Bursaries South Africa 2026: Funding for University & TVET Students.
Don’t let money be the stumbling block between you and your studies . Explore available bursaries in South Africa for 2026 – government, corporate, and NSFAS alternatives. Here is a full guide with application tips.
Introduction
Money should never be the reason a young South African cannot study. Yet every year, thousands of talented students miss out on university or TVET college simply because they don’t know which bursaries are available or how to go about applying.
A bursary is a financial award that covers your tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes even your living expenses. Unlike a student loan, you don’t pay a bursary back – as long as you meet the academic requirements by the funding provider.
In 2026 a hundred of bursaries were made available from government departments, major corporations, and educational institutions. This guide will walk you through the majority of them.
What Is a Bursary and How Does It Differ From NSFAS?
Many students confuse bursaries with NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme). Here’s the key difference:
| NSFAS | Bursary | |
|---|---|---|
| Who funds it | Government | Private Company, department, or institution |
| Who qualifies | Students earning under R350,000 household income | Varies per bursary |
| What it covers | Tuition, accommodation, books, food allowance | Often tuition + books + living costs |
| Payback required | No (converted to bursary if you pass) | No |
| Application deadline | Annual — usually closes October/November | Varies widely |
Note: NSFAS has officially closed applications for 2026. If you missed the window, bursaries are your best alternative path to funding your studies this year.
Types of Bursaries Available in South Africa
1. Government Bursaries
Government departments offer bursaries in fields that are in high demand – particularly in engineering, nursing, teaching, social work, and accounting.
Top government bursaries for 2026:
- Department of Health – Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Radiography
- Department of Education – Teaching bursaries (especially for Maths, Science, and Foundation Phase)
- Department of Public Works – Engineering and Built Environment
- AGSA (Auditor-General SA) – Chartered Accounting (CA) bursaries
- National Treasury – Economics, Accounting, Finance, Auditing
2. Corporate / Company Bursaries
Major South African companies invest millions in bursaries as part of their BBBEE and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) commitments. These are often the most comprehensive bursaries available – covering tuition, accommodation, books, and sometimes a monthly living allowance.
Top corporate bursaries for 2026:
Engineering & Mining
- Minopex Bursary – Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical, and Chemical Engineering for 3rd and 4th-year students (70%+ average required)
- Anglo American Bursary – Engineering and Mining Sciences
- Eskom Bursary – Electrical Engineering for undergraduates
Finance & Accounting
- Nedbank Bursary Fund – Students at any SA university needing financial support
- Thuthuka Bursary (SAICA) – For African and Coloured students wanting to become Chartered Accountants
- Deloitte / PwC / KPMG – CA(SA) training bursaries for top accounting students
Science & Technology
- SITA (State Information Technology Agency) – IT and Computer Science students
- Vodacom Bursary – Engineering and IT fields
- MTN Bursary Programme – ICT-related qualifications
Health & Social Services
- HWSETA Bursary – Health and Welfare sector students
- Discovery Foundation – Medical and health sciences
3. University & Institutional Bursaries
Many universities offer their own merit-based and need-based bursaries directly to students. Contact the financial aid office at your institution to find out what is available.
Top universities with strong bursary programmes:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Tip: Always apply for your university’s own bursary fund in addition to external corporate and government bursaries. There is no rule against receiving more than one.
4. TVET College Bursaries
TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) students are often overlooked, but there are bursaries specifically for N4–N6 students and those doing S4 courses.
Options include:
- DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) TVET bursaries
- MERSETA Artisan Bursary for engineering trade students
- CETA Bursary for construction-related programmes
General Requirements for Most Bursaries
While every bursary has its own criteria, most will require:
- South African citizenship
- Acceptance (or current enrolment) at a recognised public university or TVET college
- Household income below a certain threshold (often R600,000 per year or less)
- Strong academic results (typically 60–75% average or higher)
- Study in a field relevant to the funder’s industry
- Age under 30 (for most corporate bursaries)
Documents You’ll Need to Apply
Prepare these documents before you start applying:
- Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months)
- Certified copy of your latest academic results (matric certificate or university transcript)
- Proof of admission / acceptance letter from your institution
- Proof of household income (parents’ payslips or SASSA proof if applicable)
- Proof of residence
- Motivational letter / personal statement
- Bank account details (for payment if awarded)
How to Write a Winning Bursary Motivational Letter
Your motivational letter is the most important part of your application. Here’s a simple structure that works:
Paragraph 1 – Who you are: Your name, where you’re from, what you’re studying and where.
Paragraph 2 – Why you chose this field: Be specific and personal. What inspired you? What problem do you want to solve?
Paragraph 3 – Why you need financial support: Be honest about your family’s financial situation without oversharing.
Paragraph 4 – What you’ll do with the opportunity: Show ambition. What do you want to achieve? How will you give back?
Paragraph 5 – Why this specific bursary: Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company or department. Connect their values to yours.
Golden rule: Never copy a template. Bursary committees read thousands of letters. Write yours from the heart.
When to Apply: Bursary Calendar for 2026
| Period | What to Do |
|---|---|
| January – March | Apply for early corporate bursaries (many close in March) |
| April – June | Apply for government department bursaries |
| July – September | Apply for second-intake corporate bursaries |
| October – November | Apply for NSFAS and university bursaries for 2027 |
Warning: Many bursaries close as early as January for the following year’s intake. Start applying in Grade 11 if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple bursaries at once?
Absolutely. Apply for as many as you qualify for. You are not obligated to accept more than one.
What if I fail a year – do I lose my bursary?
Most bursaries require you to pass each year. Speak to your bursary provider immediately if you are struggling – many have support programmes in place.
Are bursaries only for university students?
No. Many bursaries now cover TVET, NATED (N4–N6), and even short skills programmes.
What if I don’t have great marks?
Look for need-based bursaries rather than merit-based ones. Your financial need, leadership qualities, and motivation letter can carry a lot of weight.
Final Word
A bursary can be the single most life-changing opportunity a young South African receives. Don’t let the application process intimidate you. Start early, apply widely, and write every motivational letter as if it’s the only one that matters – because it might be.
Bookmark our site. We update our bursary listings regularly so you never miss an opening.
Published by Youth Opportunities SA | www.youthopportunitiessa.co.za
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