WHAT TO EXPECT

Paying for university in South Africa is not cheap. Tuition, registration, accommodation, food, transport, textbooks and other study costs can quickly become too much for one family to handle.

The good news is that there are many bursaries and funding opportunities available. The difficult part is finding the right ones, applying before the deadline and making sure you are using a legitimate website.

If you are a matric learner, university student or someone planning to study next year, this guide will show you where to look and how to apply.

What is a bursary?

A bursary is financial support given to a student to help pay for their education.

Depending on the bursary, it may cover some or all of your:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Books and learning materials
  • Transport
  • Living expenses
  • Laptop or other study equipment

Not every bursary covers everything. Some only pay tuition, while others are much more comprehensive.

Some bursaries also come with conditions. For example, certain company bursaries may require you to work for the company after you graduate.

Always read the full terms and conditions before accepting funding.

Who can apply for a bursary?

There is no single rule for every bursary.

Different organisations may look at different things, including:

  • Your academic results
  • Your household income
  • Your field of study
  • Your year of study
  • Your age
  • Your province or municipality
  • Your university
  • Your nationality
  • Whether you come from a disadvantaged background
  • Whether your qualification is considered a scarce skill

Some bursaries are specifically for fields such as engineering, medicine, accounting, computer science, teaching, agriculture or law.

Others are available across several fields.

This is why you should not only apply for one bursary and wait for the answer. Apply for every legitimate opportunity where you meet the requirements.

Step 1: Know exactly what you are studying

Before searching for funding, write down your:

  • Qualification
  • University or college
  • Year of study
  • Expected graduation year
  • Average mark
  • Main subjects
  • Career field

For example, someone studying Computer Science should search for bursaries that specifically fund Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Engineering or other related fields.

The more specific your search is, the easier it becomes to find bursaries that actually match you.

Step 2: Start with NSFAS

If you are studying at a public university or TVET college and meet the financial and other requirements, check the National Student Financial Aid Scheme first.

NSFAS is the main government funding scheme for students who cannot afford tertiary education. Its bursary funding can cover things such as registration, tuition, learning materials and certain allowances, depending on the applicable rules.

Applications are made through the official NSFAS website and myNSFAS account.

Do not apply through someone claiming they can “guarantee” NSFAS funding for you.

Official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za

NSFAS says applicants should create a myNSFAS profile, complete the required information and submit their application online. (NSFAS)

Step 3: Check your university’s financial aid office

A lot of students make the mistake of searching only on Google.

Your university itself can be one of the best places to find funding.

Universities may offer:

  • University bursaries
  • Merit awards
  • Financial aid
  • Faculty-specific funding
  • Scholarships
  • Donor-funded bursaries
  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Residence-related funding

The South African government also recommends that students check with their university’s financial aid office for bursaries and awards. (Department of Basic Education)

Go to your university’s official website and search for:

  • Financial Aid
  • or
  • Student Funding
  • or
  • Bursaries

Do not rely on a random Facebook post when your university has published the information officially.

Step 4: Look at government bursaries

South African government departments offer bursaries for different fields.

Some are aimed at specific careers and skills that government needs.

One example is the Funza Lushaka Bursary, which supports students studying towards teaching qualifications in priority subject areas.

Funza Lushaka is applied for through the official government e-Services system. The programme also has specific requirements and a service obligation after graduation. (Funza Lushaka)

Official Funza Lushaka website: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

You should also check government departments, provincial governments and municipalities for bursaries.

Some municipal bursaries are restricted to students who live in that municipality.

Step 5: Check companies and organisations

Many South African companies offer bursaries because they need skilled graduates in specific industries.

Examples include:

  • Eskom
  • Transnet
  • Vodacom
  • CSIR
  • Sasol Foundation
  • SANRAL
  • Standard Bank
  • SAICA
  • Various SETAs
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Mining companies
  • Engineering companies
  • Insurance companies
  • Technology companies

For example, Eskom awarded 200 bursaries for the 2026 financial year, while Transnet offers full-time bursaries in areas including Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, engineering and other fields. (Eskom)

The CSIR also offers bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students in priority science, engineering and technology fields. (CSIR)

The important part is this:

Apply on the organisation’s official website whenever possible.

Do not automatically trust a website just because it has the company’s logo on it.

Legitimate bursary websites to bookmark

Here are websites worth keeping on your list.

Official government and funding websites

NSFAS
www.nsfas.org.za
For government-funded tertiary education support at public universities and TVET colleges.

Funza Lushaka
www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
For eligible students pursuing teaching qualifications.

South African Government
www.gov.za
Useful for government information and finding official funding information.

Department of Higher Education and Training
www.dhet.gov.za
Useful for higher education information and government programmes.

Official company and organisation websites

Eskom
www.eskom.co.za
Check Eskom’s official website for bursary and youth development opportunities. Eskom has an established bursary programme supporting students in fields linked to its skills requirements. (Eskom)

Transnet
www.transnet.net
Transnet offers undergraduate bursaries across technical and non-technical fields. (Transnet)

CSIR
www.csir.co.za
A particularly useful website for students interested in science, technology, engineering, Computer Science, IT and related fields. (CSIR)

SAICA Thuthuka
www.saica.org.za
Useful for students pursuing the CA(SA) route through eligible BCom Accounting programmes. (SAICA)

Vodacom
www.vodacom.com
Vodacom has an external bursary programme for qualifying students, particularly in STEM-related fields. (Vodacom)

Bursary listing websites

You can also use bursary directories to discover opportunities.

