Sage External Bursary
Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust)
The Sage External Bursary is a full-cost bursary funding previously disadvantaged South African undergraduates in IT, Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Accounting & Finance at public universities. Funded by Sage South Africa (part of the global Sage Group software and accounting company) and administered by the educational trust StudyTrust, it covers tuition (including historical study debt), accommodation, books, an allowance and a laptop. Students with disabilities are prioritised and may study any field, including postgraduate study.
- Amount
- Full-cost bursary (capped): tuition fees including current fees and historical study debt, accommodation (residence or private), books, stationery, an allowance and a laptop
- Deadline
- Closed 30 September 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Previously disadvantaged individual (PDI)
- ✓ Applied for and admitted to a public higher education institution in South Africa
- ✓ Current Grade 12 learners: minimum 75% in Mathematics and Physical Science
- ✓ Current university students: consistent overall average of at least 65% (exception for students with disabilities, not below the expected pass rate)
- ✓ Household income of R350,000 to R600,000 per annum; applicants below this bracket who meet the criteria but were not granted a DHET bursary through NSFAS are also considered
- ✓ First to final year undergraduate students; students living with disabilities are prioritised and may study any field, including postgraduate
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees (including current fees and historical study debt)
- ✓ Accommodation (residence or private)
- ✓ Books and stationery
- ✓ Allowance
- ✓ Laptop
Work Commitment
No formal work-back obligation is published for the bursary.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust) bursary application
- 1
Read the instructions on StudyTrust's Bursary Applications page, then apply on StudyTrust's online platform during the application season (1 June to 30 September; the 2027 round closed on 30 September 2026)
- 2
Create a profile and complete the online application form
- 3
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (citizenship, PDI status, academic results and household income band)
- 4
Upload your academic results, certified ID and proof of household income
- 5
Students living with disabilities should indicate their disability for priority consideration
- 6
One StudyTrust application is considered for every StudyTrust-managed bursary you qualify for
- 7
Shortlisted candidates are contacted by StudyTrust for the next stages of selection
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Full academic record with your latest results (current matrics: final Grade 11 results and second-term Grade 12 report)
- 📄 Grade 12 results or matric certificate (for school leavers)
- 📄 Proof of registration or university acceptance letter
- 📄 Proof of combined household income (payslips, affidavits, SASSA letters or other accepted documents)
- 📄 Recent head-and-shoulders photograph
- 📄 Documentation of disability where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the Sage External Bursary?
- Previously disadvantaged South African citizens admitted to a public university. Grade 12 learners need at least 75% in Mathematics and Physical Science, while current university students need a consistent average of at least 65%. The household income band is R350,000 to R600,000 a year; applicants below it are considered if they were not granted an NSFAS bursary. Students living with disabilities are prioritised and may study any field, including postgraduate.
- What does the Sage External Bursary cover?
- It is a full-cost (capped) bursary covering tuition fees, including current fees and historical study debt, accommodation in residence or private housing, books and stationery, an allowance and a laptop.
- When do Sage External Bursary applications open and close?
- StudyTrust's application season runs from 1 June to 30 September each year. Applications for 2027 bursaries closed on 30 September 2026, and 2028 dates had not been announced as of 12 October 2026.
- Which fields of study are funded?
- The bursary funds Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Accounting & Finance (BCom). Students living with disabilities may study any field of their choice, including postgraduate qualifications.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 30 September 2026.
StudyTrust runs the Sage bursary application season each year from 1 June to 30 September. Applications for 2027 bursaries closed on 30 September 2026; the 2028 round is expected to open around June 2027, but dates were not yet announced as of 12 October 2026.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 011 403 1632
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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