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.
- Amount
- Full tuition + accommodation + study materials + monthly allowance
- Deadline
- Closed 30 September 2026
- Duration
- Full degree duration (subject to academic performance)
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Completed Matric
- ✓ Accepted at a recognised South African tertiary institution
- ✓ 70%+ average in each subject and 70%+ total average in the previous academic year
- ✓ From a previously disadvantaged background
- ✓ Household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum
- ✓ Willing to specialise in IT or Commerce fields
- ✓ Submit full supporting documentation - incomplete applications are disregarded
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees
- ✓ Accommodation (residence or private)
- ✓ Study materials and textbooks
- ✓ Monthly living allowance
- ✓ Mentorship and academic support
- ✓ Career development opportunities
How to Apply
Steps to complete your ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery) bursary application
- 1
Visit the ITHUBA bursary application portal at ithubalottery.co.za/application_portal
- 2
Register and complete the online application form
- 3
Upload your certified ID, latest academic results, and proof of acceptance
- 4
Submit your guardians' ID copies and proof of household income
- 5
If applicable, upload SASSA letter or other supporting affidavits
- 6
Write your motivational letter and submit
- 7
Wait for shortlisting and assessment
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Copies of legal guardians' IDs
- 📄 Proof of legal guardian's income (not exceeding R350,000 per annum)
- 📄 Certified latest academic results
- 📄 Provisional letter of admission from a recognised SA tertiary institution
- 📄 Proof of accepted residence or private accommodation
- 📄 SASSA letter (if applicable)
- 📄 Affidavit for informal traders, absent parents, or alternative carer (where applicable)
- 📄 Motivational letter
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the income threshold for the ITHUBA bursary?
- Combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per annum - one of the lower thresholds of the major corporate bursaries, which means ITHUBA specifically targets students from low-income backgrounds.
- What academic results do I need for ITHUBA?
- You need at least a 70% average in each subject AND a 70%+ total average from your previous academic year - a strict requirement compared to many other bursaries.
- Which fields does ITHUBA fund?
- Commerce fields (Accounting, Management Accounting & Finance, Marketing) and IT fields (Computer Science / Engineering, Information Systems, Communication Networks, Software Development).
- What documents are essential for the ITHUBA application?
- Certified ID, guardians' IDs and income proof (under R350,000/year), academic results, proof of acceptance at a tertiary institution, and accommodation proof. Incomplete applications are disregarded - submit everything required.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 30 September 2026.
Check ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery)'s official site for the next application window.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-05-14. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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