Careers Portal
www.careersportal.co.za
Careers Portal publishes bursary opportunities and application deadlines. (Careers Portal)

Bursaries Portal
www.bursariesportal.co.za
Another useful directory that lists bursaries from companies, government organisations and other institutions. (Bursaries Portal)

These websites are useful for finding opportunities, but you should still check the original organisation’s website before submitting personal information.

Official website or bursary directory?

This distinction matters.

A bursary directory can tell you:
“Company X is offering a bursary.”
But the company’s own website should be your final check.

For example:
Bursary directory → Find the opportunity → Open the organisation’s official website → Check requirements → Apply through the official application system.

That is much safer than clicking the first “Apply Now” button you see on Google.

Documents you should prepare

Do not wait until the day before the deadline to start looking for documents.

Create a folder on your computer called:
Bursary Applications 2027
Keep copies of commonly requested documents inside it.

These can include:

  • South African ID
  • Matric certificate
  • Latest academic results
  • Full academic transcript
  • Proof of registration
  • Proof of university acceptance
  • Proof of application
  • Proof of household income
  • Parents’ or guardians’ income documents where required
  • Affidavits where applicable
  • Proof of residence
  • Updated CV
  • Motivational letter
  • Other documents specifically requested by the bursary

Different bursaries require different documents, so do not upload random documents just because another bursary asked for them.

For example, CSIR’s bursary requirements include an updated CV, certified ID and latest academic record for its relevant applications. (CSIR)

Make your motivational letter count

Some bursaries ask for a motivational letter.

Do not write:
“I need this bursary because my family is poor and I want to study.”

Explain your situation properly.

A good motivation should answer:

  • Who are you?
  • What are you studying?
  • Why did you choose the qualification?
  • What have you achieved academically?
  • Why do you need financial assistance?
  • What are your career goals?
  • Why are you suitable for the bursary?
  • What do you want to contribute after graduating?

Keep it honest.

Do not copy someone else’s motivational letter from TikTok or Google and change the name.

Apply early

This is one of the biggest mistakes students make.

A bursary can close before you even hear about it.

Some programmes have deadlines many months before the new academic year begins.

For example, CSIR’s 2027 bursary applications closed on 15 September 2026. (CSIR)

Other 2027 bursaries are still being advertised around September 2026, showing why students should check regularly rather than searching only once. (Careers Portal)

If you find a bursary that matches you, apply immediately.

Do not wait until the closing date.

Apply for multiple bursaries

There is no rule saying you must apply for only one bursary.

Apply for several opportunities that you genuinely qualify for.

For example:

  • NSFAS
  • University funding
  • Government bursaries
  • Company bursaries
  • SETA bursaries
  • Municipal or provincial bursaries
  • Field-specific bursaries
  • Scholarships

Just remember that some funding programmes have rules about receiving other funding at the same time.

Always disclose existing funding when an application asks for it.

Be careful of bursary scams

This is where you need to be very careful.

A bursary application should not require you to send your banking password, banking PIN or OTP to a random person.

Be suspicious if someone says:

  • “Pay R200 and we will guarantee your bursary.”
  • “Send me your OTP so I can complete your application.”
  • “Send your banking password.”
  • “You have won a bursary you never applied for.”
  • “We guarantee funding.”
  • “Pay us and we will make NSFAS approve you.”

Those are major red flags.

Use official websites and verify the organisation before submitting sensitive information.

Government departments and companies also warn the public about scams involving requests for sensitive information. (South African Revenue Service)

How to keep track of applications

Make a simple spreadsheet.

Use columns like:

  • Bursary
  • Organisation
  • Website
  • Closing date
  • Requirements
  • Applied?
  • Result

This makes a massive difference when you are applying for many opportunities.

The easiest bursary strategy

If you are serious about getting funding, use this routine:

Every week:

  • Check NSFAS.
  • Check your university’s funding page.
  • Check government bursaries.
  • Check Careers Portal.
  • Check Bursaries Portal.
  • Check companies in your industry.
  • Search for bursaries using your exact degree.
  • Check closing dates.
  • Apply immediately when you qualify.
  • Save proof that you submitted the application.

For example, instead of searching only:
“bursaries South Africa”
search:
“Computer Science bursaries South Africa”
“Accounting bursaries South Africa”
“Engineering bursaries South Africa”
“Nursing bursaries South Africa”
“Bursaries for current university students”
“Bursaries for second year students”

Your field of study can lead you to opportunities that a general search will miss.

Final tip: don’t give up after one rejection

Getting rejected for one bursary does not mean you cannot get funding somewhere else.

Bursaries have different requirements, budgets, fields of study and selection processes.

Keep applying.

The goal is not to find one magical bursary website.

The goal is to build a list of legitimate funding opportunities, check them regularly and apply to the ones that match your situation.

And before you submit anything, ask yourself one question:
“Am I applying through the real organisation, or am I giving my personal information to a random website?”

If you are not sure, stop and verify the website first.

Sources