How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa

Paying for tertiary education can be a major challenge for South African students and families. A bursary can help eligible students cover some or all of the costs associated with studying, depending on the provider and the terms of the bursary.

Bursaries are offered by government departments, companies, universities, foundations and other organisations. However, each bursary has its own eligibility requirements, closing date, funding conditions and application process.

Knowing where to search, which documents to prepare and how to submit an application correctly can improve your chances of completing the process successfully.

Quick Guide

What to Check	What to Do
Eligibility	Check citizenship, qualification, academic and financial requirements
Field of study	Confirm that your intended qualification is supported
Institution	Check whether the bursary funds your university or TVET college
Documents	Prepare your ID, results and other requested documents
Closing date	Submit before the official deadline
Application	Use the official bursary portal or application method
Funding conditions	Check what costs are covered and whether obligations apply

What Is a Bursary?

A bursary is financial support provided to help an eligible student pursue further education.

Depending on the provider, a bursary may contribute towards expenses such as tuition, registration, accommodation, learning materials, transport or other approved study costs.

The exact benefits are different for every bursary.

For example, NSFAS provides financial support to eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges, subject to its eligibility and funding rules.

Other bursaries may be targeted at specific qualifications, provinces, academic fields, universities or groups of students.

This means you should never assume that every bursary covers the same expenses.

Who Can Apply for a Bursary?

Eligibility depends on the specific bursary.

Common requirements can include:

• South African citizenship or another specified status
• Grade 12 or a relevant qualification
• Acceptance or registration at an approved institution
• A specific field of study
• Minimum academic performance
• Financial need
• Residency in a particular province
• Attendance at a specified institution
• Other programme-specific requirements

For example, NSFAS’s published 2026 requirements include South African citizenship or permanent residence, applicable household-income limits and study at a public university or TVET college.

Do not assume that meeting the requirements for one bursary means you automatically qualify for another.

Start Searching for Bursaries Early

One of the biggest mistakes students can make is waiting until registration is about to begin before searching for funding.

Bursaries can have different application periods, and some close months before the academic year starts.

The Western Cape Government advises students to pay close attention to bursary closing dates and notes that applying for a bursary does not guarantee funding.

Start researching opportunities while you are still in Grade 12 if possible.

You can also search for funding after matric if you are already studying, because some bursaries accept current tertiary students.

Look for Government Bursaries

Government departments and public institutions offer bursaries for selected fields of study.

One example is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, which supports eligible students pursuing teaching qualifications in priority areas. The Department of Basic Education provides an online application process through the government e-Services portal.

Other government departments may offer bursaries linked to their skills requirements.

For example, National Treasury currently advertises external bursary opportunities through its official website.

Always check the relevant department’s official website for the latest information rather than relying on an old bursary advert shared online.

Check Company Bursaries

Many South African companies offer bursaries to students studying fields relevant to their industries.

Possible fields can include:

• Engineering
• Accounting
• Finance
• Information technology
• Science
• Agriculture
• Mining
• Human resources
• Law
• Supply chain management

The requirements vary considerably.

A company may require a particular academic average, specific subjects, financial need, residence in a particular community or registration at a selected institution.

Some corporate bursaries may also include opportunities for work exposure or employment consideration after graduation, but this depends entirely on the provider.

Read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting an award.

Check Your University or TVET College

Do not only search external bursary websites.

Many universities have financial aid offices that provide information about institutional bursaries, scholarships and other funding opportunities.

The Department of Basic Education also advises students to check with their university’s financial aid office about available bursaries and awards.

TVET college students should similarly ask their institution about available financial assistance and relevant funding schemes.

This can be especially useful because some funding opportunities are linked directly to particular institutions or programmes.

Check the Field of Study

Before applying, confirm that your qualification is supported.

A bursary may only fund students studying specific fields such as engineering, teaching, accounting, agriculture, science or information technology.

For example, a bursary advertised for engineering students may not accept applications from someone studying an unrelated programme.

Check:

• Qualification name
• Qualification level
• Year of study
• Institution
• Approved fields
• Required subjects
• Minimum academic results

This can save you time and prevent applications that are unlikely to meet the eligibility criteria.

Prepare Your Documents

Gather your documents before you begin completing applications.

Depending on the bursary, you may need:

• South African ID
• Matric certificate or statement of results
• Academic transcript
• Proof of university or TVET college acceptance
• Proof of registration
• Parent or guardian identification documents
• Proof of household income
• Proof of residence
• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter
• Other documents specifically requested

Requirements vary.

For example, NSFAS states that the system can generate a list of required documents based on the applicant’s circumstances and application type.

Some provincial bursaries can have extensive supporting-document requirements, including academic records, proof of acceptance and household-income documentation.

Never submit unnecessary personal documents unless they are specifically requested by the legitimate bursary provider.

Check Your Academic Requirements

Some bursaries are highly competitive and may require a particular academic average.

Before applying, check whether the bursary specifies:

• Minimum percentage
• Required matric subjects
• Minimum university average
• Specific academic progression requirements
• Passing requirements
• Full-time study

Do not change or exaggerate your marks on an application.

If your marks do not meet a particular bursary’s requirements, look for other opportunities with requirements that match your academic record.

Apply Through the Official Channel

Once you have confirmed that you qualify, follow the provider’s application instructions exactly.

The process may involve:

1. Visit the official bursary website.
2. Create an account if required.
3. Read the eligibility requirements.
4. Complete your personal information.
5. Enter your academic information.
6. Provide details about your intended qualification.
7. Upload the requested documents.
8. Review the application carefully.
9. Accept any required declaration.
10. Submit the application.
11. Save your confirmation or reference number.

For NSFAS, applicants create a myNSFAS profile, complete the required information and submit the application online.

