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.

General ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery)

ITHUBA National Lottery Bursary

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

Apply on ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery)'s site

Eligible Fields of Study

ITHUBA Holdings (operator of the South African National Lottery) supports students in the following disciplines

Accounting

Management Accounting & Finance

Marketing

Commerce

Computer Science

Computer Engineering

Information Systems

Communication Networks

Software Development

Information Technology

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 site

Information verified 2026-05-14. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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