Securing a bursary for 2026 can make the difference between pursuing your dream career and missing out on higher education. South Africa offers hundreds of bursaries from government, corporate sponsors, and private foundations. This comprehensive guide covers the best bursaries available for the 2026 academic year, how to apply, and tips to increase your chances of success.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is one of the most popular bursaries in South Africa, funded by the Department of Basic Education. It covers the full cost of studying towards a teaching qualification at any public university in South Africa.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation (on-campus or approved off-campus)
- Meals/living allowance
- Books and study materials
- Return transport once per year
Funza Lushaka Requirements
- South African citizen
- Admitted or enrolled at a public university for a teaching qualification (B.Ed or PGCE)
- Must specialise in a priority subject: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, Computer Science, or African languages
- Strong academic record (typically 60%+ average)
How to Apply
Applications open in September and close in January. Apply online at funzalushaka.doe.gov.za. After graduating, bursary holders are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years they were funded.
Eskom Bursary 2026
The Eskom bursary programme is one of the most generous in South Africa, covering full tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and providing a personal allowance. Eskom bursaries are available for studies in engineering, IT, finance, and science at approved South African universities.
Eskom Bursary Fields of Study
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science / Information Technology
- BCom Accounting / Finance
- BSc Chemistry / Physics
Requirements
- South African citizen
- Grade 12 with minimum 60% in Mathematics and Physical Sciences
- Must have been accepted at a recognised university
- No existing bursary or sponsorship
Applications typically open in August and close in October. Apply through the Eskom careers portal.
Sasol Bursary 2026
Sasol offers full-cost bursaries for South African students studying engineering, science, IT, and commerce at approved universities. The Sasol bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and a personal allowance — plus vacation work opportunities at Sasol facilities.
Sasol Bursary Fields
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemistry and Physics
- BCom Accounting
Requirements include minimum 70% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Sciences. Apply at sasol.com/careers when applications open (usually March–May).
Government Bursaries 2026
Several government departments offer bursaries to South African students in fields aligned with national skills priorities:
- NSFAS — the National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides funding for students from households earning under R350,000 per year. Covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and a personal allowance.
- Department of Water and Sanitation — bursaries for civil engineering, water resource management, and environmental science
- Department of Mineral Resources (DMRE) — mining engineering, geology, and mine surveying bursaries
- Department of Agriculture — agricultural sciences, food technology, and veterinary science
- Department of Public Works — architecture, quantity surveying, and civil engineering
- South African Reserve Bank — economics, statistics, finance, and IT bursaries
Corporate and Private Bursaries 2026
Beyond government and SOE bursaries, many private companies offer bursary programmes:
- Anglo American — mining engineering, metallurgy, geology, and environmental science
- Old Mutual — actuarial science, finance, IT, and data science
- Discovery — actuarial science, data science, and health sciences
- Standard Bank / FNB / Nedbank / ABSA — commerce, accounting, IT, and mathematics
- MTN / Vodacom — engineering, IT, and computer science
- Toyota / BMW SA — mechanical and electrical engineering
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation — entrepreneurship-focused bursary for top achievers
- Eduloan and Fundi — student funding options for those who do not qualify for bursaries
How to Apply for Bursaries in 2026
Step 1: Start Early
Most bursaries open between June and October for the following year. Start researching and preparing your documents in Grade 11 or early Grade 12 to give yourself the best chance.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package
You will typically need:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified matric certificate or latest results
- Proof of household income (parents’ payslips or affidavit)
- University acceptance or proof of registration
- Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
- Academic transcript
Step 3: Apply to Multiple Bursaries
Do not rely on a single application. Apply for every bursary you qualify for — there is no limit to how many applications you can submit (though you may only accept one).
Step 4: Write a Strong Motivational Letter
Your motivational letter should explain your financial need, academic achievements, career goals, and why you are a good investment. Keep it to one page, be specific, and proofread carefully.
Bursary Application Deadlines 2026
Key deadline periods for major bursaries:
| Bursary | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| NSFAS | August 2025 | November 2025 |
| Funza Lushaka | September 2025 | January 2026 |
| Eskom | August 2025 | October 2025 |
| Sasol | March 2025 | May 2025 |
| Allan Gray Orbis | February 2025 | April 2025 |
| Anglo American | April 2025 | July 2025 |
Related Resources on FundiConnect
Explore more guides to help you plan your education:
- Learnerships 2026 — Government, Eskom, Sasol, and more learnership opportunities
- Career Guidance South Africa — How to choose the right career path
- APS Score Calculator — Calculate your Admission Point Score for university
- University Application Dates 2027 — Opening and closing dates for all SA universities
- Student Accommodation Guide — Find affordable accommodation near your campus
- Universities Still Open for 2026 — Late application opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions About Bursaries
Generally no — most bursary providers require that you do not have existing funding. If you receive a private bursary, you would need to cancel your NSFAS funding. However, some top-up bursaries can supplement NSFAS.
Most bursaries require you to maintain a minimum academic average (usually 55–65%). If you fail or drop below the minimum, you may lose your bursary and could be required to repay the funds already received.
Many corporate bursaries include a work-back obligation — typically one year of service for each year of funding. Government bursaries like Funza Lushaka require you to work in the public sector. NSFAS does not have a work-back requirement.
Some bursaries accept Grade 11 applications (particularly Allan Gray Orbis and a few corporate bursaries). Most require you to be in Grade 12 or already enrolled at a university. Check each bursary’s specific requirements.
Not all bursaries are means-tested. While NSFAS and some government bursaries have income thresholds, many corporate bursaries are merit-based and available regardless of household income. Academic excellence and leadership qualities are often the primary criteria.
