List of SA Bursaries Still Open for 2027
Find and apply for funding opportunities curated just for you.
Google • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the Google PhD Fellowship 2026 for computer science. Fully funded with stipend, tuition support, and more.
Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) – Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE) • Private Sector UPDATED
Pharmacy bursary for postgraudate students in South Africa. The bursary covers Masters and PhD studies. Apply today.
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DTPW) • Government UPDATED
Masakh’iSizwe bursary 2027 for engineering and built environment students. Covers full costs with work-back contract,
Moore • Private Sector UPDATED
Applications now open for the Moore Africa Bursary 2027 - 2028. Open to accounting students pursuing a CA(SA) path with strong academic results.
Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC/OPDT) • Private Sector UPDATED
Postgraduate funding for oilseeds research in South Africa. OAC/OPDT Scholarship 2027 supports Masters and PhD students in agriculture.
National Research Foundation with Department of Innovation and Science • Private Sector UPDATED
Get funding for Masters and PhD studies in South Africa with the DSI-NRF Human Development Bursary 2027.
University of the Witwatersrand: Wits • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the Wits Sport Bursary 2027. Interested athletes must be planning to enroll at Wits university in 2027.
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027. The program empowers aspiring accounting careers with financial barriers.
Mandela Institute for Development Studies: MINDS • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the MINDS Scholarship Programme 2027. Open to African students pursuing postgraduate studies in Africa with full or partial funding.
Sanlam • Private Sector UPDATED
Sanlam Actuarial Bursary 2027 is open to matriculants and undergraduates. Full funding, plus a job after graduation
Sasol • Private Sector UPDATED
Apply for the Sasol Bursary 2027. Funding is available for South African students in STEM fields. Postgraduates are welcome.
The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics: CING • Private Sector UPDATED
Cyprus MSc scholarships 2026–2027 offer tuition support and stipend for South African postgraduate students.
Browse by Study Field
Students can explore government bursaries, SETA bursaries, corporate funding programmes, and private sector sponsorships across multiple disciplines. We also list field-specific funding such as law bursaries, engineering bursaries, accounting and finance bursaries, and education bursaries for future teachers. If you are looking for teaching bursaries or bursaries for private colleges, our category structure allows you to filter opportunities quickly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions South Africans who are students, graduates, undergraduates and scholars are asking everyday.
In South Africa, bursaries are usually awarded to students who meet specific academic and financial requirements. Most bursaries require you to have passed matric or be currently studying at a recognised university or college. Some bursaries are based on financial need, while others focus on academic performance, study field, or province. Each bursary has its own eligibility criteria, so it is important to read the requirements carefully before applying.
The requirements depend on the bursary provider. However, most SA bursaries ask for:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your latest academic results
- Proof of registration or acceptance at an institution
- Proof of household income (for need-based bursaries)
- A completed bursary application form
Some providers may also require a motivational letter or proof of residence.
Several South African banks offer bursaries, especially for fields like finance, accounting, IT, and business studies. These may include banks such as Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, and First National Bank (FNB). Bank bursaries often focus on students with strong academic results and may include work-back agreements after graduation.
In most cases, bursary money does not need to be paid back. However, some bursaries have a work-back agreement. This means you agree to work for the company or organisation for a certain period after completing your studies. If you do not meet the agreement, you may be required to repay the funding.
The two common types of bursaries in South Africa are:
- Full bursaries – These cover tuition, books, accommodation, and sometimes a monthly allowance.
- Partial bursaries – These cover only part of the study costs, usually tuition fees.
A bursary is often awarded based on financial need, academic performance, or a specific study field.
A scholarship is usually awarded based mainly on academic excellence, leadership, or sporting achievement. Scholarships do not normally require financial need to qualify.
There is no limit to how many bursaries you can apply for. It is recommended to apply for multiple bursaries to increase your chances of receiving funding.
Make sure you meet the requirements for each bursary before applying.
It depends on the bursary. Some bursaries pay tuition fees directly to the institution and provide a monthly allowance for living expenses.
Others only cover tuition and do not provide monthly payments.
Some bursaries come with conditions such as:
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Maintaining a certain academic average
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Studying in a specific field
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Working for the sponsor after graduation
If you do not meet these conditions, the bursary may be withdrawn.
Most bursaries last for one academic year but can be renewed if you meet the required academic performance.
Some bursaries fund students for the full duration of their qualification, provided they pass each year.