A bursary is one of the most valuable forms of financial support a South African student can receive — and unlike a student loan, you generally do not pay it back if you meet the conditions. Every year, hundreds of companies, government departments, and foundations offer bursaries to students who qualify. This guide explains what a bursary is, how it differs from NSFAS, where to find bursaries in 2027, how to apply, and which major providers are currently offering funding.
💡 Quick summary: A bursary is funding from a company or government that covers your studies — often with no repayment if you complete your qualification and work for the funder afterward. Bursaries are separate from NSFAS. Apply directly to the provider with your matric results, proof of financial need, and a strong motivation letter.
What Is a Bursary?
A bursary is financial support given to a student to fund their studies at a university or TVET college. It usually covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and sometimes a personal allowance. Most bursaries come with conditions — typically that you study a specific field and work for the company or department that funded you for a number of years after graduating. If you meet the conditions, you pay nothing back.
Bursaries are offered by many organisations in South Africa including mining companies, government departments, banks, energy companies, technology firms, and charitable foundations.
Bursary vs NSFAS — What Is the Difference?
Many students confuse bursaries and NSFAS. Here are the key differences:
| Feature | NSFAS | Bursary |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Government (DHET) | Company, department, or foundation |
| Income requirement | Household under R350,000/yr | Varies — many require financial need proof |
| What it covers | Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, transport | Usually tuition + accommodation; varies |
| Repayment | No repayment if you pass | Work-back obligation is common |
| Who can apply | Any qualifying student at a public institution | Usually specific fields of study |
You can apply for both — having a bursary does not always disqualify you from NSFAS. Check with your institution and the bursary provider.
Major Bursary Providers in South Africa for 2027
Mining and Resources
- Anglo American Platinum — engineering, mining, geology, metallurgy, finance. Apply at angloamerican.com/careers
- Valterra Platinum — mining engineering, geology, geomatics. Via Tshikululu Trust (valterraeducation@tshikululu.org.za)
- Sibanye-Stillwater — mining-related fields. Apply at sibanyestillwater.com
- Sasol — engineering, sciences, IT, finance. Apply at sasol.com/careers
- Exxaro — engineering, environmental, finance. Apply at exxaro.com
Government and Teaching
- Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary — for students studying to become teachers at public schools. One of SA's most accessible bursaries. Covers full tuition and accommodation. Apply at funzalushaka.gov.za
- Eskom — engineering, finance, IT, quantity surveying. Apply at eskom.co.za/careers
- Transnet — engineering, finance, supply chain, IT. Apply at transnet.net
- Department of Health — nursing, pharmacy, medicine bursaries through provincial health departments
Banking and Financial Services
- Absa — commerce, IT, actuarial science, data science. Apply at absa.co.za/careers
- Standard Bank — finance, IT, economics, engineering. Apply at standardbank.com
- FNB / FirstRand — commerce, accounting, IT, data science. Apply at fnb.co.za
- Nedbank — finance, IT, data, engineering. Apply at nedbank.co.za/careers
The Funza Lushaka Bursary — Special Mention
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is one of the most accessible bursaries in South Africa for students wanting to become teachers. It is government-funded and covers full tuition, accommodation, books, and a personal allowance. The commitment is to teach at a public school for the same number of years you received funding. With South Africa's chronic shortage of qualified teachers — especially in mathematics, science, technology, and languages — employment after graduation is virtually guaranteed for recipients.
To qualify: you must be studying a BEd or PGCE at an accredited institution. Apply at funzalushaka.gov.za before applications close (usually September–October for the following year's intake).
Documents You Need for a Bursary Application
- Certified copy of your SA ID document
- Your matric results or latest academic transcript
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter from your university/college
- Proof of household income — payslips or SASSA grant letter
- A motivation letter — why you deserve the bursary and what you plan to do with your qualification
- Your CV — include academic achievements, community involvement, leadership roles
- Proof of address (municipal account or letter from a local authority)
💡 CV tip: Build a professional CV free with our CV Builder. Choose the Elegant template for academic applications — clean, professional, and suitable for bursary submissions.
How to Write a Strong Bursary Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter often decides between two equally qualified applicants. A strong one:
- Opens with who you are, what you're studying, and which bursary you're applying for
- Explains your financial circumstances clearly and honestly
- Shows genuine passion for your chosen field with specific examples
- Explains what you will do with your qualification and its community impact
- Mentions leadership roles, community work, or achievements with evidence
- Is one page, well-written, and proofread with no spelling errors
Avoid vague phrases like "I am hardworking and passionate" without evidence. Instead: "I tutored five Grade 10 classmates in mathematics — all five improved their marks by an average of 15%." Specific examples win bursaries.
Bursary Application Tips
- Apply to many bursaries — apply to 5–10 where you qualify; don't rely on one
- Apply early — most close months before the academic year; 2027 applications often close in June–October 2026
- Focus on your field — a mining company won't fund a media studies student
- Use the official website only — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf
- Follow instructions exactly — missing one document often means automatic disqualification
⚠️ Bursary scams exist: Never pay anyone to help you apply for or "access" a bursary. Legitimate bursaries are free to apply for and never ask for banking details or fees upfront. Apply only through official company and government websites.
Final Word
Bursaries are genuinely life-changing opportunities for South African students. Start early, apply to multiple providers, write a compelling motivation letter, and only use official channels. Combined with NSFAS where you qualify, a bursary can fund your entire degree with no debt. Check which universities and colleges are open for applications on our Study Hub and calculate your APS score to see which courses you qualify for.
How to Write a Winning Bursary Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter is often the deciding factor between two equally qualified applicants. A strong motivation letter opens with who you are and which bursary you are applying for, explains your financial circumstances clearly and honestly, shows genuine passion for your field with specific examples rather than vague claims, and explains the community impact you plan to have with your qualification.
Avoid phrases like "I am hardworking and passionate" without evidence. Instead use specifics: "I tutored five Grade 10 classmates in mathematics — all five improved their marks by an average of 15%." That kind of detail wins bursaries. Keep the letter to one page, proofread carefully, and have someone else read it before you submit.
Key Application Tips
- Apply to at least 5–10 bursaries — never rely on one; spread your applications widely
- Apply early — most close months before the academic year. Applications for 2027 often close between June and October 2026
- Focus on your field of study — a mining company will not fund a media student; match your applications to relevant providers
- Use official websites only — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf; legitimate bursaries are always free
- Follow every instruction exactly — missing a single document often means automatic disqualification
- Keep certified copies fresh — certifications older than 3 months are often rejected
⚠️ Bursary scams are common in South Africa. Never pay anyone to help you "access" or "fast-track" a bursary application. Legitimate bursaries are 100% free to apply for and will never ask for banking details or a registration fee upfront. Apply only through official company and government websites.
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