South Africa has dozens of bursary opportunities available right now — from government programmes to corporate giants — designed specifically to get students like you into a classroom and keep you there. You just need to know where to look and how to apply.
This guide breaks down the Top 10 bursaries for South African students in 2026, covering eligibility, fields of study, application tips, and everything you need to secure your funding before the deadlines close.
What Is a Bursary and Why Does It Matter?
Before diving into the list, let’s get one thing straight. A bursary is not a loan. It is a financial award given to students — often based on academic merit, financial need, or both — that does not need to be repaid, provided you meet the conditions (like passing your subjects or working for the funder after graduation).
This is fundamentally different from a student loan, which accumulates interest and can haunt graduates for years. Bursaries are arguably the most powerful financial tool available to South African students today.
Top 10 Bursaries for South African Students in 2026
1. NSFAS — National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Best for: Students from low-income households attending public universities or TVET colleges.
NSFAS remains the largest and most well-known bursary programme in South Africa. In 2026, it continues to cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, transport, and a personal care allowance for qualifying students.
Eligibility:
- South African citizen
- Household income of R350,000 or less per year
- Enrolled at a public university or TVET college
- Academic progress requirements must be maintained
How to Apply: Applications open online via the NSFAS website typically from August to November each year. Do not wait until the last minute — the system gets overwhelmed.
Pro Tip: Make sure your SASSA or SARS documents are ready before you start the application. Missing documents are the number one reason applications get rejected.
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary — Department of Basic Education
Best for: Students who want to become teachers.
If teaching is your calling, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is one of the best bursaries in South Africa for education students. It covers the full cost of a teaching degree — tuition, accommodation, books, and more.
Eligibility:
- Must study towards a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or a PGCE
- Must commit to teaching at a public school after graduating
- Priority given to students studying scarce-skill subjects (Maths, Science, Technology)
Important: This bursary comes with a work-back obligation — one year of teaching for every year funded. It’s a commitment, but it also guarantees you a job upon graduation.
3. Sasol Bursary Programme
Best for: Engineering, science, and technology students.
Sasol is one of South Africa’s largest energy and chemical companies, and their bursary programme is among the most prestigious available for STEM students. Beyond tuition, Sasol offers mentorship, vacation work experience, and a strong pipeline into full-time employment.
Fields Covered:
- Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering
- Chemistry and Geology
- Information Technology
Eligibility:
- Excellent Grade 12 results (especially in Maths and Physical Science)
- South African citizen
- Studying at a South African university
4. Anglo American Zimele Bursary
Best for: Mining and engineering students from communities near Anglo American operations.
Anglo American’s bursary programme prioritises students from historically disadvantaged communities, making it one of the most impactful top bursaries to apply now if you come from a mining region.
Coverage includes tuition, accommodation, and a monthly living allowance. Recipients are also considered for graduate placement within the company.
Fields Covered: Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, Geology, Environmental Science, and related disciplines.
5. Eskom STEM Bursary
Best for: Students in engineering and science fields.
Eskom, South Africa’s national power utility, runs a robust bursary programme targeting students in technical fields critical to the energy sector. This is especially relevant in 2026 given the country’s continued focus on energy transition and grid infrastructure.
What It Covers:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Mentorship and vacation work
Eligibility:
- South African citizen
- Strong academic record in Maths and Science
- Enrolled in an Eskom-approved engineering or science degree
6. Old Mutual Foundation Bursary
Best for: Commerce, actuarial science, and financial management students.
Old Mutual has a long-standing commitment to education in South Africa. Their foundation bursary focuses on students studying towards careers in the financial services industry.
This is an excellent option for students who want to work in banking, insurance, or investment — and Old Mutual often converts bursary holders into permanent employees after graduation.
Eligibility:
- South African citizen
- Studying at a recognised SA university
- Financial need and academic merit are both considered
7. Standard Bank Top Achiever Bursary
Best for: High-achieving students in commerce, IT, and data science.
