General Bursaries
Bursaries that fund a wide range of fields - useful for students whose chosen course doesn't fit neatly into engineering, medicine or accounting. Includes scholarships, foundation grants and corporate programmes with broad eligibility.
55 general bursaries
- General Closes 10 Sept 2026
Absa Fellowship Programme
Absa Group (administered by Fundi)
The Absa Fellowship Programme is a fully-funded, pan-African scholarship for top-performing students pursuing STEM, digital and data-design degrees at universities across Absa's African markets, including South Africa.
Full tuition + accommodation + laptop + monthly stipend + medical aidView details → - General Closed (30 Apr 2026)
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship is a full-cost undergraduate scholarship plus an immersive entrepreneurial development programme. Fellows commit to pursuing significant social and economic impact through entrepreneurship, with support continuing into their post-graduation 'Catalyst' years.
Full-cost fellowship (tuition, residence, books, allowance) plus development programmeView details → - General Closes 15 Sept 2026
Allan Gray Scholarship Programme (High School Scholarship for Young Entrepreneurial Development)
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme is a comprehensive high-school scholarship for entrepreneurially-minded learners currently in Grade 6 who will enter Grade 8 at a leading high school. It covers the full cost of attending a top school - tuition, boarding, books, uniforms and a monthly allowance - alongside a structured entrepreneurial development programme with mentorship. This is a separate programme from the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship, which supports university students.
Comprehensive (full-cost) scholarship covering tuition, boarding, books, uniforms and a monthly allowance; no fixed rand figure is publishedView details → - General Closed (30 Sept 2025)
ASSET Bursary Programme
Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape)
The ASSET Bursary Programme is a long-running, partial-cost bursary that helps academically able but financially disadvantaged Western Cape students access higher education. Each award covers a portion of tuition, registration and book costs at a public university or university of technology in the Western Cape and does not need to be repaid. Run by the non-profit Association for Educational Transformation, the programme supports roughly 500 students a year and invites graduates to give back through its Alumni Association.
Variable awards; each bursary covers a percentage/portion of the cost of tuition, registration and books (does not need to be repaid)View details → - General Closed (30 Sept 2025)
Bowmans Bursary Programme
Bowmans (Bowman Gilfillan Inc.), administered in-house via the Leaply (leap.ly) applications platform
Bowmans, one of South Africa's Big Five corporate law firms, offers a full-cost law bursary covering all study-related expenses for aspiring lawyers. Recipients gain mentorship from specialist lawyers, access to the firm's vacation work programme, and a potential pathway to articles of clerkship and future placement at the firm. The exact rand value is not published, and the bursary supports LLB, BCom Law, and BA Law study.
Full-cost bursary covering all study-related expenses (tuition and related costs); exact rand value not publishedView details → - General Closed (07 Feb 2026)
Brand SA Bursary Programme
Brand South Africa
Join the mission to promote South Africa's brand globally through strategic marketing and communications. Comprehensive bursary programme for future brand ambassadors and marketing professionals.
Up to R150,000 per yearView details → - General Closed (30 Sept 2025)
Cape BOD Bursary
Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) (administered in-house via the Cape BOD Bursary Foundation)
The Cape BOD Bursary is a community-restricted bursary that helps Jewish students living in the Western Cape access tertiary and postgraduate education. Funded through donations from individuals, families and trusts, it provides financial assistance toward the cost of study in any field at a recognised, accredited institution in the Western Cape. The bursary is administered in-house by the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies through its Cape BOD Bursary Foundation, and is open to students in genuine financial need.
Not publicly disclosed; awards (funded by donations) support tertiary and postgraduate study costs and the value is set by the Foundation based on need and available fundingView details → - General Closed (13 Mar 2026)
CCBSA Study Buddy Fund Bursary
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) (administered by GradesMatch)
The CCBSA Study Buddy Fund is a corporate social investment bursary from Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa that funds talented, financially needy South African students to study a full undergraduate qualification in any field at an accredited SA tertiary institution. Beyond covering tuition, accommodation, meals and textbooks, the programme adds holistic support such as career advice and study-skills development, with preference given to students from CCBSA host communities.
