Bursaries for 2027 in South Africa

ISFAP (Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme)

Closing date: 31 October 2026

ISFAP is one of the most important bursaries for students who earn too much to qualify for NSFAS but can't afford university fees: the "missing middle". Its funding goes beyond fees, with academic, psychosocial and work-readiness support.

Who can apply: South African students from "missing middle" households who are studying, or plan to study, in one of ISFAP's high-demand fields at a partner university.

How to apply: Apply online through the ISFAP application portal.

Monocle Foundation Bursary

Closing date: 31 October 2026

The Monocle Foundation Trust funds Black women who need financial support for their studies.

Who can apply: Black South African women with limited or no funding, who are in their second year of study or higher.

Fields: Accounting, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics and Medicine, among others, at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

How to apply: Apply through the Monocle Foundation page. You'll need a motivation letter to the Trustees, your CV, a certified copy of your ID, your latest academic record, your Grade 12 certificate and a breakdown of the funding you need.

SIOC Community Development Trust Bursary

Closing date: 30 November 2026 at 12:00

The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) funds students from mining-host communities in the Northern Cape and Limpopo.

Who can apply: Students who live in or come from Gasegonyana, Joe Morolong, Gamagara, Tsantsabane or Thabazimbi, and who have applied to, been accepted by or are registered at a recognised public higher education institution.

How to apply: Complete the SIOC-CDT 2027 online bursary application form. If you're still waiting for your final results, you have until 12:00 on 14 January 2027 to submit them.

FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary

Closing date: 31 December 2026 (provisional)

If you're finishing your undergraduate degree this year, this bursary funds a first Honours degree in 2027.

Who can apply: Black South African citizens aged 18 to 35 who are starting a first full-time Honours degree in 2027 in an eligible STEM field or Psychology. You need an undergraduate average of at least 60%, at least 60% for NSC Mathematics and a household income of R700,000 or less a year. Commerce qualifications aren't eligible.

How to apply: Apply through the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation bursary page.

Funza Lushaka Bursary (Teaching)

Closing date: 31 January 2027 (new applicants) / 30 November 2026 (returning bursars)

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a Department of Basic Education programme for students who want to become teachers in priority subjects. In return, you teach at a public school for the same number of years you were funded.

How to apply: Applications opened on 1 October 2026. Our full guide to the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 covers the requirements, priority subjects and application steps.

Moshal Program

Status: applications open

The Moshal Program funds high-achieving students with financial need at top South African universities, and supports them with mentoring and career development.

Fields: Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics, Commerce and Computer Science.

Who can apply: Students from households earning up to R200,000 a year (before deductions), with at least 70% in English, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences or Accounting. You must be accepted at one of eight partner universities: UCT, Stellenbosch, UWC, Wits, UP, UKZN, UFS or UJ. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed in person.

How to apply: Visit the Moshal Program candidates page and complete the online application form. The page doesn't list a closing date, so apply as soon as you can.

Already Closed for 2027: Watch for These Next Year

These popular bursaries have already closed for 2027. If you're in Grade 11 now, or you plan to apply for 2028, put their usual opening months in your calendar.

The "when to look out for it" column is based on when each 2027 round opened or closed. Funders can change their dates, so check their websites.

Transnet Bursary Programme: Transnet hasn't published dates for its next bursary round. Check the Transnet bursaries page, which links to its talent portal for technical and non-technical bursaries.

Tips for a Strong Bursary Application

Apply for more than one. Bursaries are competitive, so apply for every bursary you qualify for, not just your favourite.

Read the requirements carefully. Check the fields, minimum marks, income limit and any area or community requirements before you apply. Applying for a bursary you don't qualify for wastes your time.

Get your documents ready early. Most funders ask for a certified copy of your ID, your latest results, proof of household income and proof of application or acceptance at a university or college.

Write a real motivation letter. Explain who you are, what you want to study and why, and how the bursary will help. Be specific and honest, and get someone to check your spelling.

Never pay to apply. Real bursaries don't charge application fees. Be wary of anyone who asks for money to "process" your bursary application.

Don't miss the deadline. Late applications are almost never accepted, and some funders close at midday, not midnight.

Didn't Get a Bursary? Fund Your Studies with Fundi

If a bursary doesn't come through, or it doesn't cover all your costs, Fundi can help. You can apply for a Fundi study loan to cover tuition, accommodation and other study costs, and use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like. Need a laptop for your studies? The Fundi Shop lets you finance one alongside your other study costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bursaries are still open for 2027?

As of 19 October 2026, NSFAS, ISFAP and the Monocle Foundation Bursary close on 31 October 2026. The SIOC-CDT Bursary closes on 30 November 2026, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary on 31 December 2026, and Funza Lushaka on 31 January 2027 for new applicants. The Moshal Program is also open.

Can I still apply for NSFAS for 2027?

Yes, until 31 October 2026. NSFAS applications won't reopen in January 2027.

What if I earn too much for NSFAS?

Look at ISFAP, which funds "missing middle" students, and at company bursaries that don't have strict income limits. A Fundi study loan is another option.

Do I need my final matric results to apply for a bursary?

Usually not. Most bursaries let you apply with your Grade 11 or latest Grade 12 results, and ask for your final results later.

Do bursaries charge an application fee?

No. Genuine bursaries don't charge you to apply.

Don't Wait: Apply for 2027 Bursaries Now

The biggest 2027 bursary deadlines are almost here, with NSFAS and ISFAP both closing on 31 October 2026. Pick every bursary you qualify for, get your documents together and apply this week. And if you're planning ahead for 2028, bookmark the closed bursaries above so you're ready when they reopen.

For more bursary updates, application guides and study tips, keep checking FundiConnect.

You can also follow FundiConnect on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Sources: each funder's official website or 2027 application form, linked in its section, and the UCT bursary and loan noticeboard.

Where to Find All Available Bursaries for 2027

The bursaries listed above are just some of the funding opportunities available to South African students for the 2027 academic year. New bursaries open throughout the year, with different eligibility requirements, closing dates, and fields of study.

If you're still searching for funding, visit Bursaries.co.za to browse a comprehensive database of bursaries across South Africa. You can search by field of study, province, or funding provider, making it easier to find opportunities that match your academic goals and career aspirations.

Visit Bursaries.co.za to learn more.

Remember to apply for as many bursaries as you qualify for, and always submit your applications before the closing date.

Interested in getting a study loan to fund your tuition, books, accommodation and more? Click on the ad below to apply!