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Bursaries for 2027 in South Africa

South African students can apply for bursaries from three main funding sources for 2027:

• Government funding: NSFAS (for students from households earning under R350,000/year), the Funza Lushaka Bursary (for teaching students), and the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary (Western Cape engineering students)
• Corporate bursaries: Programmes from Sasol, Nedbank, Transnet, and others
• Foundation bursaries: The IDC External Bursary and Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship

Bursary Comparison Table

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NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

NSFAS provides fully funded bursaries covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, learning materials, transport, and personal care for students at public universities and TVET colleges. To qualify, your combined household income must be R350,000 or less per year (R600,000 for students with disabilities). Applications for 2027 are expected to open between September and November 2026 at my.nsfas.org.za.

For full eligibility details and how to apply, see our NSFAS overview guide. For a detailed breakdown of allowance amounts, see What Does NSFAS Cover?. For contact details, see our NSFAS contact page.

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Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme

Sasol provides bursaries for engineering and science students. Applications for 2027 study are open from 1 April to 17 May 2026.

Eligibility

• South African citizens
• Under 30 years old at time of application
• Full-time study at an accredited South African university (UNISA not accepted)
• Standard degree courses only — no diplomas or dual/combined degrees
• Must not have technical maths or maths literacy

Fields of Study

Undergraduate (B.Eng./B.Sc.): Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Data Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics), Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Geology, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mining Engineering

University of Technology: Mine Surveying (B.Eng.Tech.)

Postgraduate (M.Sc./M.Eng./PhD): Chemistry and Chemical Engineering — specialisations in fluid dynamics, process modelling, reactor technology, separation technology, catalysis, and polymer science

What the Bursary Covers

A comprehensive package including financial and developmental support. Includes tuition and living allowance plus psychosocial support. A work-back/pay-back obligation applies.

How to Apply

Apply online at www.sasolbursaries.com before 17 May 2026. One application per student only. False information results in immediate termination.

Contact: Berlyne Rasool, 086 010 6235

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Funza Lushaka Bursary (Teaching)

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a Department of Basic Education programme funding students pursuing teaching qualifications at public universities. Applications for 2027 are expected to open around October 2026.

Eligibility

• South African citizens with a valid SA ID
• Under 30 years old
• Must be accepted into an approved B.Ed. degree programme specialising in at least two priority subject areas
• PGCE was not funded in 2026 — check the 2027 Application Notes when published for confirmation
• No criminal record (SAPS, DOJCS, and DSD checks required)

Funded Programmes

• 4-year B.Ed. in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) — Grade RR–R
• 4-year B.Ed. in Foundation Phase (Grade R–3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6), or Senior and FET Phase (Grade 7–12)

Priority Subjects

Funza Lushaka funds subjects identified as shortage areas. It predominantly funds South African Indigenous Languages and Afrikaans in Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, and Eastern Cape.

Subjects not funded (oversupply): History, Geography, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, EMS, Life Orientation, Physical Education

What the Bursary Covers

Tuition, accommodation, books, meals, teaching practice costs, and a monthly living allowance.

Service Obligation

Graduates must apply for a teaching post in public schools within six months. No preferential placement — all graduates compete equally for positions.

How to Apply

Apply online at www.eservices.gov.za when the 2027 application window opens (expected October 2026). The 2026 cycle opened 7 October 2025 and closed 1 February 2026 for new applicants.

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Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme (Western Cape)

The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme is a Western Cape Government initiative established in 2006 to develop professionals in engineering and built environment fields. Applications close 31 August 2026.

Eligibility

• South African citizens studying at a higher education institution in the Western Cape
• Prioritises disadvantaged learners, women, students with disabilities, and learners from rural communities

Eligible Institutions

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• Stellenbosch University

Fields of Study

Property studies, geomatics, electrical/electronic engineering, civil engineering, construction management, mechanical engineering, quantity surveying, town/city and regional planning, architecture

What the Bursary Covers

• Tuition funding
• Support programmes
• Accommodation, meals, and/or transportation
• Internship and employment placement assistance for graduates

How to Apply

Apply online at the Masakh’iSizwe application portal before 31 August 2026.

Contact: 021 483 9545/0964 | DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za

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Nedbank External Bursary Programme

Nedbank funds undergraduate and honours students in STEM and green economy fields. Applications for 2027 are expected from April 2026.

