Who qualifies for the Sage External Bursary?

Previously disadvantaged South African citizens who are accepted at or enrolled in a recognised accredited public university. Grade 12 learners need at least 75% in Mathematics and Physical Science, while current university students need a consistent overall average of at least 65%. The household income guideline is roughly R350,000 to R600,000 per year, and applicants earning below R350,000 must have applied for NSFAS. Students living with disabilities receive preferential treatment 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 outstanding student debt, accommodation in residence or private housing, books and stationery, a living allowance and a laptop.

When do Sage External Bursary applications open and close?

The application season runs annually from 1 June to 30 September, with applications submitted online through StudyTrust's application platform (linked from studytrust.org.za/sage/). The window is open as of June 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.

Computer Science & IT

Sage External Bursary

Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust)

The Sage External Bursary is a full-cost bursary funding previously disadvantaged South African students in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Accounting & Finance at accredited 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 outstanding student debt), accommodation, books, an allowance and a laptop. Students living with disabilities receive preferential consideration and may study any field, including postgraduate study.

Amount: Full-cost bursary (capped): tuition fees including current fees and outstanding student debt, accommodation (residence or private), books, stationery, a living allowance and a laptop
Deadline: 30 September 2026
Renewable: Yes

Apply now

Eligible Fields of Study

Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust) supports students in the following disciplines

Information Technology

Computer Science

Computer Engineering

Accounting & Finance (BCom)

Any field for students living with disabilities (including postgraduate)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Previously disadvantaged individual (PDI)
✓ Currently enrolled in or completed high school, or accepted at a recognised accredited public university 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 their expected rate)
✓ Household income guideline approximately R350,000 to R600,000 per annum; applicants below R350,000 must have applied for NSFAS (still considered if NSFAS-unsuccessful)
✓ Students living with disabilities are given preferential treatment and may study any field, including postgraduate
✓ Registered at a recognised accredited public university in South Africa

What's Included

✓ Tuition fees (including outstanding student debt)
✓ Accommodation (residence or private)
✓ Books and stationery
✓ Living/personal 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
Visit StudyTrust's online application platform via studytrust.org.za/sage/ during the application season (1 June to 30 September)
2
Create a profile and complete the Sage External Bursary 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, proof of registration or acceptance, and proof of household income
5
Students living with disabilities should indicate their disability for preferential consideration
6
Submit the application online before the 30 September deadline
7
Shortlisted candidates are contacted by StudyTrust for the next stages of selection

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Latest academic results / transcripts
📄 Grade 12 results or matric certificate (for school leavers)
📄 Proof of registration or university acceptance letter
📄 Proof of household income
📄 Proof of NSFAS application (for applicants with household income below R350,000)
📄 Documentation of disability where applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the Sage External Bursary?: Previously disadvantaged South African citizens who are accepted at or enrolled in a recognised accredited public university. Grade 12 learners need at least 75% in Mathematics and Physical Science, while current university students need a consistent overall average of at least 65%. The household income guideline is roughly R350,000 to R600,000 per year, and applicants earning below R350,000 must have applied for NSFAS. Students living with disabilities receive preferential treatment 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 outstanding student debt, accommodation in residence or private housing, books and stationery, a living allowance and a laptop.
When do Sage External Bursary applications open and close?: The application season runs annually from 1 June to 30 September, with applications submitted online through StudyTrust's application platform (linked from studytrust.org.za/sage/). The window is open as of June 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.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 September 2026

Apply on Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust)'s official site

Need help? Contact Sage South Africa (administered by StudyTrust):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 011 482 1501 / 011 403 1632

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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