Medical & Health Sciences Bursaries
Bursaries for South African students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, radiography and allied health sciences. Government, foundation and private healthcare-sector funders.
43 medical bursaries
- Engineering Deadline 29 Aug 2026 (1d)
CSIR Bursary Programme
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
The CSIR Bursary Programme is a merit-based, full-cost bursary offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a national science council under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. It funds undergraduate, Honours, Master's and Doctoral students in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) fields such as computer science, electronic, mechatronic and chemical engineering, data science and the natural sciences. Recipients receive comprehensive financial support plus mentorship, vacation work and a pathway into research careers at the CSIR.
Full-cost support: tuition, registration, books, accommodation, living and laptop allowances (postgraduate research and conference costs capped at R35,000/year each)View details → - General Deadline 31 Aug 2026 (3d)
Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary
Ninety One (administered by CareerWise)
The Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary is a fully-funded, holistic undergraduate bursary for high-potential South African school leavers from low-income households entering their first year of university in 2027. Beyond covering tuition, accommodation and learning materials, the programme provides private tutoring, mentorship and wellbeing support to help talented young people succeed. It is run by global asset manager Ninety One (formerly Investec Asset Management) and administered by CareerWise.
Full tuition, accommodation, meals and learning materialsView details → - Postgraduate Deadline 15 Sept 2026 (18d)
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) Bursary
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation
The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation funds South African postgraduate students conducting research into virology. Bursaries support BSc Honours, MSc and PhD candidates, with awards running for the length of the qualification, and are administered through the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
Postgraduate research bursaryView details → - Medical Deadline 30 Sept 2026
Aspen Pharmacare Bursary
Aspen Pharmacare
Aspen Pharmacare, Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, awards bursaries to South African students studying BPharm and other pharmaceutical-sector qualifications including chemical engineering and related sciences. The programme is open to both new applicants and children of Aspen employees, and supports up to full cost of study at approved institutions.
Up to full cost of study (varies by qualification)View details → - Government Deadline 30 Sept 2026
Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
Gauteng Department of Health
The Gauteng Department of Health runs one of the largest provincial bursary programmes in the country, funding South African citizens from Gauteng studying towards in-demand health professions including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and the allied health sciences. Recipients enter a service-binding agreement to work in Gauteng's public health system after qualifying.
Full cost of study (tuition, accommodation, books, allowance)View details → - Finance Deadline 30 Sept 2026
Investec Tertiary Bursary Programme
Investec (administered by StudyTrust)
The Investec Tertiary Bursary covers full study costs for high-performing South African students pursuing degrees in commerce, business science, engineering, computer science, IT, commercial LLB or medicine at recognised public universities.
Full-cost bursary (tuition + residence + meals + laptop + stipend)View details → - Medical Deadline 30 Sept 2026
SAMA Medical Education Bursary
South African Medical Association (SAMA)
The South African Medical Association awards medical education bursaries to South African citizens studying towards an MBChB or equivalent medical degree at a South African medical school. The bursary is non-exclusive — recipients may hold other bursaries at the same time — making it a useful top-up for students already funded elsewhere.
R20,000 per year (R10,000 in January, R10,000 in August)View details → - Finance Deadline 30 Sept 2026
SARB External Bursary Scheme
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (administered by TTI Bursaries)
The SARB External Bursary Scheme funds talented, financially needy South African students to complete a full-time undergraduate degree in fields relevant to the Reserve Bank's work, such as economics, finance, accounting, actuarial science, IT and law. It targets high-achieving matriculants and undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to build careers in scarce-skills areas linked to the SARB's functions.
Comprehensive undergraduate funding (full tuition and allowances)View details → - Finance Deadline 30 Sept 2026
Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme
Standard Bank Group (administered by StudyTrust)
The Standard Bank Group Bursary is a fully-funded programme for South African undergraduate and postgraduate students in commerce, science, engineering and emerging behavioural economics fields aligned with the future of banking.