Eligibility

• South African citizens
• Pursuing undergraduate or honours degree in STEM or green economy fields
• Minimum 65% average in subjects aligned to your degree
• Admitted to a South African public university or university of technology
• Demonstrated financial need based on household income
• Maths Literacy not eligible — must have pure Mathematics

What the Bursary Covers

Full-time study financing. Specific amounts are not disclosed.

How to Apply

Apply online when the 2027 application window opens. Selection includes psychometric assessments and virtual interviews. Awards are at the sole discretion of the Nedbank Educational Trust.

Contact: Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za

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IDC External Bursary Scheme

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) funds undergraduate students in STEM, Commerce, and Law fields. Applications for 2027 are expected to open around June 2026.

Eligibility

• South African citizens, not older than 26
• Unemployed with demonstrated financial need
• First qualification and undergraduate studies only (postgraduate limited to Law, CA, Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics)
• Combined household income up to R350,000 per year (applicants earning R350,000–R600,000 may be considered, subject to an affordability assessment)
• Matriculants: minimum 75% average; tertiary students: minimum 65% average, must maintain 60% GPA
• First preference for applicants with disabilities and students from Quintile 1–3 schools

Fields of Study

Finance/Management: Accounting (CA), Financial Management, Internal Audit, Cost and Management Accounting, Investment Management, Risk Management, Transport/Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance Studies, Economics, Econometrics, Business Management

STEM: Industrial, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Mining, Civil/Construction Engineering, Quantity Survey, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Agricultural Studies, Geology, Actuarial Science, Data Science, Environmental Science, Physics, Computer Science, IT, Mathematics, Statistics, Biotechnology

Law: BCom Law, LLB, Diploma Law Studies

What the Bursary Covers

• Full tuition fees
• University accommodation (on-campus or accredited off-campus)
• Laptop (one-time)
• Meal allowance
• Transport allowance

How to Apply

Apply at protected.idc.co.za/BursaryPortal when the 2027 window opens (2026 window was 1 June – 30 September 2025).

Contact: Noluthando Baepi, 011 269 3374 | ExternalBursaryQueries@idc.co.za

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Vodacom Bursary Programme

Vodacom offers full bursaries for undergraduate STEM students. The next intake is expected to open June 2026 for 2027 enrolment.

Eligibility

• South African citizen by birth
• Full-time undergraduate studies in STEM
• Grade 12 with exemption, 70% or higher across all subjects
• Minimum 65% average if entering first year or above

What the Bursary Covers

• Full registration and tuition
• University accommodation
• Textbook allocation, meal allowance
• Laptop and cellphone
• Vacation work placement
• Work readiness training (final year)

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Old Mutual Actuarial Bursary

Old Mutual funds Actuarial Science students with guaranteed employment on graduation. Applications typically open June and close 30 September.

What the Bursary Covers

• Full tuition, accommodation with meals
• Books and general allowance
• Travel allowance
• Performance incentives
• Guaranteed employment on graduation
• Vacation work experience

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Eskom Bursary Programme

Eskom offers bursaries for engineering students at South African public universities and universities of technology. The 2026 bursaries have already been awarded. Students interested in Eskom bursaries should watch eskom.co.za for 2027 application announcements.

Note: Eskom’s bursary pages are currently offline. Check eskom.co.za directly for updates.

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Transnet Bursary Programme

Transnet funds students in engineering, IT, and supply chain fields.

Fields of Study

Technical: Industrial, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Computer, Civil, Electro-mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics

Non-technical: Data Analytics, Actuarial/Business Science, Horticulture, Property Valuation/Real Estate, Computer Science/Informatics, Cyber Security, Procurement, Supply Chain, Environmental Management

Service Obligation

One year of service for every year of financial aid received.

How to Apply

Apply via the Transnet BMS Bursary Portal. Check transnet.net for 2027 application dates.

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Other Bursaries to Check

The following providers also offer bursary programmes. Visit each provider’s official website for 2027 application information:

• Anglo American — engineering and mining bursaries with work-back obligation
• Shoprite Group — bursaries in accounting, agriculture, retail management, and supply chain
• StudyTrust — administers multiple bursary programmes across various fields
• Allan Gray Orbis Foundation — fellowship programme for entrepreneurial students at partner universities