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.

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.

Computer Science & IT BBD

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.

Amount:

Tuition support + graduate placement pathway

Deadline:

31 December 2026

Renewable:

Yes

Apply on BBD's site

Eligible Fields of Study

BBD supports students in the following disciplines

Computer Science

Software Engineering

Computer Engineering

Information Technology

Informatics

Information Systems

Game Design

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 site

Information verified 2026-05-25. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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