Financial aid
Bursaries for South African students
A bursary is funding that does not need to be repaid, provided you meet the conditions. Hundreds of corporate, government and foundation bursaries are available to South African learners every year. Most go unclaimed simply because students did not know about them.
Types of bursaries
Where bursary funding comes from
From South African companies
Large South African companies offer bursaries, often tied to their industry or sector. Mining, banking, engineering, retail and technology companies are major funders.
From departments and SETAs
National and provincial government departments and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) offer bursaries for specific fields and scarce skills.
From trusts and foundations
Independent foundations and charitable trusts offer bursaries for academically strong students from disadvantaged backgrounds, often without sector restrictions.
What bursaries typically cover
- ✓Tuition fees
- ✓Registration fees
- ✓Accommodation (some bursaries)
- ✓Prescribed textbooks
- ✓Study materials
- South African citizenship
- Minimum academic achievement (usually 60% or higher)
- Studying towards a specific qualification or field
- Household income below a defined threshold
- Some require a service commitment after graduation
Finding the right bursary
Where to search
Bursaries South Africa
Websites like www.zabursaries.co.za and www.sascholarships.co.za list hundreds of bursaries searchable by field of study and eligibility.
Financial aid office
Every public university and TVET college has a financial aid office that knows which bursaries are available for students at that institution.
SETA bursaries
SETAs fund bursaries in their specific sectors. Visit www.seta.co.za to find the SETA for the industry you are interested in.
Apply for multiple bursaries
There is no rule against holding more than one bursary. Apply for every bursary you are eligible for. Most students apply for too few.
Continue exploring
Also explore
NSFAS guide
Government funding alongside bursaries.
All funding options
See every option in one place.
University applications
Apply for your chosen programme.
TVET colleges
Bursaries available for TVET study too.
Career guidance
Make sure you are on the right path.
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