Full tuition and allowances (registration fees, accommodation, meals and textbooks)View details → - General Closes 13 Dec 2026
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust / CRET; formerly Shanduka Foundation)
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is a comprehensive bursary run by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation for academically capable South African youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. It covers the full cost of study across a range of disciplines at recognised public institutions and pairs funding with mentorship, holiday work experience, skills development and psychosocial support. CRET targets matriculants, unemployed youth and current undergraduates aged 16 to 27 with demonstrable financial need.
Full-cost bursary (tuition, accommodation, meals, books and monthly allowance)View details → - General Closes 31 Dec 2026
Dell Young Leaders Program
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Important: the Dell Young Leaders Program is invitation-only - individual students cannot apply directly. Run by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (not Dell Technologies), it is a holistic student-success programme for low-income, first-generation, first-year students who qualify for financial aid at its partner universities. Qualifying students are invited to apply by their university's financial aid office; this entry is kept for information only.
Flexible support covering gaps in the full cost of attendance (no fixed amount, no repayment, no work-back)View details → - General Closed (29 Apr 2026)
eMedia Bursary Programme
eMedia Holdings Limited (operator of e.tv, eNCA, Openview, eVOD and YFM; run by its operating arm eMedia Investments and administered in-house via the eMedia / mcidirecthire online applicant portal)
The eMedia Bursary Programme provides full first-year tuition funding for a South African student beginning Television, Radio, Broadcasting or another media-related qualification at an accredited SA university. It is highly competitive, with typically only a single bursary awarded per cycle, and covers tuition (registration and tuition fees) only - not accommodation, books, meals or other living expenses. The bursary is administered in-house by eMedia (e.tv, eNCA, Openview, YFM) via the mcidirecthire online applicant portal.
Covers tuition (registration and tuition fees) only for the first year of study. Does NOT cover accommodation, books, meals or other living expenses.View details → - General Closes 30 Sept 2026
Enel Green Power RSA Bursary
Enel Green Power RSA (ENGPRSA) (administered by StudyTrust)
The Enel Green Power RSA Bursary supports academically strong, financially needy South African students from communities living within roughly 50 km of Enel's wind and solar farms in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape and Western Cape. Administered by StudyTrust, it is open to all fields of study at accredited public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges, with the value set individually and full-cost support where applicable. It forms part of Enel Green Power RSA's community and socio-economic development commitments near its renewable energy sites.
Value determined on an individual basis (full-cost where applicable), covering tuition, registration, examinations, accommodation, meals and learning materials.View details → - General Closed (12 Jun 2026)
Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary
Fine Music Radio Bursary Trust (with the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation)
The Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary Awards are a performance-based bursary competition for South African music students. Run by the FMR Bursary Trust and supported by the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation, it culminates in a live final at the South African College of Music (UCT) where finalists perform for a panel of adjudicators.
Cash bursary awards (varies by category and placement)View details → - General Closed (14 Nov 2025)
FoodBev SETA Bursary Programme
FoodBev SETA (Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority) (administered in-house via Discretionary Grants — public universities and TVET colleges submit vetted applications on behalf of eligible students)
The FoodBev SETA Bursary Programme funds South African students linked to the food and beverages manufacturing value chain, through two streams under the same SETA Discretionary Grant process: undergraduate/HEI/TVET funding for unemployed learners (up to R120,000 per candidate) and the Research & Innovation Bursary for Master's (up to R120,000) and PhD (up to R150,000) students. Students do not apply directly — public universities and TVET colleges submit vetted applications on their behalf, so you must approach your institution's bursary office to be included. Funding is delivered through FoodBev SETA's annual Discretionary Grants window and is subject to availability of funds.
Undergraduate/HEI/TVET stream: 100% funding of unemployed learner costs up to a maximum of R120,000 per candidate. Research & Innovation stream: Master's students up to R120,000 and PhD students up to R150,000 for the entire duration of studies (subject to evaluation of the approved research topic/proposal).View details → - General Closes 31 Oct 2026
Anglo American Bursary Programme
Anglo American
Join a global mining leader committed to sustainable resource development. Build your career in mining, engineering, and business while contributing to responsible mining practices that benefit communities worldwide.
