Finding funding for tertiary education can be stressful, but many bursaries are available if you know where to look. This list includes government, corporate, and sector‑specific bursaries open for 2026 applications. Deadlines vary – apply early to avoid missing out.
| Bursary Name | Field of Study | Deadline (approx.) | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NSFAS | All fields at public universities/TVET | Jan 2026 | Household income ≤ R350k |
| 2. Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary | Education (teaching) | Jan 2026 | SA citizens committed to teaching |
| 3. Eskom Bursary | Engineering, IT, Finance | 31 July 2026 | Top academic achievers |
| 4. Sasol Bursary | Engineering, Chemistry, Data Science | 30 June 2026 | Preference to previously disadvantaged |
| 5. Anglo American Bursary | Mining, Engineering, Geology | 15 Aug 2026 | Students from mining communities |
| 6. KZN Dept of Health Bursary | Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy | 30 Sep 2026 | KZN residents |
| 7. Western Cape Government Bursary | Scarce skills (engineering, IT, health) | 31 Oct 2026 | WC residents |
| 8. Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) | STEM, commerce, creative arts | 31 Jan 2026 | Gauteng residents |
| 9. Mpumalanga Dept of Education | Teaching (priority subjects) | 30 Sep 2026 | Mpumalanga residents |
| 10. Minerals Council SA Bursary | Mining Engineering, Geology | 15 Sep 2026 | South Africans, HDSA preference |
| 11. SANParks Bursary | Conservation, Nature Management | 30 Sep 2026 | Students from rural areas |
| 12. Coronation Bursary Fund | Finance, Accounting, Investments | 30 Sep 2026 | Strong academic record |
| 13. ABB Bursary | Electrical & Mechanical Engineering | 30 Aug 2026 | Students at selected universities |
| 14. Old Mutual Bursary | Actuarial Science, Data Science, Accounting | 30 June 2026 | Matric with Maths ≥70% |
| 15. PwC Bursary (CA stream) | Chartered Accounting | 30 Aug 2026 | BCom Accounting students |
| 16. Nelson Mandela University Bursary | Various (merit & need) | 30 Nov 2026 | Enrolled students at NMU |
| 17. Limpopo Dept of Education | Teaching (FET subjects) | 31 Oct 2026 | Limpopo residents |
| 18. ACT Arts & Culture Scholarship | Performing/Visual Arts, Cultural Management | 30 Apr 2026 | Creative arts students |
| 19. De Beers Bursary | Engineering, Mining, Survey | 31 Aug 2026 | Academic excellence |
| 20. South African Sugar Association (SASA) | Agriculture, Engineering | 15 Sep 2026 | Students from sugar-growing regions |
Who qualifies: South African citizens with a combined household income of R350,000 or less (R600,000 for students with disabilities). Covers tuition, accommodation, living allowance, and learning materials.
How to apply: Online at my.nsfas.org.za. Applications usually open September – January.
Pro tip: Use the myNSFAS portal to track your application status. Missing documents are the top reason for rejection.
Full cost bursary for students pursuing a teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE). Priority subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Languages, and Technology. You must commit to teaching in a public school for the same number of years as bursary funding.
Deadline: Typically January 2026. Apply via the online system (links available on the DBE website).
For engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical) and IT students. Eskom also offers bursaries for finance and data analytics. Includes vacation work and possible employment after graduation.
Deadline: 31 July 2026. Apply via Eskom's recruitment portal.
Covers full tuition, accommodation, and a stipend. Fields: Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, Chemistry, Data Science. Preference given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Deadline: 30 June 2026. Apply on Sasol's bursary site.
Multi‑year bursary for mining engineering, metallurgy, geology, mechanical and electrical engineering. Students from mining communities are prioritised.
Deadline: 15 August 2026. Online application via Anglo American careers.
For KwaZulu‑Natal residents pursuing Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Radiography, Physiotherapy, or Occupational Therapy. Apply through the KZN DoH website.
Deadline: 30 September 2026.
Open to Western Cape residents only. Fields: engineering, IT, health sciences, social work, and other scarce skills. Includes a service contract (work for the WC government after graduation).
Deadline: 31 October 2026.
For Gauteng residents. Covers tuition, books, and a monthly stipend. Priority fields: STEM, commerce, and creative industries. Requires a signed service agreement.
Deadline: 31 January 2026.
For students from Mpumalanga who are studying teaching (primary or secondary). Preference to subjects like Maths, Science, and English.
Deadline: 30 September 2026.
Supports mining-related engineering and geology studies. Applicants must intend to work in the mining industry after graduation.
Deadline: 15 September 2026.
For conservation, nature management, and environmental science. Students from communities adjacent to national parks, and previously disadvantaged individuals, get preference.
Deadline: 30 September 2026.
For finance, accounting, investments, and economics students. Requires strong academic performance and financial need. Includes mentorship.
Deadline: 30 September 2026.
Electrical and mechanical engineering students. ABB is a global technology company; bursary includes vacation work.
Deadline: 30 August 2026.
Focuses on actuarial science, data science, and accounting. Requires at least 70% in Mathematics and English. Includes mentorship, vacation work, and possible employment.
Deadline: 30 June 2026.
For BCom Accounting students aiming to become a CA(SA). Covers tuition and provides a living allowance. Also includes training opportunities at PwC.
Deadline: 30 August 2026.
Variety of merit‑based and need‑based bursaries for NMU students. Apply directly through the university's financial aid office.
Deadline: 30 November 2026.
For Limpopo residents pursuing teaching degrees (BEd or PGCE). Priority subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, and Home Languages.
Deadline: 31 October 2026.
Supports students in performing arts (drama, music, dance), visual arts, and cultural management. Requires a portfolio and audition in some cases.
Deadline: 30 April 2026.
For engineering, mining, and geology. De Beers runs a comprehensive bursary programme with vacation training and graduate placement.
Deadline: 31 August 2026.
For students from sugar‑growing regions (KZN, Mpumalanga). Fields: agriculture, engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical), and environmental science.
Deadline: 15 September 2026.
Yes – many corporate bursaries do not have an income threshold. They consider merit (grades) and/or field of study (e.g., engineering, teaching). Check each bursary's criteria.
Most bursaries are not loans – you do not repay them if you meet the academic and service conditions (e.g., working for the funder for a certain period). NSFAS is a bursary but becomes a loan if you fail modules repeatedly. Always read the terms.
Yes – many bursaries are open to first‑year university or TVET students. You can also apply during your second or third year (some are renewable).
Some bursaries have late or second rounds, but it's rare. Always plan ahead. Subscribe to our newsletter for deadline reminders.
Funding your education is possible. Be persistent, apply to several bursaries, and present your best self (good grades, motivation, and strong references). Good luck!