SANZAF Bursary Programme (SEED Education, Empowerment & Development)

1. 1

   Identify the SANZAF regional office covering the area where you reside (Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith, Gauteng/Johannesburg, Western Cape, Gqeberha, East London or Kimberley)

2. 2

   Apply online through the SEED application portal at seed.sanzaf.org.za, or complete the region-specific application form for your area

3. 3

   Attach all supporting documents, including a certified SA ID copy (or study permit), proof of income / unemployment affidavit, academic records, your motivational letter and a testimonial

4. 4

   Submit before your regional office's closing date for the 2026 academic year, as deadlines vary by region

5. 5

   Also lodge an application with NSFAS, as SANZAF requires applicants to apply for NSFAS funding as well

6. 6

   Confirm current dates and requirements directly with your SANZAF regional office each year, as windows change annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SANZAF bursary a loan that has to be repaid?

No. The bursary is funded from Islamic Zakah contributions and is distributed as an outright grant, not a loan, so there is no repayment. Funding is paid directly to your educational institution, and students cannot withdraw the funds even if a credit balance remains.

Who qualifies for the SANZAF Bursary Programme?

It is a need-based bursary for financially needy students from poverty-stricken backgrounds (assessed against the Shariah Zakah categories of the poor, the needy and those in debt) who are studying or intend to study at a recognised South African university, university of technology or technikon. Applicants must provide a certified SA ID (or a valid study permit for foreign nationals) and proof of financial need, and are required to also apply for NSFAS.

What fields of study does it cover?

The bursary is open across all fields of study. It is awarded on the basis of financial need rather than being restricted to a particular discipline, and supports tertiary study at recognised South African universities, universities of technology and technikons.

When is the closing date and how do deadlines work?

Deadlines vary by SANZAF regional office for the 2026 academic year. Approximate windows include Durban and Pietermaritzburg (01 Aug-30 Sep 2025), Gauteng and Gqeberha (01 Sep-31 Oct 2025), Western Cape (01 Oct-31 Dec 2025), and Kimberley, East London and Ladysmith (roughly 01 Oct 2025-09 Jan 2026). Always confirm the current dates with your regional office, as they change each year.