R150,000 - R250,000 per yearView details → - General Closed (15 Dec 2025)
IDB Education Trust Interest-Free Loan Bursary
IDB Education Trust (administered in-house by the IDB Education Trust, Durban)
The IDB Education Trust offers an interest-free (Qard Hasan) loan bursary to financially needy Muslim South African students studying at recognised South African universities. The loan covers tuition fees (some sources also cite a monthly allowance) and is repaid after completing studies. Recipients also benefit from the Trust's tarbiyyah (student development) programmes, events and courses.
Interest-free (Qard Hasan) loan covering tuition fees (some sources also cite a monthly allowance); repayable after completing studies over a period equal to the time taken to complete the qualificationView details → - General Closes 30 Sept 2026
Investec High School Bursary Programme
Investec (administered by StudyTrust)
The Investec High School Bursary Programme funds high-achieving learners from township and rural schools for the remainder of their high school studies (Grades 10, 11 and 12). It supports learners at their existing schools rather than moving them, with a strong focus on Mathematics and Physical Science. Selection is based on both financial need and academic potential, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an award.
Funds the learner for the remainder of their high school studies (Grades 10-12); the official sources do not publish a specific rand amount or itemised cost breakdown.View details → - General Closes 30 Sept 2026
ITHUBA National Lottery Bursary
ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery)
The ITHUBA National Lottery Bursary funds high-performing South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in commerce (accounting, finance, marketing) and IT disciplines - including a lower household-income threshold than most corporate bursaries.
Full tuition + accommodation + study materials + monthly allowanceView details → - General Closed (31 Oct 2025)
Kagiso Trust Education Development Trust Bursary
Kagiso Trust (Education Development unit, administered in-house)
The Kagiso Trust Education Development Trust Bursary is a comprehensive, full-cost bursary for academically strong South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a South African university. It covers tuition, textbooks, accommodation, transport and related expenses for the full 3-4 year degree, and adds mentorship and alumni network support. The Trust funds study across several priority fields, including the natural sciences, commerce, law, health sciences and teacher training.
Not officially published. Comprehensive, full-cost funding covering tuition, textbooks, educational equipment, accommodation, transport and related expenses for the duration of a 3-4 year undergraduate degree.View details → - General Closed (31 Mar 2026)
KZN Office of the Premier Discretionary Bursary
KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier (Youth Chief Directorate; administered via the KZN OTP eBursary platform)
The KZN Office of the Premier Discretionary Bursary is a provincial scheme that helps deserving young people from KwaZulu-Natal fund their tertiary studies, with priority given to indigent, orphaned and vulnerable youth who have academic potential but lack financial resources. Funding supports studies in fields and priority areas that add value to the Province, and applications are handled through the Office of the Premier's online eBursary platform. The specific bursary amount and coverage are not published on the official source, and the Office does not advertise the bursary in the media, so applicants should confirm the current cycle directly with the bursary office.
Discretionary bursary funding towards tertiary studies. The specific amount and coverage are not published on the official source.View details → - General Closed (30 Sept 2025)
Loeries Creative Future Scholarship 2026
The Loeries / The Loerie Awards (administered in-house by The Loeries, in partnership with the AAA School of Advertising, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business, IIE-Vega School, and the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography)
The Loeries Creative Future Scholarship is described as the creative industry's richest student bursary, offering a full bursary to talented but financially needy South African matriculants who want to build a career in the creative and advertising fields. Recipients study a degree or Higher Certificate in brand communication or a related discipline at one of the partner schools, with tuition, study materials, a laptop, a travel allowance, mentorship and internship opportunities all covered. The programme has run since 2008 and selects a small group of recipients each year from a shortlist of talented applicants.
Full bursary (described as the creative industry's richest student bursary). Covers full tuition for the duration of the course; the exact rand value is not publicly published.View details → - General Closed (31 Jan 2026)
MANCOSA Bursary Programme
Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA)
The MANCOSA Bursary covers tuition fees for South African students who cannot afford the full cost of MANCOSA's distance-learning Higher Certificate, Bachelor's, Honours, Postgraduate or Master's programmes.