Full tuition + accommodation + laptop + monthly allowanceView details → - Medical Deadline 30 Sept 2026
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
Western Cape Government, Department of Health and Wellness (administered in-house via the Department of Health Bursary System / HEALP online portal; programme coordinator Monray Strydom)
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness funds unemployed Western Cape residents studying full-time towards selected Health Science qualifications such as nursing, medicine (MBChB), pharmacy and the allied therapies. The bursary covers institutional fees (registration, tuition and examination fees) but not accommodation, and recipients sign a contract requiring a community service year plus a work-back period at the Department or repayment of all costs. The list of funded qualifications can change each year based on the Department's service-delivery needs.
Financial assistance towards registration, tuition and examination fees only (accommodation not covered). No fixed cash amount is published — it covers the listed institutional fees for the duration of the contract.View details → - Medical Deadline 11 Oct 2026
PSSA Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE) Bursary
Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) — administered through its Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE)
The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa runs the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE) bursary scheme to support South African pharmacy students. Undergraduate awards help full-time BPharm students from their second year onward, while postgraduate awards support Honours, Masters and Doctorate pharmacy studies. Bursaries are granted on a combination of financial need, academic merit and other assistance already received, and are renewable each year on reapplication.
Not published as a fixed rand value — awards cover one academic year based on financial need, academic merit and other assistance received, and are renewable on annual reapplicationView details → - Medical Deadline 31 Oct 2026
Clicks Foundation Bursary
Clicks Foundation (Clicks Group Limited)
The Clicks Foundation, the corporate social investment arm of JSE-listed retail-pharmacy group Clicks Group Limited, awards merit-based bursaries to South African students pursuing a BPharm (Pharmacy) degree. The fund targets scarce and critical skills in retail and pharmaceutical healthcare, covering registration, tuition, prescribed textbooks and study aids for the year of registration. Preference is given to persons with disabilities and applicants from designated Employment Equity groups.
Comprehensive cover for the year of registration (registration fees, tuition, prescribed textbooks and study aids)View details → - Medical Deadline 15 Nov 2026
SASP National Bursary
South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) (administered directly by the SASP Bursary Committee / SASP Head Office)
The South African Society of Physiotherapy awards the SASP National Bursary to South African citizens studying towards a Physiotherapy qualification at a South African university. It provides partial tuition funding paid directly to your university, and is reserved for students entering their 3rd and 4th years of study. The bursary is awarded year-to-year and must be re-applied for annually, and recipients commit to remaining SASP members and volunteering at SASP events after graduating.
Covers a portion of tuition fees only (no fixed value); funds are paid directly to the university. Awarded year-to-year and must be re-applied for annually.View details → - Postgraduate Deadline 23 Nov 2026
NRF Postgraduate Scholarship
National Research Foundation (NRF) / Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
The NRF Postgraduate Scholarship is South Africa's flagship public research funding - a Full or Partial Cost of Study scholarship for Honours, Master's and PhD students at South African universities, awarded across all major disciplines and prioritising financial need, disability and exceptional academic achievement.
Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) - value depends on level and funding categoryView details → - General Deadline 13 Dec 2026
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust / CRET; formerly Shanduka Foundation)
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is a comprehensive bursary run by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation for academically capable South African youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. It covers the full cost of study across a range of disciplines at recognised public institutions and pairs funding with mentorship, holiday work experience, skills development and psychosocial support. CRET targets matriculants, unemployed youth and current undergraduates aged 16 to 27 with demonstrable financial need.
Full-cost bursary (tuition, accommodation, meals, books and monthly allowance)View details → - General Deadline 31 Dec 2026
Moshal Scholarship Program
Moshal Program (Moshal Foundation)
The Moshal Scholarship Program is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship for academically outstanding South African students from low-income backgrounds, studying STEM, Commerce, Medicine or Law at one of the partner universities. Beyond funding, Moshal provides intensive mentorship, career-readiness training and a supportive scholar community.
Full-cost scholarship (tuition, accommodation, books, allowance, laptop)View details → - Medical Deadline 31 Dec 2026
Netcare Bursary
Netcare
Netcare offers bursaries to academically gifted students who lack the financial means to fund tertiary studies, with a focus on Pharmacy and Commerce qualifications that feed into Netcare's hospital and operational pipeline. Applications are open year-round, making it one of the more flexible programmes in South Africa's healthcare sector.
Full cost of study (tuition, textbooks, accommodation, living allowance)View details → - Government Deadline 31 Mar 2027
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.
