Major Bursaries Expected to Open in 2026

Every year, several top organizations, government departments, and private companies offer bursaries for South African students. While specific opening dates vary, many of the following bursaries are expected to return for the 2026 academic year.

1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

NSFAS remains the biggest bursary provider in South Africa, funding university and TVET college students.
Expected opening: September–November 2025
Covers:

• Tuition

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Transport

• Learning materialsApply at: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

2. Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary

This bursary supports students who want to become teachers in priority subjects like Maths, Science, and Languages.
Expected opening: October 2025
Covers:

Full funding
including tuition
living allowance

Where to apply : https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

3. Department of Health Bursaries

Provincial health departments offer bursaries for nursing, medicine, radiography, and other health sciences.
Expected opening: Mid–2025 to early 2026 depending on province.

Where to apply:

Applications differ by province. Here are common links:

• Gauteng: https://health.gauteng.gov.za

• Limpopo: https://www.ldoh.gov.za

• Western Cape: https://www.westerncape.gov.za

4. Engineering & Science Bursaries (Private Companies)

These companies are expected to open bursaries for 2026:

Eskom Bursary
Apply at:https://www.eskom.co.za/careers/bursaries/

Sasol Bursary

Apply at: https://www.sasolbursaries.com

Transnet Bursary

Apply at:https://www.transnet.net/careers

Anglo American Bursary
Apply at:https://www.angloamerican.com/careers/students

AECI Bursary

Apply at:https://www.aeciworld.com

5. Municipality Bursaries

Local municipalities such as eThekwini, Polokwane, Johannesburg, and Tshwane offer bursaries for critical skills.
Expected opening: January–March 2026.

Where to apply:

• City of Johannesburg: https://www.joburg.org.za

• City of Tshwane: https://www.tshwane.gov.za

• Polokwane Municipality: https://www.polokwane.gov.za

• eThekwini Municipality: https://www.durban.gov.za

Most municipalities upload bursary forms under the “Vacancies” or “Opportunities” section.

6. Banking & Finance Bursaries

Banks and financial companies support students studying Accounting, Economics, Actuarial Science, and IT.
Common bursary providers include:

Standard Bank Bursary

Apply at: https://www.standardbank.com/southafrica

Nedbank Bursary

Apply at: https://www.nedbank.co.za/bursaries

FNB Bursary

Apply at: https://www.fnb.co.za/careers

Old Mutual Bursary (Actuarial & Accounting)

Apply at: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/careers/bursaries

Sanlam Bursary

Apply at:https://www.sanlam.co.za/careers/bursaries

7. ICT & Computer Science Bursaries

As technology continues growing, ICT bursaries are becoming more important. Companies like MTN, Telkom, and Amazon Web Services offer bursaries in:

• Computer Science

• Cybersecurity

• Software Development

• Information Systems

• Data Science

  MTN Bursary

  Apply at: https://www.mtn.com/careers

  Telkom Bursary

  Apply at: https://www.telkom.co.za/about_us/careers

  Amazon Web Services (AWS) Bursary

  Apply at: https://www.aws.africa/careers

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Common Requirements for 2026 Bursaries

While each bursary has unique criteria, most of them require:

• South African citizenship

• Proof of household income

• Latest academic results (Grade 12 or university)

• Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognized institution

• Certified ID copy

• Motivational letter

• Good academic performance

• Commitment to work-back contracts (for some bursaries)

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How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Bursary

Here are tips that can make your application stand out:

1. Apply Early

Most bursaries reject late applications automatically. Start preparing documents early.

2. Write a strong motivational letter

Explain:

• Why you need the bursary

• Your background

• Your career goals

• How your studies will benefit your community

3. Keep your academic results strong

Many bursaries have minimum marks, especially in Maths, Science, and English.

4. Apply to multiple bursaries

Never rely on a single application. Spread your chances across many providers.

5. Submit clear, certified documents

Incorrect or blurry documents are one of the top reasons for rejection.

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Where to Find Bursaries for 2026

You can find regular updates on new bursaries at:

• jobscatalog.xyz

• Official government websites

• University financial aid offices

• Company career portals

Be sure to check these platforms often as new bursaries are announced throughout the year.