Full tuition fees (registration and textbooks excluded)View details → - General Closes 30 Jun 2026 (2d)
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation (delivered through South African partner universities: University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape and University of Cape Town)
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship for academically talented young Africans, including South Africans, who face economic and social barriers to higher education. It covers the full cost of study and adds mentorship, leadership development and wraparound support, with a strong focus on women (around 71% of scholars) and on producing transformative leaders. Applicants apply directly through a partner university rather than through the Foundation.
Fully funded (full tuition, accommodation, stipend and allowances)View details → - General Closes 14 Sept 2026
Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) South Africa Program Grant
Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) - a US-based non-profit public charity linked to the World Bank Family Network (the South Africa Program is administered directly by MMEG)
The MMEG South Africa Program is a women-only education grant for women aged 25 and over who are already enrolled at an eligible South African university and committed to improving the lives of women and children in their communities. SA bursary aggregators report a one-time grant of up to US$7,500 (about R120,000), though the exact amount varies with available funds and exchange rates and is not explicitly confirmed on the official MMEG pages. Running since 2008, the program had supported 168 women from African countries as of the latest official figures.
A one-time education grant of up to US$7,500 (approximately R120,000) per grantee, as reported by South African bursary aggregators - this figure is not explicitly confirmed on the official MMEG pages, and actual amounts may vary depending on availability of funds and exchange ratesView details → - General Closed (01 Nov 2025)
Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme
Monocle Foundation (philanthropic educational trust of management consulting firm Monocle Solutions, established 2014; self-administered by the Monocle Foundation Trust via a multi-stage screening, meet-and-greet and trustee interview process, with applications submitted through the Monocle Solutions careers portal)
The Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme is a comprehensive, full-cost bursary for young Black female South Africans in genuine financial need who are already in their second year of study or beyond at an accredited South African tertiary institution. It covers tuition, books, accommodation, a living allowance and a laptop, and adds career counselling and an MS Office course, with funds that are non-repayable. The Foundation is the philanthropic educational trust of management consulting firm Monocle Solutions and selects recipients through a multi-stage process of screening, a meet-and-greet and a trustee interview.
Comprehensive (full-cost) bursary covering tuition, accommodation, books, living allowance and a laptop; specific monetary value not published. Funds are non-repayable.View details → - General Closes 31 Dec 2026
Moshal Scholarship Program
Moshal Program (Moshal Foundation)
The Moshal Scholarship Program is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship for academically outstanding South African students from low-income backgrounds, studying STEM, Commerce, Medicine or Law at one of the partner universities. Beyond funding, Moshal provides intensive mentorship, career-readiness training and a supportive scholar community.
Full-cost scholarship (tuition, accommodation, books, allowance, laptop)View details → - General Closed (06 Jun 2026)
Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme
Motsepe Foundation (self-administered via its official website)
The Motsepe Foundation Bursary Programme, run by the foundation established by Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, supports academically strong but financially disadvantaged South African learners to pursue an undergraduate degree at a recognised SA tertiary institution. Higher Education is one of the foundation's core focus areas, with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Applications are submitted online through the official Motsepe Foundation website during an annual window that typically closes in early June.
Not publicly disclosed on the official page; funding awarded toward an undergraduate degree at a recognised South African tertiary institution.View details → - General Closed (30 Nov 2025)
Mpumalanga Premier's Discretionary Bursary Fund
Mpumalanga Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (administered in-house via the OTP Recruitment unit / Internal HRU & CD)
The Premier's Discretionary Bursary Fund is a recurring provincial government bursary run by the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier to support academically deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds who lack the means to study. It is open to any field of study at accredited South African tertiary institutions, and applicants can be matric learners, matriculants not yet studying, or students already enrolled. The monetary value and itemised coverage are not publicly disclosed by the Office of the Premier.
Not publicly specified by the Office of the Premier; the announcement does not disclose the monetary value or itemised coverage.View details → - General Closes 25 Oct 2026
Naspers Bursary Programme
Naspers
Join Africa's leading technology and media company. Build your career in global technology, digital innovation, and media transformation. Access opportunities across Naspers' portfolio of world-class companies including Tencent, Prosus, and Media24.
