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
- 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.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2026
Apply on 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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