton
- BDO
- Mazars
- FNB Fund
- Ninety One Changeblazers
- PPS Foundation
- Momentum Metropolitan
- JSE
- SAICA Thuthuka
- Adams & Adams
- ENSafrica
- Bowmans
- Webber Wentzel
- Werksmans
- Norton Rose Fulbright
Retail, Agriculture, and General Bursaries
- Shoprite
- Pick n Pay
- Woolworths
- Mr Price Foundation
- Nestlé Future Talent
- Unilever
- South African Breweries
- Tiger Brands
- Avis
- Mondi
- Sappi
- The Maize Trust
- South African Wine Bursary
- Sugar Industry Trust Fund
- HCI Foundation
- Moshal Scholarship Program
- ISFAP
- Abe Bailey Travel Bursary
- Gallagher Foundation
- Oasis Bursary
- Motto Bursary
- Beefmaster Group
- KN Inzuzo Trust
General Requirements for Undergraduate Bursaries
Most bursaries require:
- South African citizenship or permanent residence
- A valid ID document
- Strong academic results (usually 60% or higher)
- Proof of household income (for means-tested bursaries)
- Acceptance or application to a public university or TVET college
- A motivational letter
- Latest academic transcripts
Some bursaries may also require:
- Studying in a specific field (engineering, teaching, health, etc.)
- Coming from a certain province or community
- Willingness to work back for the sponsor after graduation
- Leadership or community involvement
- Financial need or “missing middle” status
Always read each bursary’s rules carefully.
How to Apply for Bursaries in South Africa
- Choose your field of study and institution.
- Search for bursaries that match your field and background.
- Prepare certified copies of required documents.
- Complete the online or PDF application form.
- Submit before the closing date.
- Keep proof of submission.
Many bursaries open between May and October, but some close earlier or later.
Bursaries vs NSFAS vs Student Loans
| Type | Repayment | Who Qualifies | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bursary | No repayment (may require work-back) | Academic merit or financial need | Fund studies |
| NSFAS | No repayment | Poor and working-class households | Public universities and TVETs |
| Student Loan | Must be repaid with interest | Anyone who qualifies financially | Borrow to study |
A bursary is not a loan. You do not pay it back unless you break the contract.
Important Notes
- Each bursary has its own closing date, requirements, and application process.
- Some bursaries only accept students in certain years of study.
- Some only fund specific universities.
- Some require post-study employment.
Always check full details before applying.
Where to Find Official Application Information
Bursaries Africa publishes updated:
- Application links
- Closing dates
- Requirements
- Eligibility rules
- Contact details
This makes it easier for students to find and apply for the right bursaries.
Apply for as many bursaries as you qualify for. Do not rely on only one. Start early, keep your documents ready, and track your applications.
A bursary can change your life. Use every opportunity available.
If you stay informed and apply on time, your chances of success increase significantly.
🎓 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)