Last Updated: 2026 | Reading Time: 14 minutes

Written by Macdonald “Macdee” Hlalele — Founder of ApplyOnlineSA, BCom Marketing Management (UNISA), and community information specialist with over 15 years of experience helping young South Africans access education and funding opportunities.

Every year, billions of rands in bursary funding goes unclaimed in South Africa — simply because students did not know it existed, missed the deadline, or did not know how to apply.

This guide changes that. Whether you are a Grade 12 learner preparing for university, a current student looking for funding, or a parent trying to help your child access education — this is the most complete bursary guide you will find.

What is a Bursary?

A bursary is financial assistance awarded to a student to help cover the costs of tertiary education. Unlike a student loan, a bursary does not need to be repaid — either fully or partially, depending on the conditions attached.

Bursaries in South Africa are offered by:

Government departments and entities
Private companies and corporations
Professional bodies and industry associations
Universities and TVET colleges themselves
Non-profit organisations and foundations

Bursary vs Scholarship vs Student Loan — What is the Difference?

Many students confuse these three terms. Here is a simple breakdown:

Type	What It Is	Must You Pay It Back?
Bursary	Financial aid based on financial need and/or academic merit	No — but may require work-back
Scholarship	Award based purely on academic or sporting excellence	No
Student Loan	Money borrowed from a bank or financial institution	Yes — with interest
NSFAS	Government financial aid for low-income students	No — converted to bursary if you pass

Types of Bursaries Available in South Africa

1. Need-Based Bursaries

Awarded to students from low-income households who cannot afford tertiary education. Financial need is the primary criteria.

2. Merit-Based Bursaries

Awarded to academically excellent students regardless of financial need. Usually require a minimum average — often 70% or higher.

3. Field of Study Bursaries

Awarded to students studying specific fields that are in high demand — such as engineering, accounting, medicine, teaching, or information technology.

4. Work-Back Bursaries

The company or organisation pays for your studies on condition that you work for them for a specified period after graduating. If you leave early, you may have to repay a portion of the bursary.

5. Employer Bursaries

Offered by companies to their current employees who want to further their education while working.

6. Provincial and Municipal Bursaries

Offered by provincial governments and municipalities to students from specific areas. These are often underutilised because residents do not know they exist.

Who Qualifies for a Bursary?

Eligibility criteria vary between bursaries, but most look at a combination of the following:

South African citizenship — Most bursaries require you to be a South African citizen
Financial need — Household income below a certain threshold
Academic performance — Minimum matric average or university results
Field of study — Some bursaries are restricted to specific programmes
Geographic area — Some bursaries are for students from specific provinces or municipalities
Race or equity targets — Some bursaries specifically target previously disadvantaged individuals in line with BBBEE and transformation goals

What Do Bursaries Cover?

Different bursaries cover different costs. Before applying, check exactly what each bursary covers:

Tuition fees — The most common coverage
Accommodation — On-campus or off-campus residence
Meals — A monthly meal allowance
Books and study materials — Textbooks, stationery, and equipment
Transport — Travel costs between home and campus
Laptop or device allowance — Increasingly common in technology-related bursaries
Full bursary — Covers all of the above

Top Bursary Providers in South Africa

Government Bursaries

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
The largest source of student funding in South Africa. For students from households earning R350,000 or less per year at public universities and TVET colleges.

Website: nsfas.org.za
Read our complete NSFAS guide →

Funza Lushaka Bursary
For students who want to become teachers. Covers full tuition, accommodation, meals, and a personal allowance. Recipients must teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary.

Target: Education students
Website: funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

Department of Health Bursaries
For students studying health sciences — medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and related fields. Available at national and provincial level.

Target: Health science students
Contact your provincial Department of Health

SASSETA Bursaries
For students studying safety and security-related fields.

Website: sasseta.org.za

merSETA Bursaries
For students studying manufacturing, engineering, and related trades.