Standard Bank’s bursary is known for being highly competitive and equally rewarding. It targets academically excellent students who show leadership potential, not just good grades.
Beyond funding, Standard Bank connects students with graduate programme opportunities, making it a career investment, not just a financial one.
Tip: Your motivation letter matters enormously here. Standard Bank wants to know why you want to work in banking and what you bring to the table.
8. SETA Bursaries — Sector Education and Training Authorities
Best for: Students in vocational and technical fields.
SETAs are often overlooked in lists of top bursaries, but they are a goldmine — especially for students at TVET colleges or those studying trades and technical qualifications.
Different SETAs cover different industries: MERSETA covers manufacturing; FASSET covers finance; HWSETA covers health and social development. Each SETA has its own bursary fund and application process.
Read on How to Apply for a SETA Bursary
Pro Tip: Visit the DHET website for a full list of SETAs and their contact details.
9. National Research Foundation (NRF) Bursary
Best for: Postgraduate students and researchers.
If you’re planning to study beyond your undergraduate degree, the NRF offers some of the most generous bursaries rankings for honours, master’s, and doctoral students in South Africa.
NRF bursaries support research across science, humanities, social sciences, and more. They also have specific programmes for students with disabilities and those from rural areas.
Eligibility:
- Registered at a South African public university
- Strong academic record
- Clear research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)
10. Telkom Foundation Bursary
Best for: ICT, engineering, and commerce students.
As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation, Telkom’s bursary programme has become one of the most relevant best bursaries in South Africa for students interested in technology and connectivity.
Telkom provides full bursaries including tuition, accommodation, and a study allowance. Like many corporate bursaries, it also includes internship placement during academic holidays — giving you real-world experience before you even graduate.
Eligibility:
- South African citizen
- Studying ICT, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Business-related degrees
- Financial need and merit both considered
How to Write a Winning Bursary Application
Getting on this list of top bursaries to apply now is only half the battle. The other half is submitting an application that stands out. Here’s what actually works:
✅ Nail Your Motivation Letter
This is your single most powerful tool. Be specific, be personal, and connect your goals directly to the funder’s mission. Don’t write a generic essay — write your story.
✅ Get Your Documents Ready Early
Most applications require certified ID copies, academic transcripts, proof of income, and a motivation letter. Gather these months in advance. Scrambling at the last minute leads to errors — and errors lead to rejections.
✅ Apply to Multiple Bursaries
There is no rule against applying to several bursaries at once. Cast a wide net. Apply to at least 3–5 options to maximise your chances.
✅ Follow Instructions Exactly
It sounds obvious, but many applications are disqualified for not following submission guidelines. If they say PDF, submit PDF. If they say two pages, write two pages.
✅ Meet the Deadlines — No Exceptions
Bursary deadlines are firm. Unlike university applications that sometimes have rolling admissions, most bursaries have a hard close date. Miss it, and you wait another year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Bursaries
Even strong students lose out on funding every year because of avoidable mistakes. Watch out for these:
- Applying too late — Many bursaries open as early as August for the following academic year
- Submitting incomplete documents — One missing form can disqualify your entire application
- Writing a vague motivation letter — Generic letters go straight to the rejection pile
- Not checking eligibility criteria — Applying for a bursary you don’t qualify for wastes time you could spend on better fits
- Forgetting to follow up — A polite follow-up email shows initiative and keeps your application top of mind
Final Thoughts: Your Future Is Worth Fighting For
The bursaries for college students listed above represent billions of rands invested in South African youth every single year. That money exists for you. But it won’t find you — you have to find it.
Start your research now. Build your documents. Write a compelling story. And apply to as many of these top bursaries as you qualify for.
South Africa needs skilled, educated professionals — in engineering, teaching, healthcare, technology, and business. These organisations are not just offering charity; they are investing in the country’s future. Be part of that future.
You have what it takes. Now go get what you deserve.
