Students searching for 2026 bursaries in South Africa are often looking for ways to manage the rising cost of higher education. Tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and daily study expenses can place significant financial pressure on many families. Bursaries 2026 in South Africa play an important role in helping students cover these costs so they can focus on their studies without constant financial stress.
Students searching for bursaries still open for 2026 in South Africa are usually looking for funding opportunities that they can apply for before university registration deadlines. Each year, government departments, private companies, and sector training authorities provide bursaries to support students entering critical professions such as engineering, science, finance, and technology.
This guide provides a list of well-known 2026 bursaries along with the sectors they support and general application timelines. Students should always confirm the exact application dates and eligibility criteria on the official bursary websites before applying.
Quick Glance
- 2026 bursaries in South Africa include corporate, government, and SETA funding opportunities for students planning for the 2027 academic intake.
- Major names in this list include Sasol, Eskom, Transnet, ABSA, Career Wise, NSFAS, GCRA, and SASSETA.
- Most bursary programmes help cover tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other study costs, while some also offer mentorship or internship support.
- Many applications usually open between April and October, but some deadlines are still TBC (to be confirmed), so students should always confirm dates on the official website.
- Students should prepare key documents early, including academic results, ID, proof of admission, and a motivation letter, and apply to multiple bursaries to improve their chances.
Table of Contents
List of Bursaries Still Open for 2026 in South Africa
The following bursary programmes are recognised funding opportunities available to students in South Africa. While application periods vary, many of these programmes accept applications each year for the upcoming academic cycle.
Bursaries Still Open for 2026 in South Africa (Directory) for 2027 Intake
| Bursary | Field of Study | 2027 Intake Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Sasol Bursary | Engineering & Science | Typical: May |
| Eskom Bursary | Engineering | TBC |
| Transnet Bursary | Engineering & Logistics | Typical: October |
| Vodacom Bursary | STEM | TBC |
| Sappi Bursary | Forestry & Engineering | Typical: September |
| ABSA Bursary | Finance & Data Science | Typical: August |
| Standard Bank Bursary | Finance | TBC |
| Nedbank Bursary | Finance | TBC |
| KPMG Bursary | Accounting | TBC |
| PwC Bursary | Accounting | Typical: May |
| Deloitte Bursary | Accounting | Typical: May |
| BDO Bursary | Accounting | Typical: June |
| Shoprite Bursary | Commerce | Typical: April |
| Toyota SA Bursary | Engineering | Typical: August |
| Anglo American Bursary | Mining Engineering | Typical: April |
| Harmony Gold Bursary | Mining Engineering | Typical: June |
| Exxaro Bursary | Mining & Engineering | Typical: April |
| Mediclinic Bursary | Nursing | Typical: August |
| Allan Gray Fellowship | Business & Entrepreneurship | Typical: April–July |
| Investec Bursary | Finance | TBC |
| Career Wise Bursaries | Multiple Fields | Typical: September |
| SANAS Bursary | Laboratory Science | Typical: October |
| GCRA Bursary | Multiple Fields | TBC |
| SASSETA Bursary | Security Studies | Exact: 30 January |
| CETA Bursary | Construction | TBC |
| MICT SETA Bursary | IT & Communications | TBC |
| KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary | Multiple Fields | TBC |
Some 2027 intake deadlines have not yet been published publicly. Where an exact date is not available, the table shows a typical application window based on the most recent cycle. Always confirm the final date on the official bursary website before applying.
Major Corporate 2026 Bursaries in SA
Private companies often provide bursaries to help develop future professionals within their industries. Corporate bursaries frequently include financial support as well as mentorship and internship opportunities.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”
Sasol Bursary
The Sasol bursary programme supports students studying engineering, chemistry, and science disciplines. It is one of the most competitive bursary programmes in South Africa. The bursary generally covers tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and a monthly stipend.
Students with strong academic results in mathematics and science subjects are typically prioritised for this programme.
Eskom Bursary
Eskom offers bursaries to students pursuing engineering and technical qualifications related to the energy sector. The programme aims to develop skilled professionals for South Africa’s electricity industry.
Funding may include tuition fees and academic support depending on the programme structure.