Website: merseta.org.za

FASSET Bursaries
For students studying finance, accounting, and related fields.

Website: fasset.org.za

CATHSSETA Bursaries
For students studying culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, sport, and recreation.

Website: cathsseta.org.za

Corporate and Private Bursaries

Anglo American Bursaries
For students studying mining engineering, geology, metallurgy, and related fields.

Website: angloamerican.com

Sasol Bursaries
For students studying chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and science.

Website: sasol.com/careers

Standard Bank Bursaries
For students studying finance, accounting, IT, and business-related fields.

Website: standardbank.co.za

Absa Bursaries
For academically strong students studying finance and business-related fields.

Website: absa.co.za/careers

FirstRand Bursaries (FNB, Wesbank, RMB)
For students studying finance, actuarial science, data science, and technology.

Website: firstrand.co.za

Eskom Bursaries
For students studying electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and related fields. One of the most well-known bursaries in South Africa.

Website: eskom.co.za/careers

Transnet Bursaries
For students studying engineering, logistics, finance, and IT.

Website: transnet.net/careers

Discovery Bursaries
For students studying actuarial science, data science, and healthcare.

Website: discovery.co.za/careers

Nedbank Bursaries
For students studying finance, accounting, IT, and business management.

Website: nedbank.co.za/careers

MTN Bursaries
For students studying IT, engineering, and business.

Website: mtn.co.za/careers

Non-Profit and Foundation Bursaries

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
For entrepreneurially-minded students with strong academic records.

Website: allangrayorbis.org

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust
For postgraduate students with outstanding academic records.

Website: omtrust.org.za

Canon Collins Trust
For postgraduate students studying social justice, human rights, and development.

Website: canoncollins.org.uk

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme
For academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Available at select South African universities

How to Apply for a Bursary — Step by Step

Step 1 — Start Early

Bursary applications open months before the academic year starts. Most close between April and October for the following year. Missing a deadline means waiting another full year.

Set reminders on your phone for the opening and closing dates of every bursary you plan to apply for.

Step 2 — Research Thoroughly

Do not apply for every bursary blindly. Focus on bursaries that:

Match your field of study
Match your financial situation
Match your academic performance
Are available in your province or area

Step 3 — Prepare Your Documents

Most bursary applications require the same core documents. Prepare them once and use them for multiple applications:

Certified copy of South African ID
Certified copy of matric certificate or most recent results
Certified copies of parents/guardians’ IDs
Parents/guardians’ latest payslips or proof of income
If parents are unemployed — a signed affidavit
If parents are deceased — death certificates
Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
Latest academic transcript (for current students)
Acceptance letter from university (for first-year students)

Step 4 — Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Many bursary applications require a motivation letter — a personal statement explaining why you deserve the bursary. This is your chance to stand out.

What to include in your motivation letter:

Your background and where you come from
Your academic achievements and goals
Your financial circumstances and why you need the bursary
What you plan to do with your qualification
How you will give back to your community

Be honest, personal, and specific. Generic motivation letters do not win bursaries.

Pro Tip from Macdee: Your story is your power. Do not be afraid to share your challenges, your community, and your dreams. Bursary committees read hundreds of applications — they remember the ones that feel real.

Step 5 — Apply to Multiple Bursaries

Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Apply for every bursary you qualify for. The more applications you submit, the better your chances.

Step 6 — Follow Up

After submitting your application, note the expected feedback date and follow up politely if you have not heard back within the specified timeframe.

Step 7 — Prepare for Interviews

Many competitive bursaries require a panel interview as part of the selection process. Prepare by:

Researching the company or organisation offering the bursary
Practising answers to common interview questions
Dressing professionally
Arriving early and bringing all your documents

Important Bursary Application Deadlines

Bursary deadlines vary each year. As a general guide, most bursary applications open and close during these periods:

Period	What to Do
January — March	Research all bursaries in your field
April — June	Early bursary applications open
July — September	Main bursary application window
October — November	NSFAS applications open
December — January	Final deadlines and results

Stay Updated: ApplyOnlineSA publishes bursary opening and closing dates regularly. Subscribe to our bursary alerts →

Common Bursary Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing the deadline
There are no extensions. If you miss the closing date, your application will not be considered.