Full-cost bursary (tuition, study materials, accommodation, monthly stipend)View details → - Medical 2027 dates TBA
IMASA Health Science Bursary Fund
Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA) (administered in association with Baytul Nur)
The IMASA Health Science Bursary Fund is a needs-based, Zakaat and donation-funded bursary that helps financially disadvantaged South African students pursue health science qualifications such as medicine, dentistry, nursing and pharmacy. Administered by the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa in association with Baytul Nur, it provides partial or full tuition support together with mentorship from established healthcare professionals. It is aimed at academically capable students who have genuine financial need and are enrolled, or intending to enrol, in a recognised health science programme.
Partial or full tuition coverage (needs-based, not a fixed value)View details → - Medical Closed (31 Jul 2026)
Life Healthcare Nurse Bursary
Life Healthcare (Life College of Learning)
This is a nursing-only bursary, not a broad medical bursary. It is offered through Life Healthcare's nursing college (Life College of Learning / Life Healthcare Nursing College), which is accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). It funds tuition for previously disadvantaged South African students who cannot afford to pay for one of the college's three nursing qualifications and who commit to working for Life Healthcare after graduating.
Covers tuition; no monetary figure published by the providerView details → - Medical Closed (31 Jul 2026)
Mediclinic / ER24 Bursary
Mediclinic Southern Africa / ER24 (applications via the Mediclinic SuccessFactors careers portal)
The Mediclinic / ER24 Bursary supports financially needy South African students pursuing Nursing, Pharmacy or Emergency Medical Care at accredited tertiary institutions. ER24 is a Mediclinic subsidiary, so this is a single joint programme that covers full tuition plus a living stipend and feeds qualified graduates into the wider Mediclinic / ER24 group. Applications open annually around early May and close on 31 July, with studies starting the following January.
Full tuition (course fees) for the academic year, plus a monthly stipend towards living expensesView details → - General Closed (30 Jun 2026)
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation (delivered through South African partner universities: University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape and University of Cape Town)
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship for academically talented young Africans, including South Africans, who face economic and social barriers to higher education. It covers the full cost of study and adds mentorship, leadership development and wraparound support, with a strong focus on women (around 71% of scholars) and on producing transformative leaders. Applicants apply directly through a partner university rather than through the Foundation.
Fully funded (full tuition, accommodation, stipend and allowances)View details → - Medical Closed (02 Jun 2026)
SAVF Veterinary Science (BVSc) Bursary
South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF), in partnership with Lakato (Pty) Ltd veterinary wholesalers (self-administered; bursary queries to Dr Quixi Sonntag, general office contact Ms Debbie Breeze)
The South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF), in partnership with veterinary wholesaler Lakato (Pty) Ltd, awards R12,000 cash bursaries to BVSc (Veterinary Science) students at the University of Pretoria. Typically four bursaries are awarded each year — two to 4th-year and two to 5th-year students — to students with strong academic results, demonstrated financial need, and active involvement in student life. There is no service contract or work-back obligation on completion of studies.
R12,000 per recipient. Typically 4 bursaries awarded annually (2 to 4th-year students and 2 to 5th-year students).View details → - General Closed (30 May 2026)
W&RSETA Bursary Scheme
W&RSETA (Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority)
The W&RSETA Bursary Scheme funds South African students pursuing wholesale and retail sector qualifications at universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges, with priority given to scarce and critical skills in the sector. It targets students with financial need (the 'missing middle') and supports both unemployed and employed/workplace-based learners. Applications are not submitted by individual students; they are made through approved institutions, levy-paying employers, Retail Chairs or bursary administrators via the W&RSETA Stakeholder Portal.
Varies by qualification, institution and the relevant Memorandum of Agreement; not a fixed published figure.View details → - Engineering Closed (07 May 2026)
Rand Water External Bursary Programme
Rand Water (administered directly via the Rand Water eRecruit careers portal)
The Rand Water External Bursary Programme funds South African students studying water-sector-related fields - including civil, electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering disciplines as well as chemistry, microbiology and water science. As one of Africa's largest bulk water utilities, Rand Water uses the bursary to develop scarce skills for the water sector, with preference given to female students and students with disabilities.
