Here are some bursaries that are open for 2026 applications in South Africa:
To apply for a bursary in South Africa, you’ll typically need to meet certain requirements, which may vary depending on the specific bursary program. Here are some common requirements:
General Requirements:
- South African Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Academic Record: A strong academic record, with a minimum average of 65% or higher in your latest examinations.
- Field of Study: Some bursaries are specific to certain fields, such as engineering, commerce, or science.
- Financial Need: Many bursaries prioritize students from low-income households.
Documents You’ll Need:
- ID Document: A certified copy of your South African ID document.
- Academic Records: Certified copies of your Matric certificate, Matric results, and full academic record if currently studying at a tertiary level.
- Proof of Income: Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income, such as payslips, affidavit, or SASSA letter.
- Proof of Residence: Proof of your residence, which may be required for certain bursaries.
Additional Requirements:
- Registration at a Tertiary Institution: Some bursaries require you to be registered or accepted at a South African university or university of technology.
- Psychometric Evaluation: Some programs may require you to participate in a psychometric evaluation or interview.
- Specific Requirements: Certain bursaries may have additional requirements, such as a motivational letter or specific skills.
Government and Public Sector Bursaries
City of Cape Town Bursaries 2026: Open to students residing in Cape Town, Western Cape, for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in scarce-skills fields. Closing date: October 10, 2025
Rand West City Local Municipality Bursaries 2026: Available to students in Randfontein and Westonaria, Gauteng, for various fields of study. Closing date: November 25, 2025
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary: Open to students pursuing environmental-related studies
Corporate Bursaries
- Standard Bank Group Bursary 2026: Open to South African students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in fields like accounting, engineering, IT, or economics. Average academic performance of 65% or higher required
- Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) Bursaries 2026: Available to students pursuing commerce, engineering, and science fields. Closing date: October 5, 2025
- Amazon Recruitment Bursary 2026: Open to students pursuing various fields of study. Closing date: September 30, 2025
- Clicks Foundation Bursaries 2026: Available to students registered for undergraduate studies. Closing date: October 15, 2025
Other Bursaries
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Bursaries 2026:
Open to students pursuing undergraduate and honours-level postgraduate studies. Closing date: October 31, 2025
Xylem SA Trust Bursary 2026:
- Available to students pursuing water-related studies
Siza Water Bursaries 2026:
- Open to students from KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast region. Closing date: November 28, 2025
NSFAS 2026:
- Open to students pursuing undergraduate studies. Closing date: November 30, 2025
Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) Bursaries 2026:
- Open to students pursuing Chartered Accountancy. Closing date: October 15, 2025
Remember to check the specific requirements and closing dates for each bursary, as they may vary.
Good luck with your applications!