R150,000 - R250,000 per yearView details → - General Closes 31 Aug 2026
NFVF National Bursary for Film and Television Studies
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS)
The NFVF National Bursary funds South African students pursuing accredited film and television studies at South African tertiary institutions. Awarded as a non-repayable grant based on merit and financial need, it covers 100% of tuition fees, with accommodation, meals and resources such as textbooks, computer and software covered subject to available funds. It is distinct from the NFVF's separately-applied-for International Bursary Programme for overseas postgraduate film and TV studies.
Non-repayable grant covering 100% of tuition fees; accommodation, meals and resources such as textbooks, computer and software covered subject to availability of funds (capped at approximately R50,000 annually, generally first-year students). Travel expenses excluded.View details → - General Closes 31 Aug 2026
Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary
Ninety One (administered by CareerWise)
The Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary is a fully-funded, holistic undergraduate bursary for high-potential South African school leavers from low-income households entering their first year of university in 2027. Beyond covering tuition, accommodation and learning materials, the programme provides private tutoring, mentorship and wellbeing support to help talented young people succeed. It is run by global asset manager Ninety One (formerly Investec Asset Management) and administered by CareerWise.
Full tuition, accommodation, meals and learning materialsView details → - General Closed (31 Oct 2025)
Northern Cape Premier's Bursary Programme
Northern Cape Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (administered via the Northern Cape Provincial Education Trust Fund / NCPETF)
The Northern Cape Premier's Bursary Programme is a provincial government bursary that funds unemployed Northern Cape youth aged 18-30 to study full-time undergraduate qualifications at accredited South African institutions. Awards are made on a sliding scale based on combined household income, of up to R120,000 per year, and prioritise scarce, critical and hard-to-fill skills, with a preference for STEM disciplines. It is also referred to as the NCPG Transversal / Provincial Transversal Bursary and does not cover pre-existing study debt.
Awarded on a sliding scale according to combined household income: up to R120,000 per year (household income R0-R350,000), up to R100,000 (R350,001-R550,000), or up to R80,000 (R550,001-R800,000).View details → - General Closes 15 Jul 2026 (17d)
Oasis Crescent Bursary Programme
Oasis Group
Leading bursary programme for finance and business students, focusing on ethical finance principles, Islamic banking, and sustainable investment practices. Build a career in responsible finance.
R80,000 - R150,000 per yearView details → - General Closes 31 Aug 2026
Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship
Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) (Old Mutual; established April 2005 via a B-BBEE transaction with ten participating trade unions; administered in-house by Old Mutual, with the Trust Board granting final approval)
The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship is a partial bursary for paid-up members of ten participating South African trade unions, and the spouses and child-dependants of those members, who are studying towards a first undergraduate qualification at an accredited public university. It provides roughly R70,000-R77,000 per year toward study costs plus wraparound support including a dedicated Student Support Practitioner, a laptop, counselling, tutoring and vacation work. Around 60 scholarships are awarded each year, and the programme has produced more than 550 graduates since 2005.
Partial funding of approximately R70,000-R77,000 per student per academic year (official Old Mutual page states R77,000) toward registration, tuition, books, study materials, accommodation and mealsView details → - General Closed (20 Dec 2025)
PPS Foundation Bursary Programme
PPS Foundation (established by the Professional Provident Society (PPS); administered by the PPS Foundation, the non-profit founded in 2016, with applications submitted online via the PPS Foundation portal hosted on i-me.tech)
The PPS Foundation Bursary Programme is a comprehensive bursary run by the non-profit PPS Foundation, established in 2016 by the Professional Provident Society (PPS). It funds approximately 50 to 70 high-achieving, financially deserving South African students each year, covering tuition, textbooks, meals and university accommodation, with preference given to applicants pursuing STEM degrees. The bursary is renewable from first year through Honours level subject to ongoing academic performance.
Comprehensive bursary covering full study costs (no fixed cash amount); approximately 50 to 70 recipients funded per yearView details → - General Closed (31 Dec 2025)
QASA Education and Sports Fund
QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) (administered in-house via the QASA Education and Sports Fund, Gillitts, KwaZulu-Natal)
The QASA Education and Sports Fund is a discretionary member welfare fund run by the QuadPara Association of South Africa, a national non-profit representing people with spinal cord injury and physical disability. It awards partial funding on a case-by-case basis to help QASA members complete high-school, skills/vocational or tertiary studies at recognised, accredited institutions, with the aim of making them employable or self-employed. It also supports wheelchair users to take part in sporting activities, and in 2024 four students were assisted. Note this is a narrow, members-only fund rather than a structured public bursary scheme, with no published award amount or formal online application form.
