Bursaries in South Africa 2026

Bursaries in South Africa 2026

Accessing quality education in South Africa often comes with financial challenges — especially at the tertiary level. Luckily, bursaries provide a lifeline by helping students fund their studies for free (meaning you don’t have to pay back the money once you graduate). Whether you’re entering university, pursuing postgraduate study, or attending a technical college, there are bursary opportunities you can apply for in 2026. Here, explain what bursaries are, how to apply, common requirements, and list 20 bursaries open for 2026.

What Is a Bursary?

A bursary is a financial award given to students based on financial need, academic merit, or both. It covers costs such as:

  • Tuition fees
  • Textbooks and study materials
  • Accommodation
  • Travel allowance
  • Living allowances

Unlike loans, bursaries do not need to be repaid — making them highly valuable for students who qualify.

Who  Is Eligible For a Bursary?

Bursary eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific funding programme, and the exact requirements will always be outlined in each bursary advertisement. However, there are several standard criteria that most bursary opportunities share:

You must be a South African citizen (although some bursaries also support South African permanent residents)
You must currently be in Matric or have completed Matric
You must demonstrate a strong academic performance (in Matric and at tertiary level if you are already studying) – depending on your chosen qualification, you may also need excellent marks in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, or languages
You must be studying or have applied to study at a recognised tertiary institution within South Africa (this includes public and private institutions such as TVET colleges, Universities, and Universities of Technology)
You must be registered for or have applied to pursue full-time studies (while part-time and distance learning programmes are sometimes funded, most bursaries prioritise full-time students)
You must provide proof of financial need

What cost of the Bursary Cover?

Bursaries may offer either partial or full funding. A partial bursary covers only a portion of your education-related costs, while a full bursary generally pays for all approved academic expenses. These may include tuition fees, examination fees, prescribed textbooks and study materials, meals, accommodation, transport, and sometimes even a laptop.

Certain bursary sponsors also allow students to complete vacation work within their organisation. In some degree programmes, this workplace exposure forms part of the qualification requirements.

Do you need to repay a Bursary?

No – students who receive bursaries are not expected to repay the funds awarded to them.

However, some bursary providers require graduates to work for their organisation after completing their studies. The work-back period is usually equal to the number of years of funding received. This arrangement benefits both the sponsor and the student, as graduates gain guaranteed employment, valuable industry experience, and a smoother transition into the workforce.

How to tell if a Bursary is Legitimate or a Scam

Every effort is made to publish only verified and legitimate bursary opportunities. If you are asked to pay a fee to submit a bursary application, this is a major warning sign that the opportunity may not be genuine. Legitimate bursaries do not charge application fees.

Additionally, if you are instructed to send your completed forms and supporting documents to a free email account such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail, the bursary may be fraudulent. Authentic bursary applications are always directed to official company or organisational email addresses.

If you ever suspect that a bursary opportunity is a scam, it is important to report it so that further investigation can take place. Staying informed helps protect other students from potential fraud.

Where to find a bursary for the 2026 Academic year?

If you are searching for bursaries for the 2026 academic year, we have published a list of Bursaries that are currently available for specific fields of study. Once you find your discipline, review the available bursaries that are currently open and carefully follow the detailed application guidelines provided. Remember, you are allowed to apply for multiple bursaries as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each opportunity.

How to Apply for Bursaries in South Africa

Application methods vary by provider, but the general steps are:

Find bursaries you qualify for — based on field of study, academic performance, and financial position.

Check eligibility — read requirements and closing dates carefully; every bursary has specific criteria.

Prepare supporting documents — common documents include:

  • Certified copy of your South African ID
  • Academic records or latest results
  • Proof of acceptance or registration at a university or college
  • Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income
  • Motivational letter explaining why you should receive the bursary
  • Submit your application — either online, via email, or by mail (depending on the bursary).

Follow up — save proof of submission and check your email for any follow-ups or interviews.

Most bursary listings also specify exactly where and how to apply — and what documents to include.

 

Common Requirements for Bursary Applications

Although requirements vary, most bursaries ask for:

  • South African citizenship or permanent residency
  • A good academic record
  • Financial need (proof of household income)
  • Proof of acceptance or registration with a recognised institution
  • Certified supporting documents
  • Sometimes a motivational letter or CV

Always check the specific criteria for each bursary before applying.

Tips to Increase Your Chances To get Bursary in South Africa

Here’s how to improve your bursary applications:

  • Start early — many bursaries close months before the academic year.
  • Submit all required documents — missing papers can disqualify you.
  • Write a strong motivational letter — explain your goals and needs clearly.
  • Proofread your application — errors reflect poorly.
  • Apply to multiple bursaries — don’t limit yourself to a single opportunity

 

List of Bursaries Available In  South Africa 2026

  1. Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) Bursary 2026
  2. Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary 2026
  3. Knysna Rotary Bursary 2026
  4. City of Johannesburg Bursaries X200
  5. Sasol Bursary 2026
  6. Standard Bank Bursary 2026
  7. Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026
  8. HCI Foundation Bursary 2026
  9. LGSETA Bursary 2026
  10. SASSETA Bursary 2026
  11. SANAS Bursary 2026
  12. NERSA Bursary 2026
  13. PSG Bursary 2026
  14. Council for Geoscience (CGS) Bursary 2026
  15. SAPREF Bursary 2026
  16. Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Fund 2026
  17. Greater Letaba Municipality Bursaries 2026
  18. East London IDZ (ELIDZ) Bursary 2026
  19. CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursaries 2026
  20. African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursaries 2026

 

Bursaries in South Africa offer an excellent way to make your educational dreams a reality — without the burden of debt. With careful planning, thorough applications, and persistence, you can secure funding for your 2026 academic year.

Start your applications early, stay organised, and don’t be afraid to apply to more than one bursary. Each opportunity increases your chances of success!