Full tuition, accommodation, books and meals (allowance where applicable)View details → - Postgraduate Closed (14 Apr 2026)
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is one of Africa's most prestigious postgraduate awards. It funds African citizens to complete a one-year Honours or two-year Master's degree at a recognised South African university, alongside an immersive Leadership Development Programme that runs throughout the scholarship.
Full tuition + accommodation + living stipend + leadership programmeView details → - Postgraduate Closed (08 Apr 2026)
Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship (South Africa)
U.S. Department of State (administered by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa, Fulbright Office)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a fully funded U.S. government scholarship that sends South Africans to accredited universities in the United States for postgraduate study. It covers Master's, PhD and Visiting Student Researcher placements in almost any field, including tuition, a living stipend, airfare, visa sponsorship and health insurance. It targets high-achieving South African graduates with strong academic records and leadership potential.
Full grant: tuition + monthly living stipend + airfare + visa + health insuranceView details → - Medical Closed (28 Feb 2026)
SCP Radiology Student Bursary
SCP Radiology (Stellenbosch Cluster of Practices; bursaries administered in-house via the SCP Radiology Recruitment department)
The SCP Radiology Student Bursary supports South African students studying BSc Diagnostic Radiography or BSc Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonography) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). SCP, a Western Cape radiology practice, offers two tiers: a Standard Bursary covering tuition, a stipend and an SCP-branded uniform, and a Comprehensive Radiography Bursary for first-year students with financial need that also funds accommodation and other educational expenses. Recipients gain practical training in SCP's HPCSA-accredited clinical units and work back one year for every year of study sponsored.
Two tiers. Standard Bursary: tuition fees plus a monthly stipend, an SCP-branded uniform and clinical training placement (no fixed rand amount published). Comprehensive Radiography Bursary (first-years with financial need): stipend, tuition, accommodation and other educational expenses up to a maximum agreed amount for the 2026 academic year.View details → - Medical Closed (20 Feb 2026)
HWSETA Postgraduate Research Bursary for Unemployed Persons
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) (administered through public universities and universities of technology — institutions apply on behalf of students)
The HWSETA Postgraduate Research Bursary funds unemployed South Africans pursuing Honours, Master's or PhD research in the health and welfare sector at a public university or university of technology. The bursary covers tuition and research funding of up to R100,000 per learner, with a separate disability stream funding up to R240,000 per learner. Applications are submitted by the institution on behalf of eligible students, so students should approach their university financial aid office to be included in the submission.
Up to R100,000 per learner for the Postgraduate Research Bursary (Honours/Master's/PhD); the separate HWSETA disability bursary stream funds up to R240,000 per learnerView details → - Medical Closed (17 Feb 2026)
Cipla Bursary Programme
Cipla South Africa (Pty) Ltd (administered in-house via the Cipla careers/TurboHire online application system)
The Cipla Bursary Programme is a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary bursary run by pharmaceutical company Cipla South Africa, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a one-time laptop allowance for high-achieving South African students. Established in 2017 as a strategic skills pipeline, it supports scarce and critical skills across Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain and more, and offers a pathway into the Cipla Graduate Skills Programme after graduation. Applications are submitted exclusively online through Cipla's careers (TurboHire) portal.
Comprehensive bursary covering tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a one-time laptop allowance up to R8,000 (funds paid directly to the institution around 30 March annually)View details → - Medical Closed (16 Feb 2026)
SASLHA Myrtle L Aron Bursary Fund
South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SASLHA) — administered via its Myrtle L Aron Bursary Fund
The Myrtle L Aron Bursary Fund is awarded annually by the South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SASLHA) to one deserving student from a disadvantaged background studying towards an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Therapy/Pathology and/or Audiology at an accredited South African university. Named after a pioneer of the professions in South Africa, the bursary supports students entering their 3rd or 4th year on the basis of academic merit and demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be SASLHA student members (membership is free).
