WHAT TO EXPECT
- Top Bursaries Still Open for 2027 Applications
- 1. Government Funding: NSFAS and ISFAP
- 2. Teaching Bursaries: Funza Lushaka
- 3. Corporate and Postgraduate Bursaries (Closing Nov – Dec)
- Can You Get a Bursary for Historical Debt or Outstanding Fees?
- What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Advice: Submit Even If Your Marks Aren't Perfect
If you still need funding for university or college in 2027, you have not missed your chance yet. Several major South African bursaries are still accepting applications right now, but many close before the end of November and December.
Whether you are in matric or already studying at university, securing a bursary takes off the heavy burden of tuition, books, and living expenses. Here is the full list of bursaries that are still open, their exact closing dates, and how to apply before the doors shut.
Top Bursaries Still Open for 2027 Applications
Every year, thousands of students assume all bursary applications close in the middle of winter. In reality, some of South Africa's largest funding schemes accept applications right up to the start of the new academic year.
Here are the biggest bursary schemes you can still apply for today:
| Bursary Programme | Closing Date | Who Can Apply | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSFAS 2027 | 31 October 2026 | Households earning under R350,000 / year | Full tuition, accommodation, meals, book allowance |
| ISFAP Missing Middle | 31 October 2026 | Households earning R350,000 – R600,000 / year | Full tuition, residence, food, personal allowance |
| Funza Lushaka (Returning) | 30 November 2026 | Returning B.Ed and PGCE teaching students | Tuition, accommodation, study material |
| DSTI-NRF Honours Funding | 23 November 2026 | Postgraduate Honours (Science & Humanities) | Full-cost or partial-cost study support |
| Milpark Bursary Programme | 10 December 2026 | Commerce, banking, and business students | Tuition and examination fees |
| PSG Bursary Programme | 20 December 2026 | IT, Finance, Actuarial Science, Engineering | Tuition, textbooks, and mentoring |
| Funza Lushaka (New Students) | 31 January 2027 | First-year teaching students (priority subjects) | Comprehensive tuition, meals, and living allowance |
1. Government Funding: NSFAS and ISFAP
The official NSFAS portal handles government funding for students from low-income families. If your combined household income is R350,000 or less per year, NSFAS pays your full university fees, accommodation, and monthly food allowance.
If your family earns slightly too much for NSFAS—between R350,000 and R600,000 annually—you qualify as "missing middle." The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) was built specifically to fund these students in high-demand fields like medicine, engineering, and accounting.
2. Teaching Bursaries: Funza Lushaka
If you plan to study education, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is one of the best funding options in South Africa. It covers tuition, accommodation, books, and gives you a monthly living allowance.
In exchange, you agree to teach at a public school for the same number of years you received funding. Returning bursars must apply on the Funza Lushaka website by 30 November 2026, while brand new teaching students have until 31 January 2027.
3. Corporate and Postgraduate Bursaries (Closing Nov – Dec)
Several private companies and national research bodies keep their funding open through late summer. The National Research Foundation (NRF) closes its honours funding in late November, while private firms like PSG and Milpark accept applications well into December.
Corporate sponsors frequently target their bursaries towards students enrolled in the highest-paying degrees in South Africa, particularly actuarial science, computer science, software development, and engineering.
Many local municipalities also publish their mayoral bursaries between November and January once matric exams wrap up. Keep an eye on your local municipal website or visit your town hall to pick up physical forms.
Can You Get a Bursary for Historical Debt or Outstanding Fees?
One of the biggest hurdles South African students face is not just funding the upcoming year, but clearing debt from previous semesters so their registration or degree certificates can be released.
If you have outstanding university fees, here are the main funding avenues available:
- NSFAS Historical Debt Clearance: Under Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) policy, continuing students who meet NSFAS financial eligibility criteria can register after signing an approved Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) form while government fee clearances are processed.
- Feenix Student Crowdfunding: The Feenix crowdfunding platform connects registered university students directly with individual donors and corporate social investment (CSI) funds specifically to pay down accumulated student debt.
- SETA Discretionary Debt Grants: Sector Education and Training Authorities (including BANKSETA, FASSET, and ETDP SETA) regularly issue dedicated historical debt clearance grants for final-year students and recent graduates in scarce-skill disciplines.
- University Vice-Chancellor & Hardship Funds: Most public universities (such as Wits, UCT, UJ, and UP) operate internal student emergency relief funds designed to settle tuition arrears for students in good academic standing.
Do not let fee debt stop your education. Contact your university's financial aid office as early as possible to submit an AOD and request debt relief support.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Do not wait until the closing day to look for your paperwork. Gather these certified copies right now:
- Your South African green barcoded ID or smart ID card.
- Certified ID copies of your parents or legal guardians.
- Proof of household income (latest payslips, pension slips, or a SASSA letter).
- An official affidavit if your parents are unemployed or single.
- Your latest Grade 12 results or current university transcript.
When preparing your documents, following our checklist of proven bursary application steps will prevent simple errors that cause applications to get rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bursaries are still open for 2027 in South Africa?
Major bursaries still open for 2027 include the Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary (closing 30 November 2026 for returning students and 31 January 2027 for new first-years), DSTI-NRF Honours Funding (closing 23 November 2026), Milpark Bursary Programme (closing 10 December 2026), and PSG Group Bursaries (closing 20 December 2026).
Can I get a bursary if I have outstanding student debt?
Yes. Students with historical debt can register by signing an Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) under DHET NSFAS policy, apply for student crowdfunding through Feenix.org, seek SETA discretionary debt relief grants, or apply to university emergency hardship funds.
What documents do I need to apply for a South African bursary?
You need a certified copy of your South African ID, certified ID copies of parents or guardians, proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letter, or unemployment affidavit), and your latest Grade 12 results or official university transcript.
Is NSFAS still accepting applications for 2027?
NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic cycle closed their initial online portal on 31 October 2026, but the financial aid scheme continues reviewing appeals and pending household income verifications through year-end.
Final Advice: Submit Even If Your Marks Aren't Perfect
Many students do not apply because they think their marks are too low. However, bursaries like NSFAS care primarily about household financial need rather than straight-A report cards.
Upload clear, readable scans, check your email daily for status updates, and never pay anyone money to submit a bursary application for you.