Not publicly specified; partial funding awarded on a discretionary, case-by-case basis (covers remainder of high-school studies, skills/vocational training, or tertiary education)View details → - General Closes 30 Sept 2026
SAADP Actuarial Bursary
South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP)
The SAADP bursary is South Africa's flagship actuarial bursary programme - a non-profit consortium funded by FirstRand, Deloitte, Discovery, Old Mutual, Sasria, BankSETA and INSETA that funds actuarial science students at UCT, the University of Pretoria and Wits.
Full tuition + residence + meals + textbooks + personal developmentView details → - General Closed (31 Mar 2026)
SAMRO Foundation Music Bursary
SAMRO Foundation (the public-benefit foundation of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO); self-administered via its online bursary application portal)
The SAMRO Foundation Music Bursary is an annual tuition bursary for students majoring in Music towards a recognised diploma or degree at an accredited South African university. It supports continuing students from second year through to Masters level, and covers tuition fees only for the academic year in which it is granted. Note: the official bursary application page now redirects to the main SAMRO site, so applicants should reconfirm the live portal and current cycle directly with the SAMRO Foundation.
Approximately R11,000-R12,000 per award (sources differ), covering tuition fees only for the academic year in which it is grantedView details → - General Closes 30 Sept 2026
SANRAL Scholarship Programme
South African National Roads Agency
Build South Africa's future through world-class road and infrastructure development. Comprehensive scholarship programme for engineering students passionate about creating sustainable transportation networks and infrastructure systems.
R100,000 - R200,000 per yearView details → - General Closed (31 Oct 2025)
SANZAF Bursary Programme (SEED Education, Empowerment & Development)
South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) (registered NPO 007-160; administered in-house through the SANZAF Education, Empowerment & Development (SEED) programme via its regional offices and the seed.sanzaf.org.za application portal)
The SANZAF Bursary Programme, run under the South African National Zakah Fund's SEED (Education, Empowerment & Development) initiative, provides partial tuition assistance to financially needy students at recognised South African universities, universities of technology and technikons. Funding is an outright Zakah grant (not a loan, so there is no repayment) and is paid directly to the educational institution. It is need-based and open across fields of study; applicants are encouraged to also apply for NSFAS and other funding to cover the balance, and deadlines vary by SANZAF regional office.
Partial funding towards tuition fees only, with no fixed published rand value; payments are made directly to the educational institution (students cannot withdraw funds even if a credit balance remains). Applicants are encouraged to also apply for NSFAS and other funding to cover the balance.View details → - General Closes 30 Sept 2026
SARB Art Scholarship (Fine Arts)
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (administered by TTI Bursaries on behalf of the SARB)
The SARB Art Scholarship is a full Fine Arts scholarship that funds talented, financially needy South African artists to complete a qualifying Fine Arts qualification at an accredited South African tertiary institution. It supports advanced diploma, final-year undergraduate, honours and masters students who have a strong academic record and a demonstrated body of artwork but no other access to funding. This is distinct from the SARB's general external/economics bursary scheme.
Full scholarship (fully funded); SARB does not publish a fixed Rand value - covers the cost of qualifying Fine Arts studiesView details → - General Closed (17 May 2026)
Sasol Foundation Bursary
Sasol Foundation
The Sasol Foundation Bursary is a broad STEM bursary funding South African students into science, technology, engineering and mathematics undergraduate degrees - distinct from the more specialised Sasol Engineering Bursary, with a lower household-income threshold and slightly different academic criteria.
Full tuition + accommodation + meals + textbook allowance + monthly stipendView details → - General Closed (30 Jan 2026)
SASSETA Bursary Programme
Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority
Leading skills development and training for the safety and security sector. Comprehensive bursary programme for future law enforcement, legal, and security professionals committed to protecting South Africa.
