BBD Software Development Bursary
BBD's Bursary & Beyond Programme funds aspiring software developers studying IT-related degrees at recognised South African universities. Unlike most bursaries, applications are open year-round and recipients flow directly into the BBD Graduate Programme after qualifying, making it one of the most accessible paths into a full-time software engineering career.
Eligible Fields of Study
BBD supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Studying or planning to study an IT-related degree at a recognised South African university
- ✓ Minimum 70% average in Matric, or 65% average at tertiary level
- ✓ Eligible qualifications include BSc, BEng, BCom and BIS at Bachelor's, Honours, Master's or Doctoral level
- ✓ Demonstrable passion for building software (a portfolio or side projects is a plus)
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition support throughout your degree
- ✓ Annual one-week onsite Vac Week workshop with other bursars
- ✓ Practical exposure to BBD's tech stack and project teams
- ✓ Mentorship from working software engineers
- ✓ Automatic placement into the BBD Graduate Programme after graduation
- ✓ Real project work from day one of employment
Work Commitment
Bursary recipients join the BBD Graduate Programme after graduation and are expected to work at BBD for a period linked to the duration of their bursary.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your BBD bursary application
- 1
Apply online via the BBD careers website at any time of the year
- 2
Submit your latest academic transcripts and CV
- 3
Include any software projects, GitHub links or portfolio work you have
- 4
Complete BBD's technical and culture-fit assessment if shortlisted
- 5
Attend an interview with the BBD team
- 6
Sign the bursary agreement if successful
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified Matric certificate (or latest results if still in Matric)
- 📄 Certified university academic transcripts (if currently studying)
- 📄 Up-to-date CV
- 📄 Links to any personal coding projects, GitHub profile or portfolio
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the BBD bursary close?
- BBD accepts applications all year round — there is no fixed annual deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply as soon as you are ready.
- What academic average do I need for the BBD bursary?
- You need at least a 70% overall average in Matric, or 65% at tertiary level if you are already studying. Maths and a strong technical record matter.
- Do I have to work for BBD after graduating?
- Yes. Recipients join the BBD Graduate Programme after qualifying and are expected to work at BBD for a period linked to the length of the bursary.
- What is Vac Week?
- Each year, BBD bursars attend a one-week onsite workshop where they meet other bursars, work on a group project using BBD's tech stack, and experience the company culture firsthand.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 December 2026
Apply on BBD's official siteInformation verified 2026-05-25. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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