Searching for places to apply for a bursary or scholarship can be challenging for a student. South African students who need financial assistance to pay for tuition, accommodation, books and other expenses relating to a degree or diploma should consider finding a suitable funding opportunity early enough.
Bursaries and scholarships can be offered by government departments, companies, foundations and other funding bodies. The requirements and financial criteria may differ from one organisation to the next.
Applicants should identify the financial needs and the specific qualifications, academic records and other requirements set by a funding body before submission. It is advisable to shortlist the most relevant opportunities and apply for a bursary or scholarship according to the instructions provided.
Below is a list of 10 trustworthy places where South African students can apply for various forms of financial assistance.
1. NSFAS: Financial Aid for University and TVET College Students
Official website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is an organisation that provides financial assistance for eligible students to pursue their studies at public universities and technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.
Eligible applicants and students that provide all the required documents can apply to receive a bursary or scholarship from NSFAS, as long as they meet the specific funding criteria.
Applicants should understand that not everyone who applies for financial aid will be approved for a bursary. Household income, application requirements, academic status and other factors can impact an outcome.
Who should apply? : Students that intend to study at a public university or TVET college and meet the financial and other requirements.
Next steps: Review the requirements and apply online according to the official instructions.
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme: For Aspiring Teachers
Official website: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/
Aspiring teachers can apply for a bursary and scholarship to fund their teacher training at approved universities through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme.
This funding opportunity aims to fund approved qualifications for students that will contribute to the education system.
Applicants should be aware that not all qualifications and universities are approved to receive funding for this bursary programme.
Who should apply? : Students that intend to pursue a teaching career and complete an approved teaching qualification.
Next steps: Review the requirements and application guidelines.
3. ISFAP: Bursary Funding for Eligible Students
Official website: https://www.isfap.org.za/
Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) offers bursary funding for several fields of study.
The trust focuses on financially disadvantaged students, with a specific interest in the missing-middle household income bracket, and qualifications that lead to occupations in demand.
Eligibility criteria and the available fields of study, approval requirements and other guidelines can differ, depending on the programme.
Who should apply? : Students that need financial assistance with their studies and are pursuing an approved qualification at an approved institution of higher learning.
Next steps: Review the requirements and apply for an available bursary programme.
4. SA Bursaries: Find Bursary Opportunities
Website: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/
SA Bursaries is a website that compiles a list of bursaries, scholarships, study grants and other forms of financial assistance for students.
This website is useful for identifying potential funders in a specific area of study, short-listing opportunities and reviewing the application procedures.
Anyone considering this option should keep in mind that the opportunities listed on a website are not always available at the time of application, including the required documents and closing dates for submissions.
Who should apply? : School leavers, prospective students and those already at a university or college of higher learning.
Next steps: Browse the list of bursaries and shortlist the opportunities according to your field of study.
5. Bursaries. Co.za: Search for Bursaries and Scholarships
Website: https://bursaries.co.za/
Bursaries. co.za is another website where students can browse and search for bursaries and scholarships according to field of study.
This funding resource allows students to identify and shortlist bursaries and scholarships, with the option to filter according to the area of study.
Applicants should always double-check the application requirements, closing dates and other guidelines before submitting an application.
Who should apply? : Anyone who wants to browse bursary and scholarship opportunities in a specific field of study.
Next steps: Review the application guidelines of the bursaries or scholarships on the website.
6. StudyTrust: Bursaries Administered for Sponsors
Official website: https://studytrust.org.za/
StudyTrust manages several bursary programmes and financial assistance opportunities for students.
The trust offers opportunities funded by a wide range of sponsors, including individuals, companies and other trusts.
This funding option is ideal for anyone that does not know which companies, organisations or government departments offer bursaries for their chosen field of study.
Who should apply? : Anyone searching for bursaries in specific fields of study.
Next steps: StudyTrust has a list of bursaries and scholarships on the website. Review the specific application requirements.
7. Career Wise: Bursaries and Scholarships
Official website: https://careerwise.co.za/
Career Wise is a bursary management company that administers bursaries, scholarships and other financial assistance for students.
Anyone searching for a bursary can browse the opportunities on the website to identify the fields of study and the specific criteria.
Students interested in applying for a bursary or scholarship should consider reviewing applications and requirements before submitting an application.
Who should apply? : Anyone searching for corporate bursary and scholarship opportunities.
Next steps: Review the bursary programmes and their specific requirements.
8. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation: Scholarships and Programs
Official website: https://www.allangrayorbis.org/
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation focuses primarily on developing the potential of entrepreneurs.
The foundation has a number of bursaries and programs, but the entry-level requirements differ, with some only being available for school leavers and others for those at university.
Students interested in identifying the programs and bursaries should review the application requirements to determine if they are eligible for financial assistance.
Who should apply? : Students that want to develop their entrepreneurial skills and potential.
Next steps: Review the programs and bursaries administered by the foundation to determine if you meet the requirements.
9. Mandela Rhodes Foundation: Postgraduate Scholarships
Official website: https://www.mandelarhodes.org/
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation provides postgraduate scholarships, but only to qualifying young African leaders.
The foundation focuses on postgraduate studies but also requires recipients to complete a leadership development program.
Applicants should be aware of the application requirements, as well as the closing dates for funding applications.
Who should apply? : Young African leaders that want to pursue postgraduate studies at a South African university.
Next steps: Review the application and eligibility criteria for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation scholarship.
10. DHET International Scholarships Portal: Scholarships Abroad
Official website: https://www.internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za/
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has a portal that lists international scholarships for students.
Applicants should be aware that the scholarships are administered by foreign governments and other international funding bodies.
Scholarships differ in terms of criteria and funding amounts, with some covering tuition and other fees and some providing grants for living expenses.
Who should apply? : Students that are interested in studying abroad and are eligible for the scholarships.
Next steps: Review the application procedures and requirements for each scholarship.
How to Choose a Bursary
When you find a suitable bursary, it is essential to review the specific requirements and ensure you meet the financial and other criteria for the bursary before you apply.
A few questions to consider include:
- Does the bursary cover the course you want to study?
- Do you meet the academic requirements for the bursary?
- Will the bursary cover your financial needs?
- What are the application and other requirements?
- Are there any conditions attached to the bursary?
What Documents Will You Need?
The required documents for bursaries vary, but it is always a good idea to prepare the following documents ahead of time:
- Certified copy of your ID or other proof of identity
- Academic results and/or matric certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of admission and/or registration at an institution of higher learning (if applicable)
- Proof of income and/or financial needs (if applicable)
- CV or motivation letter (if applicable)
- Contact details of any referee or contact person (if applicable)
Only provide the documents requested by the relevant funder, and ensure that the contact details on the website are legitimate before you send any personal information.
Bursary Scams: How to Protect Yourself
Anyone searching for financial assistance should be aware of bursary scams and how to protect yourself. If you receive a call from a person or company claiming to be able to assist with a bursary but you did not apply for financial assistance with them, it is best to disregard the call
Anyone that suspects fraud should report the incident to the relevant authorities.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find bursaries in 2027?
Start with the government-funded bursaries, such as NSFAS and the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, before browsing the other bursary sites and foundations. Review the shortlisted bursary providers to determine if you meet the application and financial criteria. If you are unsure about the financial needs of a certain bursary, ask the funder to confirm your eligibility.
Is a bursary the same thing as a scholarship?
Bursaries and scholarships are similar, but some have stricter financial criteria than others, and some are contingent on financial need, while others are based on merit.
Do I have to pay back a bursary?
It depends on the type of bursary, but many bursaries do not need to be repaid, as long as the recipient meets all the requirements.
Can I apply for more than one bursary?
You can apply for multiple bursaries, as long as the application guidelines do not prohibit simultaneous applications for financial assistance.
When should I start looking for bursaries?
The earlier, the better. Some bursaries have stricter deadlines than others, so always check the application guidelines before you submit your application.
Final Thoughts
South African students can benefit from a bursary to fund part or all of their tertiary education.
While there are several bursaries and scholarships, the ideal bursary depends on the field of study, as well as the financial and other requirements.
The ideal starting point will depend on the applicant, but those intending to complete a teaching degree can start with the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, while those that want to pursue postgraduate studies can review the Mandela Rhodes Foundation opportunities. Always ensure that the bursary covers your financial needs before you submit an application.
The above list is a starting point, but not all these bursaries will be available in 2027. Always confirm the application guidelines with the funding provider to ensure that you are aware of the specific closing dates, financial criteria and other application requirements.
Editorial and Fact-Checking Note: This guide offers information on the places where South African students can find bursaries. The author does not claim that these bursaries will be available or that these organisations will accept applications in 2027. Students should always review the application requirements and dates before they submit an application. Inaccuracies and corrections should always be reviewed before a publication goes live.