Financial support towards undergraduate tuition (monetary value not publicly disclosed by SASLHA)View details → - Government Closed (16 Jan 2026)
Free State Provincial Government Full-Time Bursary Programme
Free State Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (applications administered via the Free State Training and Development Institute (FSTDI), Bloemfontein)
The Free State Provincial Government, through the Office of the Premier, offers a comprehensive full-cost bursary to financially needy Free State residents who excel academically and study full-time at accredited South African institutions. It covers registration, tuition, residence and meals, books and approved special equipment across a wide range of priority fields. Applications are administered by the Free State Training and Development Institute (FSTDI) in Bloemfontein and submitted by hand using the official PDF form.
Comprehensive (full-cost) bursary; specific monetary value not published.View details → - Medical Closed (31 Dec 2025)
Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) Health Science Bursary Programme
Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF)
The UYDF Health Science Bursary Programme is a top-up funding and student-support scheme that helps disadvantaged students from rural KwaZulu-Natal (and parts of the Eastern Cape) qualify as health professionals. It is layered on top of NSFAS, covering costs NSFAS does not, paying a monthly allowance, and providing mentoring so students complete their degrees. In return, graduates commit to working in rural public-sector hospitals to ease the shortage of healthcare workers in underserved communities.
NSFAS top-up funding (covers costs not included in NSFAS) plus a monthly allowance reported around R3,800; no fixed total amount is publishedView details → - General Closed (20 Dec 2025)
PPS Foundation Bursary Programme
PPS Foundation (established by the Professional Provident Society (PPS); administered by the PPS Foundation, the non-profit founded in 2016, with applications submitted online via the PPS Foundation portal hosted on i-me.tech)
The PPS Foundation Bursary Programme is a comprehensive bursary run by the non-profit PPS Foundation, established in 2016 by the Professional Provident Society (PPS). It funds approximately 50 to 70 high-achieving, financially deserving South African students each year, covering tuition, textbooks, meals and university accommodation, with preference given to applicants pursuing STEM degrees. The bursary is renewable from first year through Honours level subject to ongoing academic performance.
Comprehensive bursary covering full study costs (no fixed cash amount); approximately 50 to 70 recipients funded per yearView details → - General Closed (19 Dec 2025)
WAAW Foundation Scholarship (Undergraduate Scholarship for African Women in STEM)
WAAW Foundation - Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women (self-administered via its online scholarship portal)
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship is a pan-African award from a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports young African women studying STEM at universities across Africa, including South Africa. It is a one-time grant of USD 500 (about R9,000) paid in two installments, together with mentorship, leadership development and membership of a network of African women in science and technology. It is open to female undergraduates in their 1st or 2nd year (or 3rd year of a 5-year course) who show financial need and a strong academic record.
One-time award of USD 500 (approximately R9,000), paid in two installments and typically released on completion of the required STEM outreach activitiesView details → - General Closed (15 Dec 2025)
IDB Education Trust Interest-Free Loan Bursary
IDB Education Trust (administered in-house by the IDB Education Trust, Durban)
The IDB Education Trust offers an interest-free (Qard Hasan) loan bursary to financially needy Muslim South African students studying at recognised South African universities. The loan covers tuition fees (some sources also cite a monthly allowance) and is repaid after completing studies. Recipients also benefit from the Trust's tarbiyyah (student development) programmes, events and courses.
Interest-free (Qard Hasan) loan covering tuition fees (some sources also cite a monthly allowance); repayable after completing studies over a period equal to the time taken to complete the qualificationView details → - Medical Closed (08 Dec 2025)
ADSA Dietetics Bursary
Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA)
The Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) awards an annual bursary to financially disadvantaged South African students studying towards an undergraduate BSc Dietetics degree. Worth up to R30,000 per year for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study, it is aimed at first-year (or just-completed-first-year) students who show a genuine passion for food science, nutrition and health. Recipients also receive free ADSA student membership for the duration of the bursary.