2. Incomplete applications
A missing document can disqualify an otherwise strong application. Double-check your application before submitting.

3. Copying motivation letters from the internet
Bursary committees have seen every template online. Write your own — in your own words. Authenticity wins.

4. Not reading the eligibility criteria
Applying for a bursary you do not qualify for wastes time. Read the requirements carefully before applying.

5. Not keeping copies of submitted applications
Always keep copies of everything you submit. If there is a query later, you will need to refer back to your application.

6. Relying on only one bursary
Apply for as many as you qualify for. You can always decline one if you receive multiple offers.

Bursary Scam Warning ⚠️

As with jobs and government grants, bursary scams are common in South Africa. Here is how to protect yourself:

Legitimate bursaries will NEVER:

Ask you to pay an application fee
Ask for your banking details during the application process
Offer you a bursary via a random WhatsApp message
Guarantee approval before reviewing your application
Ask you to send money via EFT to secure your bursary

Red flags:

Bursary advertised only on WhatsApp or Facebook with no official website
Application requires payment before processing
The organisation has no verifiable contact details or physical address
You are awarded a bursary without applying or being interviewed

Not sure if a bursary is legitimate? Use our Scam Checker → or WhatsApp Macdee directly →

Frequently Asked Questions About Bursaries

Can I receive a bursary and NSFAS at the same time?
You can receive both, but you must declare all funding sources. You cannot receive funding for the same expense (like tuition) from two sources simultaneously.

Do bursaries need to be paid back?
It depends. Pure bursaries do not need to be repaid. Work-back bursaries require you to work for the funder after graduation. If you fail to complete your studies, some bursaries require partial repayment.

Can I apply for a bursary if I am already studying?
Yes. Many bursaries are open to current students, not just first-year applicants. However, you will typically need to show your academic record.

What if I change my field of study after receiving a bursary?
This depends on the bursary conditions. Many field-specific bursaries require you to continue in the funded field. Changing your programme could result in the bursary being cancelled.

Are there bursaries for mature students?
Yes. Some organisations offer bursaries for students who are older than typical university age, particularly through UNISA and distance learning programmes.

Can I get a bursary for TVET college?
Yes. NSFAS funds TVET students, and some SETAs offer bursaries specifically for TVET programmes. Some companies also offer bursaries for artisan and technical training.

What subjects do I need to study at school to qualify for most bursaries?
Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) and Physical Science open the most bursary opportunities, particularly in engineering, science, and technology. However, bursaries exist for all fields including arts, commerce, and social sciences.

SETA Contact Details for Bursary Enquiries

SETA	Sector	Website
merSETA	Manufacturing & Engineering	merseta.org.za
FASSET	Finance & Accounting	fasset.org.za
W&RSETA	Wholesale & Retail	wrseta.org.za
CATHSSETA	Tourism & Hospitality	cathsseta.org.za
SASSETA	Safety & Security	sasseta.org.za
AgriSETA	Agriculture	agriseta.co.za
HWSETA	Health & Welfare	hwseta.org.za
MICT SETA	ICT & Media	mict.org.za
TETA	Transport	teta.org.za

Need Help Finding and Applying for a Bursary?

Navigating the bursary landscape is overwhelming — but you do not have to do it alone. At ApplyOnlineSA we help students identify the right bursaries, prepare strong applications, and meet deadlines.

Book a Consultation with Macdee → | WhatsApp Us →

ApplyOnlineSA is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with any bursary provider, university, or government department. All information is provided for guidance purposes only. Always verify bursary details and deadlines directly with the relevant organisation.

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The Complete Guide to Bursaries in South Africa 2026 — Everything You Need to Know