Government South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) (a statutory body under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; administered in-house by the SANAS Human Resources Department)

SANAS External Bursary Programme

The SANAS External Bursary Programme is a government bursary funded by the South African National Accreditation System, the country's single national accreditation body operating under the dtic. It supports unemployed South African youth studying towards a National Diploma, Degree, Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in any field of study. The bursary covers tuition fees only, up to R50,000 for a National Diploma or Degree and up to R70,000 for an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma.

Amount:
Tuition only: up to R50,000 for a National Diploma or Degree; up to R70,000 for an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma
Deadline:
30 January 2027
Renewable:
No

Eligible Fields of Study

South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) (a statutory body under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; administered in-house by the SANAS Human Resources Department) supports students in the following disciplines

Any field of study (National Diploma, Degree, Honours or Postgraduate Diploma)

Eligibility Requirements

  • ✓ South African citizen
  • ✓ Completed Matric qualification
  • ✓ Unemployed South African youth committed to advancing their education
  • ✓ Studying or intending to study towards a National Diploma, Degree, Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in any field
  • ✓ Enrolled or intending to enrol at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution
  • ✓ Must meet the academic requirements of the chosen institution
  • ✓ Able to provide the required supporting documents, including proof of household income to demonstrate financial need

What's Included

  • ✓ Covers tuition fees only (no other study-related expenses)
  • ✓ Open to studies in any field of study
  • ✓ Up to R50,000 per year for a National Diploma or Degree
  • ✓ Up to R70,000 per year for an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma
  • ✓ Backing of SANAS, South Africa's single national accreditation body operating under the dtic

How to Apply

Steps to complete your South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) (a statutory body under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; administered in-house by the SANAS Human Resources Department) bursary application

  1. 1

    Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria — South African citizen, completed Matric, unemployed youth, and enrolled or intending to enrol at a recognised, accredited SA tertiary institution

  2. 2

    Prepare all required supporting documents, as incomplete applications are not considered

  3. 3

    Compile your application and email it to [email protected]

  4. 4

    Use the subject line 'SANAS Bursary Application 2026' (adjust the year to match the relevant cycle) when submitting by email

  5. 5

    Submit before the closing date — the 2026 academic-year cycle closed on Friday, 30 January 2026 at 16:30

  6. 6

    Wait for the SANAS Human Resources Department to review applications and contact successful candidates

Required Documents

  • 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID
  • 📄 Certified copy of your Matric certificate
  • 📄 Proof of household income
  • 📄 Course outline for your intended qualification
  • 📄 Proof of admission / registration at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the SANAS External Bursary?
The bursary is open to unemployed South African youth who are South African citizens, have completed Matric, and are committed to advancing their education. You must be studying or intending to study towards a National Diploma, Degree, Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in any field at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution, and you must meet that institution's academic requirements.
What does the SANAS bursary cover and how much is it worth?
The SANAS External Bursary covers tuition fees only, with no funding for other study-related expenses. It provides up to R50,000 for a National Diploma or Degree and up to R70,000 for an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma.
How do I apply for the SANAS External Bursary?
Applications are submitted by email to [email protected] using the subject line 'SANAS Bursary Application 2026'. Attach all required documents — a certified ID copy, certified Matric certificate, proof of household income, course outline and proof of admission or registration. Incomplete applications are not considered.
When does the SANAS External Bursary close?
The 2026 academic-year cycle closed on Friday, 30 January 2026 at 16:30, which has now passed. The programme runs annually and the next cycle, for the 2027 academic year, is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027, so the next forward-looking closing date is around 30 January 2027. Confirm the exact date with the SANAS Human Resources Department before applying.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 January 2027

Apply on South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) (a statutory body under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; administered in-house by the SANAS Human Resources Department)'s official site

Need help? Contact South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) (a statutory body under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; administered in-house by the SANAS Human Resources Department):

Email: [email protected]

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

Other Government bursaries

More funding opportunities in this field

City of Cape Town External Bursary Programme

City of Cape Town (Metropolitan Municipality, administered in-house by the City's Human Resources / Skills Development department via the HR Service Desk)

The City of Cape Town runs an annual external bursary programme for Cape Town residents studying full-time towards qualifications in advertised scarce-skills fields such as engineering, accounting, IT, data science, environmental management and the built environment. The bursary covers registration, tuition and examination fees plus capped allowances for study aid, transport and meals, and can lead to year-for-a-year work experience with the City after graduation. Funding spans undergraduate through postgraduate study at accredited South African institutions, including TVET colleges.

View details →

City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Bursary Programme

City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (administered in-house via the CoJ Human Resources / Skills Development office)

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Bursary Programme is a metropolitan government bursary that funds undergraduate study for academically capable students who permanently reside within the City of Johannesburg in Gauteng. Approximately 200 bursaries are awarded each cycle, covering registration, tuition and prescribed study material up to R40,000 per year across scarce-skills fields relevant to the City. It is distinct from the Gauteng Provincial Government GCRA bursary.

View details →

Compensation Fund Bursary

Compensation Fund (Department of Employment and Labour)

The Compensation Fund Bursary is a government bursary administered by the Compensation Fund under the Department of Employment and Labour. It funds unemployed COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) beneficiaries with permanent disabilities, plus dependants of COID beneficiaries who were fatally injured or permanently disabled at work.

View details →
View all government bursaries →