Up to R30,000 per year, paid directly to the student's university account, for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study (covering registration fees, textbooks, accommodation and other study-related expenses)View details → - General Closed (25 Nov 2025)
SIOC-CDT Bursary Fund
SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) (administered by Dux PD)
The SIOC Community Development Trust, established by Sishen Iron Ore Company (part of Kumba Iron Ore / Anglo American), offers a comprehensive bursary to academically deserving students from its beneficiary communities in the Northern Cape and Limpopo. The fund covers tuition, accommodation, a laptop, study material and a monthly stipend across priority fields including engineering, science, health, agriculture, business, education, IT, law and tourism. Both full-time and part-time students may apply, and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Comprehensive bursary (value not publicly stated)View details → - General Closed (20 Nov 2025)
Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme
North West Provincial Government, Office of the Premier (administered in-house via the NWPG online Bursary Application Portal)
The Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme is the North West Provincial Government's flagship bursary, administered in-house by the Office of the Premier for permanent residents of the North West Province. It funds full-time undergraduate study at recognised South African public institutions, prioritising fields aligned to provincial development and skills needs. Renamed in 2022 to honour the late academic and struggle activist Victor Thebe Sifora, the scheme has cumulatively awarded roughly 4,870 bursaries worth around R405 million.
Not officially published as a fixed figure; awards cover full-time undergraduate study at public institutions. The provincial scheme has cumulatively awarded approximately 4,870 bursaries worth around R405 million to North West residents.View details → - General Closed (01 Nov 2025)
Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme
Monocle Foundation (philanthropic educational trust of management consulting firm Monocle Solutions, established 2014; self-administered by the Monocle Foundation Trust via a multi-stage screening, meet-and-greet and trustee interview process, with applications submitted through the Monocle Solutions careers portal)
The Monocle Foundation Bursary Programme is a comprehensive, full-cost bursary for young Black female South Africans in genuine financial need who are already in their second year of study or beyond at an accredited South African tertiary institution. It covers tuition, books, accommodation, a living allowance and a laptop, and adds career counselling and an MS Office course, with funds that are non-repayable. The Foundation is the philanthropic educational trust of management consulting firm Monocle Solutions and selects recipients through a multi-stage process of screening, a meet-and-greet and a trustee interview.
Comprehensive (full-cost) bursary covering tuition, accommodation, books, living allowance and a laptop; specific monetary value not published. Funds are non-repayable.View details → - General Closed (31 Oct 2025)
Kagiso Trust Education Development Trust Bursary
Kagiso Trust (Education Development unit, administered in-house)
The Kagiso Trust Education Development Trust Bursary is a comprehensive, full-cost bursary for academically strong South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a South African university. It covers tuition, textbooks, accommodation, transport and related expenses for the full 3-4 year degree, and adds mentorship and alumni network support. The Trust funds study across several priority fields, including the natural sciences, commerce, law, health sciences and teacher training.
Not officially published. Comprehensive, full-cost funding covering tuition, textbooks, educational equipment, accommodation, transport and related expenses for the duration of a 3-4 year undergraduate degree.View details → - Government Closed (10 Oct 2025)
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.
Covers registration, tuition/class fees and examination fees, plus capped allowances for study aid (books/equipment), transport and meals. Exact rand value is not publicly fixed and depends on the field and institution.View details → - Medical Closed (30 Sept 2025)
Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI) Student Radiography & Ultrasound Bursary
Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI) (administered in-house; studies completed through the University of Johannesburg, where ARMI is an accredited clinical training facility)
Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI), a diagnostic radiology services provider, offers a full bursary to South African students who want to train as diagnostic radiographers or sonographers through a 4-year Bachelor's degree at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The bursary covers all tuition fees plus textbooks, uniforms, vaccinations and a monthly living allowance, and rewards distinctions with a performance incentive. In return, recipients commit to a 32-month work-back period (8 months for each year of study) at ARMI.
Full bursary (value not stated as a fixed figure) — covers all tuition fees plus a monthly living allowance and a performance incentive for year-end distinctionsView details →
Medical bursaries in South Africa - what to know
The MBChB squeeze
South African medical schools admit roughly 2,000 students per year against tens of thousands of applicants. Securing a bursary alongside university admission is a separate challenge - most medical bursaries pre-select students and pay tuition directly to the university.
Allied health pays well too
Physiotherapy, radiography, occupational therapy and pharmacy bursaries are less competitive than MBChB funding and offer real career stability. Discovery Foundation and Life Healthcare in particular fund a wide range of allied health professions.
Provincial health departments
Every provincial department of health runs a bursary scheme with a work-back commitment in the public sector. These are large-scale and often less competitive than corporate bursaries.