Other bursaries may use email applications, institutional portals or specific application forms.

Always follow the method specified by the bursary provider.

Write a Strong Motivation Where Required

Some bursary providers request a motivation or personal statement.

If required, explain clearly:

• Why you chose your field of study
• Your career goals
• Your academic achievements
• Your interest in the field
• Relevant community or extracurricular involvement
• Why financial support would assist your studies

Keep the information truthful and relevant.

Avoid copying a motivation letter from another applicant or using information that does not accurately describe you.

Check What the Bursary Covers

Before accepting a bursary, understand exactly what it funds.

Depending on the provider, support may include:

• Tuition
• Registration
• Accommodation
• Learning materials
• Transport
• Living expenses
• Other approved costs

NSFAS lists support such as registration, tuition and learning materials, with applicable allowances for eligible funded students.

A private bursary may have completely different funding limits.

Read the bursary agreement carefully so you understand what expenses are covered and which costs you may still need to pay.

Understand the Conditions

A bursary is not always simply free money with no conditions.

Some providers may require students to:

• Maintain a particular academic performance
• Study full-time
• Remain in an approved field
• Submit academic results
• Complete the qualification within specified conditions
• Participate in work-related activities
• Work for the sponsoring organisation after graduation, where applicable

For example, the Funza Lushaka programme requires recipients to teach at a public school for a period corresponding to the years of bursary support.

Always understand these obligations before accepting an award.

Keep Track of Every Application

If you apply for several bursaries, create a simple tracking system.

Record:

• Bursary provider
• Qualification
• Application date
• Closing date
• Reference number
• Application status
• Documents submitted
• Follow-up date

This makes it easier to monitor applications and respond if the provider requests additional information.

Watch Out for Bursary Scams

Students should be careful when receiving bursary information through unofficial social media accounts, WhatsApp messages or unknown individuals.

Before submitting personal information, verify that:

• The bursary actually exists.
• The organisation is legitimate.
• The application appears on an official website.
• The contact details match the organisation.
• The application process is clearly explained.

Be cautious if someone demands payment to “secure” a bursary.

Do not give an unknown person your passwords, banking PINs or other sensitive security information.

NSFAS specifically warns applicants to protect their personal information and states that its officials will not ask applicants to share their passwords.

Apply for More Than One Suitable Bursary

A bursary application does not guarantee that you will receive funding.

Where you meet the requirements, consider applying for several legitimate bursaries rather than relying on a single application.

However, quality is more important than sending incomplete applications everywhere.

Make sure each application is accurate, complete and submitted before its deadline.

What If Your Bursary Application Is Rejected?

Do not assume that a rejection means you cannot continue studying.

First, check whether the provider explains why the application was unsuccessful.

For NSFAS applicants, the official process allows eligible applicants to appeal certain funding decisions through the myNSFAS portal.

You can also search for other bursaries, institutional financial aid, scholarships or alternative funding options.

If the problem was missing documentation, correct the issue where the provider allows you to do so.

Final Advice

Applying for a bursary in South Africa requires preparation, attention to detail and early planning.

Start by identifying bursaries that match your qualification, academic performance, financial circumstances and institution. Then gather the required documents and carefully follow the official application process.

Do not wait until the closing date to begin.

Most importantly, verify every bursary before submitting personal information and never assume that an application is successful until the provider officially confirms the outcome.

A well-prepared application cannot guarantee funding, but it can help you avoid preventable mistakes and ensure that you are considered where you meet the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a bursary in South Africa?

Find a bursary that matches your eligibility, visit the provider’s official application portal, complete the application, upload the requested documents and submit it before the closing date.

Can Grade 12 learners apply for bursaries?

Yes. Some bursaries accept Grade 12 learners who intend to study at a university or TVET college. Requirements differ between providers.

Can university students apply for bursaries?

Yes. Some bursaries accept students who are already enrolled in tertiary education, although they may have specific academic and year-of-study requirements.

Does a bursary pay for everything?

Not necessarily. Each bursary has its own funding structure. Check whether it covers tuition, accommodation, transport, learning materials, living costs or other expenses.

Can I apply for more than one bursary?

You can generally apply for multiple bursaries where you meet their requirements, but always read the terms of each provider and disclose other funding where required.

What documents do I need for a bursary?

Requirements vary, but you may need an ID, matric results, academic records, proof of acceptance or registration, proof of household income and other supporting documents.

Does getting a bursary guarantee university admission?

No. A bursary and tertiary admission are separate processes unless the provider specifically states otherwise. You should apply for admission to the relevant institution as well.

Expert Guidance

The strongest bursary strategy is to start early and apply selectively.

First, identify the qualification and institution you want. Then search for bursaries that specifically support that field of study.

Keep digital copies of your important documents and maintain an application tracker so that you do not miss deadlines.

If a bursary requires a motivation, take time to explain your genuine academic and career goals rather than submitting a generic statement.

Finally, always verify information through the bursary provider’s official website. Bursary adverts shared on social media can become outdated, particularly when closing dates or requirements change.

Disclaimer

This article provides general education and bursary application guidance for South African students. Bursary requirements, funding amounts, application dates and eligibility conditions can change.

Always verify the latest information directly with the official bursary provider before applying.

VukaGuide is not a bursary provider and does not charge applicants application fees.

Trust Signals

Written by: VukaGuide Editorial Team
Reviewed by: VukaGuide Editorial Team
Published: 25 August 2026
Last Updated: 25 August 2026
Reading Time: 6–8 min read

Sources:

• National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
• South African Government
• Department of Basic Education – Funza Lushaka
• National Treasury bursary information

Editorial Review:
This article has been reviewed using official South African government and bursary-provider information and is intended to provide practical guidance to students seeking tertiary education funding.

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