Bursaries
Where to actually apply — handpicked directories and the big-name programmes worth checking every year.
NSFAS
Government bursary covering full cost of study (tuition, accommodation, food, books, transport) for South Africans from households earning under R350,000 combined per year. Applications open mid-year and run into the next year's intake.
Start with these two directories
ZA Bursaries
The largest SA bursary directory — searchable by field, year of study, university, and province. Updated regularly with closing dates.
Open directoryStudy Trust
Manages over 50 corporate bursary programmes including Sasol, Standard Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, Old Mutual and Nedbank.
Open directoryBy field of study
Engineering
Sasol, Eskom, Anglo American, Transnet, SAICEHealth Sciences
Discovery, Department of Health, Netcare, Medi-ClinicCommerce & Finance
Allan Gray, Investec, Standard Bank, RMB, Old MutualAgriculture
AgriSETA, FW de Klerk Foundation, BKBTechnology
Cisco, Microsoft, TIA, Department of CommunicationsTeaching & Education
Funza Lushaka, ISASA, individual schoolsApply smart
The students who win bursaries don't just have great marks — they apply early and apply broadly.
Apply for NSFAS regardless — it doesn't block other bursary applications.
Aim for 5+ applications. Most students apply for one and miss.
Read each set of requirements twice. Wrong subjects = auto-reject.
Keep a folder: ID copy, latest report, proof of income, motivation letter.
Note every closing date in your calendar. Most close between June and September.
Need help with your motivation letter?Find an essay tutor