Top 10 Bursaries for South African Students in 2026

🎓 Top Bursaries in South Africa and Why Applying Early Matters

For many South African students, bursaries are the gateway to higher education. They provide financial support for tuition, accommodation, and study materials, ensuring that talented learners can pursue their dreams regardless of financial background.

🌟 Leading Bursaries in South Africa

• NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): The largest government-funded bursary, covering full costs for students from households earning below R350,000 per year.
• Funza Lushaka Bursary: Supports future teachers in priority subjects like Maths, Science, and Technology.
• Department of Health Bursaries: For students in Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy, often with a work-back agreement in public hospitals.
• Corporate Bursaries: Companies like Anglo American, Sasol, Vodacom, MTN, Standard Bank, and Nedbank fund students in engineering, ICT, finance, and commerce.
• Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship: Focused on entrepreneurial leadership, offering mentorship alongside financial support.

⏰ Why Applying on Time is Crucial

1. High Demand: Thousands of students compete for limited bursary slots. Late applications are often rejected outright.
2. Verification Process: Applications require supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic transcripts). Submitting early gives time to correct errors.
3. Peace of Mind: Early applicants avoid last-minute stress and can focus on preparing for studies.
4. Better Chances: Some bursaries review applications on a rolling basis, meaning earlier submissions are prioritized.

Applying for bursaries is not just about financial aid—it’s about securing your future. Whether it’s NSFAS or a corporate bursary, make sure you apply early, prepare your documents carefully, and track deadlines. The sooner you act, the greater your chances of success.

1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

The NSFAS bursary is the largest government-funded scheme, supporting financially disadvantaged students at public universities and TVET colleges. It covers tuition, accommodation, transport, food, and personal allowances.

• Requirements: South African citizenship, household income below R350,000 per year, acceptance at a public institution.
• Application link: Apply for NSFAS 2026

2. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

This bursary is aimed at students who want to become teachers in priority subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Recipients must commit to teaching in public schools after graduation.

• Requirements: South African citizenship, under 30 years old, strong academic record.
• Application link: Funza Lushaka 2026 Applications

3. Department of Health Bursary

The Department of Health offers bursaries for students in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and allied health sciences. Successful applicants often sign a work-back agreement to serve in public hospitals.

• Requirements: SA citizenship, proof of financial need, acceptance into a health sciences programme.
• Application link: Department of Health Bursary 2026

4. Anglo American Bursary

Anglo American supports students in Mining, Engineering, Geology, and Finance. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and vacation work opportunities.

• Requirements: Strong matric results in Maths and Science, interest in mining careers.
• Application link: Anglo American Bursary 2026

5. Standard Bank Bursary

Standard Bank offers bursaries for students in Finance, IT, Engineering, and Commerce. It provides full tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and mentoring.

• Requirements: SA citizenship, strong academic record, financial need.
• Application link: Standard Bank Bursary 2026

6. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship

This fellowship supports students with entrepreneurial potential, offering tuition, accommodation, mentorship, and leadership development.

• Requirements: SA citizenship, strong academics, leadership qualities.
• Application link: Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2026

7. Vodacom Bursary Programme

Vodacom funds students in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). It includes tuition, accommodation, allowances, and workplace exposure.

• Requirements: SA citizenship, excellent matric results in Maths and Science.
• Application link: Vodacom Bursary 2026

8. MTN Foundation Bursary

MTN supports students in ICT, Computer Science, and Engineering. The bursary includes tuition, accommodation, and mentorship.

• Requirements: SA citizenship, strong academic record in STEM subjects.
• Application link: MTN Bursary 2026

9. Department of Agriculture Bursary

This bursary supports students in Agriculture, Environmental Science, and Veterinary Science, especially from rural communities.

• Requirements: SA citizenship, financial need, acceptance into agriculture-related studies.
• Application link: Department of Agriculture Bursary 2026

10. South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Bursary

The SARB bursary funds students in Economics, Finance, Accounting, and Statistics. It is highly competitive and prestigious.

• Requirements: SA citizenship, strong academic record, financial need.
• Application link: SARB Bursary 2026

📊 Comparison Table