Full tuition fees + R100,000 stipendView details → - General Closes 30 Sept 2026
Sedisa Trust Bursary for Black Women
Sedisa Trust (Sedisa Black Women Education Trust — a Black-Woman-Owned education trust and shareholder of KAEFER Thermal Contracting Services (Pty) Ltd; self-administered directly by the Trust)
The Sedisa Trust Bursary, run by the Sedisa Black Women Education Trust (a Black-Woman-Owned education trust established in 2010 and a shareholder of KAEFER Thermal Contracting Services), funds young Black South African women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to study at recognised SA tertiary institutions. It is a full-cost bursary covering tuition, books, stationery and accommodation, and is self-administered directly by the Trust. The Trust's own website indicates it can support any field of study, though some aggregators emphasise engineering and quantity surveying given the KAEFER link; applications are made through the contact route on the official website.
Not publicly disclosed — described as a full-cost bursary covering tuition, books, stationery and accommodation.View details → - General Closes 15 Sept 2026
Services SETA Bursary Programme
Services SETA (Services Sector Education and Training Authority)
The Services SETA Bursary Programme funds South African students pursuing NQF Level 5 or higher qualifications in services-sector fields such as business management, HR, marketing, public administration and personal care. The bursary covers tuition (full or partial) and, for unemployed students, accommodation and meals, with postgraduate students eligible for a travel and research allowance. Rather than a single permanent national portal, the bursary is channelled each cycle through partner public institutions (for example the University of Zululand and Durban University of Technology for 2026/2027), so the application route and deadline change by host institution.
Full or partial bursary covering tuition fees, plus accommodation and meals for unemployed students; a monthly living allowance of roughly R1,500–R3,000 applies where relevant, and Master's/PhD students may receive a travel and research allowanceView details → - General Closed (31 May 2026)
Shoprite Bursary Programme
Shoprite Group
The Shoprite Group runs one of South Africa's largest private-sector bursary programmes, awarding around 90 bursaries each year across accounting (CA Stream), agriculture, retail business management and supply chain & logistics. Recipients are placed on a clear pathway into Shoprite's graduate programmes.
Tuition, books and accommodation allowance (R30,000 - R60,000+ depending on field)View details → - General Closed (25 Nov 2025)
SIOC-CDT Bursary Fund
SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) (administered by Dux PD)
The SIOC Community Development Trust, established by Sishen Iron Ore Company (part of Kumba Iron Ore / Anglo American), offers a comprehensive bursary to academically deserving students from its beneficiary communities in the Northern Cape and Limpopo. The fund covers tuition, accommodation, a laptop, study material and a monthly stipend across priority fields including engineering, science, health, agriculture, business, education, IT, law and tourism. Both full-time and part-time students may apply, and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Comprehensive bursary (value not publicly stated)View details → - General Closes 30 Sept 2026
Tiso Foundation Undergraduate (Tertiary) Bursary Programme
Tiso Foundation (self-administered, Bayport House, Sandton)
The Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary Programme is a comprehensive bursary for financially needy South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds studying towards an undergraduate degree or national diploma at an accredited institution. Since inception the Foundation has invested over R100 million in 50+ students and aims to support around 20 students per year. Beyond funding, recipients receive academic support, mentorship, life-skills and leadership development, and networking with corporate partners.
Comprehensive bursary covering tuition fees, accommodation, books and a monthly stipend (specific Rand value not published). Since inception over R100 million has been invested in 50+ students, with the programme aiming to support around 20 students per year.View details → - General Closed (18 Feb 2026)
Tomorrow Trust Tertiary Bursary Programme
The Tomorrow Trust (applications processed via the Bursio online portal)
The Tomorrow Trust Tertiary Bursary Programme is a comprehensive, full-cost bursary for orphaned, vulnerable, low-income and first-generation South African students pursuing STEM-focused undergraduate degrees at recognised public universities. Beyond covering tuition, accommodation, textbooks and living costs, it provides mentorship, psychosocial support and life-skills development to help students succeed and graduate.
