A bursary is money given to you for your studies that you do not have to repay — provided you meet the conditions. For South African students from families that cannot afford university fees, a bursary is the difference between completing a degree and not attending at all. This guide covers who offers bursaries, how to find them, what to put in your application, and when to apply.
Bursary vs NSFAS — What Is the Difference?
NSFAS is a government programme that provides financial aid to low-income students at public universities and TVET colleges. It covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and personal allowances. NSFAS eligibility is means-tested — if your household earns above the threshold, you do not qualify regardless of your academic results.
A bursary is different. Bursaries are offered by private companies, state-owned enterprises, government departments, and non-profit organisations. They are often merit-based — your academic results and the field you are studying are the primary selection criteria, not your income level. Some bursaries do consider financial need alongside merit. Having a strong academic record makes your bursary applications significantly more competitive.
Major South African Bursary Providers in 2026/2027
| Provider | Fields of Study | Apply At |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom | Engineering, Science, Technology | eskom.co.za |
| Transnet | Engineering, Logistics, IT, Commerce | transnet.net/careers |
| Sasol | Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering | sasol.com |
| SANRAL | Civil Engineering, Transport Planning | sanral.co.za |
| Anglo American | Mining Engineering, Geology | angloamerican.com |
| Funza Lushaka | Teaching (Education) | funzalushaka.doe.gov.za |
| CSIR | Science, Engineering, Technology | csir.co.za |
| Old Mutual | Finance, Actuarial Science, Accounting | oldmutual.co.za |
When to Apply for Bursaries
Most South African bursaries for the 2027 academic year open applications between March and September 2026. The SANRAL External Bursary for 2027, for example, opened in July 2026 and closes at the end of September 2026. Eskom and Transnet bursaries for 2027 typically open around May and close in August or September. Missing the opening window is the most common reason students fail to access bursary funding — by the time they start looking, the applications are already closed.
Apply to multiple bursaries simultaneously. There is no rule against applying to ten different bursaries at the same time. Your application for a Sasol bursary does not affect your application for a Transnet bursary. Cast a wide net, especially in your final year of school or in your first year of study when many bursaries are specifically targeted.
💡 Provincial bursaries exist too: In addition to national bursaries, all nine South African provinces offer their own bursary programmes for provincial residents. Check the website of your provincial government's Department of Education or Department of Higher Education for provincial bursary opportunities — these are often less competitive than the national ones because fewer people know about them.
What to Include in Your Bursary Application
Every bursary application asks for documents, but the part that separates successful applicants from the rest is the motivation letter. Write it specifically for each bursary — do not send the same letter to every provider. Explain why you chose this specific field of study, what you plan to do with the qualification, how the bursary aligns with your goals, and why this specific company or organisation is a good fit. Show that you have researched what they do and that you understand their sector.
Your academic results must be included and must be authentic. Bursary providers verify certificates with institutions. Your community involvement, leadership roles at school, and any work or volunteer experience should also be mentioned — they show that you are a well-rounded candidate, not only a strong academic one.
⚠️ Bursary scams exist. Legitimate bursary providers never charge a fee to apply. If you are asked to pay to register for a bursary, it is a scam. Verify any bursary opportunity by looking up the company directly and checking their official website.
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