Armscor Bursary
Armscor provides bursaries for students studying engineering, science, and technology fields related to defence and innovation. The programme focuses on disciplines that support national technological development.
ABSA Bursary
ABSA offers bursaries for students studying finance, economics, data science, and business programmes. The bursary aims to develop talent for the financial services industry.
Students demonstrating strong academic performance and leadership potential are often considered for this programme.
Career Wise Bursary
Career Wise administers bursary programmes on behalf of various companies and public institutions. Students can apply for multiple bursary opportunities through the Career Wise platform depending on their field of study.
Fields commonly supported include engineering, accounting, information technology, and commerce programmes.
SETA Bursaries Available in South Africa
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) provide funding for education and training in specific industries. These organisations focus on developing skills that are important for economic growth.
SASSETA Bursary
The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority supports students studying fields related to policing, criminal justice, and security management.
These bursaries help strengthen South Africa’s safety and security workforce.
CETA Bursary
The Construction Education and Training Authority offers bursaries for students studying construction management, civil engineering, and infrastructure related programmes.
The programme helps address the shortage of skilled professionals in the construction sector.
MICT SETA Bursary
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA provides bursaries for students pursuing qualifications in information technology, digital media, and telecommunications.
This programme supports the development of digital skills in South Africa.
Government Bursaries 2026 Available for South African Students
Government funded bursaries support students from disadvantaged backgrounds and help increase access to higher education.
NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial support to qualifying students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
NSFAS funding may include:
- tuition fees
- accommodation support
- study materials
- meal allowances
Students must meet financial eligibility requirements to qualify for such 2026 bursaries.
GCRA Bursary
The Gauteng City Region Academy bursary supports students who are residents of Gauteng province. The programme focuses on developing skilled professionals who will contribute to the province’s economic development. Funding may include tuition fees, accommodation support, and study materials.
Students looking beyond country-specific funding can explore this full guide to scholarships in Africa, which explains verified government bursaries and international funding opportunities across the continent.
How to Apply for 2026 Bursaries in South Africa
Applying for 2026 bursaries usually involves several steps. Students should prepare the required documents early to avoid missing deadlines.
Typical bursary application steps include:
- Check the eligibility requirements of the bursary programme
- Prepare academic transcripts and identification documents
- Write a motivation letter explaining career goals
- Submit the application through the official bursary website
Students are encouraged to apply for multiple bursaries to increase their chances of securing financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do bursary applications open in South Africa?
Most bursary programmes open applications between May and September each year for the following academic year. However, the exact timeline depends on the organisation offering the funding. Government programmes, corporate bursaries, and SETA bursaries often publish application announcements on their official websites during this period.
What documents are required for a bursary application?
Most bursary applications require students to submit academic transcripts, proof of identity, and proof of acceptance or registration at a university or college. Some programmes also request a motivation letter explaining the student’s career goals and financial need.
Can NSFAS students apply for other bursaries?
Yes, students receiving NSFAS funding can still apply for certain external bursaries depending on the rules of the sponsoring organisation. Some bursaries allow additional funding for expenses such as textbooks, accommodation, or research costs.
Can Grade 12 students apply for bursaries?
Yes, many 2026 bursary programmes allow Grade 12 learners to apply before starting university. Students usually need to provide their Grade 11 final results or Grade 12 mid-year results as part of the application.
Conclusion
Finding 2026 bursaries in South Africa requires careful research and early preparation. Government programmes, private companies, and sector training authorities all provide funding opportunities for students pursuing higher education.
Students should regularly check bursary announcements, prepare their application documents early, and apply to multiple programmes whenever possible.
With proper planning, bursaries can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education and help students pursue their academic and career goals.
Tarun Asrani is the founder and editor-in-chief of SmartAfricaGuide. With extensive experience in digital publishing and content strategy, he leads the platform’s focus on finance, scholarships, e-learning, and career opportunities shaping Africa today. Tarun visits Africa twice a year, gaining first-hand exposure to local education systems, job markets, and emerging technologies. He also closely follows African news, university updates, and government initiatives to ensure SmartAfricaGuide delivers timely, accurate, and practical insights grounded in real regional experience.