Comprehensive (full-cost) bursary covering tuition, textbooks, equipment, accommodation and living allowancesView details → - General Closed (30 Nov 2025)
TotalEnergies Bursary Programme
TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd (TMSA; administered in-house by the TotalEnergies Transformation and Development / Learning & Development team)
The TotalEnergies Bursary Programme funds talented, financially needy South African students across engineering, finance, commerce and other fields linked to its energy business. The full-cost bursary covers tuition, accommodation and a monthly stipend, and feeds into the company's internship and Young Talent Graduate Programme. The official page lists the apply link year-round, but secondary sources indicate an annual application window of roughly 1 September to 30 November.
Full-cost bursary covering tuition (including prescribed books and equipment), accommodation and a monthly stipend; specific rand value is not published officially. Secondary sources suggest roughly 8-10 bursaries are awarded per year - confirm details on the live application.View details → - General Closed (15 Feb 2026)
UCT Kaplan Centre Bursary (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)
Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, University of Cape Town (UCT) (administered in-house; adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee)
The UCT Kaplan Centre Bursary supports South African students studying or intending to study Jewish Studies, Hebrew Language and Literature, or related research at the University of Cape Town. Undergraduate grants cover UCT tuition fees and are renewable each year, while postgraduate grants may also cover travel, running costs and other research-related expenses. The bursary is administered in-house and awarded by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee following an interview of shortlisted candidates.
No fixed cash amount stated. Undergraduate grants cover UCT tuition fees (renewable annually); postgraduate grants may cover tuition fees, travel costs, running costs and other research-related expenses at UCT.View details → - General Closed (20 Nov 2025)
Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme
North West Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (administered in-house via the NWPG online Bursary Application Portal)
The Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme is the North West Provincial Government's flagship bursary, administered in-house by the Office of the Premier for permanent residents of the North West Province. It funds full-time undergraduate study at recognised South African public institutions, prioritising fields aligned to provincial development and skills needs. Renamed in 2022 to honour the late academic and struggle activist Victor Thebe Sifora, the scheme has cumulatively awarded roughly 4,870 bursaries worth around R405 million.
Not officially published as a fixed figure; awards cover full-time undergraduate study at public institutions. The provincial scheme has cumulatively awarded approximately 4,870 bursaries worth around R405 million to North West residents.View details → - General Closed (12 Dec 2025)
Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF)
Vulamathuba Empumelelo (the social and community development arm of Communicare NPC, City of Cape Town Metro), administered in-house by Vulamathuba Empumelelo as administrators of the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF)
The Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF) supports economically disadvantaged residents of the City of Cape Town Metro who are studying, or intend to study, toward an undergraduate qualification on South Africa's national scarce/critical skills list. Funding of up to R45,000 per student per academic year covers registration, tuition, prescribed material and examination fees at accredited South African universities and TVET colleges. Recipients commit to 100 hours of community service during the funding period and to a period of work-back within the Communicare group or a nominated organisation after graduation.
Up to R45,000.00 per student per academic year (a maximum of R40,000 for tuition/course fees plus R5,000 for prescribed material). VEBF determines the exact amount allocated to each student.View details → - General Closed (19 Dec 2025)
WAAW Foundation Scholarship (Undergraduate Scholarship for African Women in STEM)
WAAW Foundation - Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women (self-administered via its online scholarship portal)
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship is a pan-African award from a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports young African women studying STEM at universities across Africa, including South Africa. It is a one-time grant of USD 500 (about R9,000) paid in two installments, together with mentorship, leadership development and membership of a network of African women in science and technology. It is open to female undergraduates in their 1st or 2nd year (or 3rd year of a 5-year course) who show financial need and a strong academic record.
One-time award of USD 500 (approximately R9,000), paid in two installments and typically released on completion of the required STEM outreach activitiesView details → - General Closed (30 May 2026)
W&RSETA Bursary Scheme
W&RSETA (Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority)
The W&RSETA Bursary Scheme funds South African students pursuing wholesale and retail sector qualifications at universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges, with priority given to scarce and critical skills in the sector. It targets students with financial need (the 'missing middle') and supports both unemployed and employed/workplace-based learners. Applications are not submitted by individual students; they are made through approved institutions, levy-paying employers, Retail Chairs or bursary administrators via the W&RSETA Stakeholder Portal.
Varies by qualification, institution and the relevant Memorandum of Agreement; not a fixed published figure.View details →