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.
29 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 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 (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 (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 (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 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
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 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 (8d)
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 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 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
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 Closes 15 Jul 2026 (23d)
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 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 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 (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 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 →