List of Bursaries for 2026 in South Africa – A Detailed Guide

As education costs continue to rise, many students in South Africa are looking for financial assistance to help them achieve their academic goals. Fortunately, bursaries play a crucial role in providing support to students pursuing higher education at universities, TVET colleges, and other institutions. Bursaries are awarded based on various criteria, including academic performance, financial need, and field of study. This article will provide a comprehensive list of bursaries available for the 2026 academic year, detailing opportunities across different sectors.

1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

NSFAS remains one of the most significant financial aid schemes available to South African students. It offers bursaries for students who come from households with a combined income of R350,000 or less per year. NSFAS covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other study-related expenses for eligible students attending public universities and TVET colleges.

• Eligibility: South African citizens with a household income of R350,000 or less per year.
• Application: Open through the NSFAS website: NSFAS Application Portal.

2. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Bursaries

The DHET provides funding opportunities for students pursuing qualifications in scarce skills areas. This bursary program targets fields in which there is a critical shortage of skilled professionals, such as engineering, health sciences, and agriculture.

• Eligibility: South African citizens pursuing higher education in scarce skills fields.
• Application: Applications can be submitted on the DHET website, typically through partnerships with universities and colleges.

3. Matriculants Bursary Program

This bursary is aimed specifically at high school graduates who have completed their matriculation exams and wish to further their studies in various fields. The bursary supports undergraduate students who wish to pursue degrees or diplomas in areas such as business, engineering, and education.

• Eligibility: South African matriculants with excellent academic results and a financial need.
• Application: Check with universities or external funders offering these bursaries.

4. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Bursary Scheme

The SARB bursary scheme is designed for students pursuing studies in economics, finance, accounting, law, and other related fields. It provides financial support to students who show exceptional academic potential and wish to build careers in the banking and finance sector.

• Eligibility: South African citizens studying economics, finance, accounting, or law.
• Application: Applications are typically made via the SARB website.

5. The Eskom Bursary Program

Eskom, South Africa’s leading electricity supplier, offers a comprehensive bursary program for students in fields related to electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and other technical disciplines. Eskom’s bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a living allowance.

• Eligibility: South African citizens studying in engineering or technical fields at accredited institutions.
• Application: Bursary applications can be made on the Eskom website: Eskom Bursaries.

6. The Anglo American Bursary Scheme

Anglo American provides bursaries to students pursuing qualifications in mining-related fields, including engineering, geology, and metallurgy. This bursary is offered in collaboration with various universities and covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

• Eligibility: South African students pursuing mining-related studies.
• Application: Applications are available on the Anglo American website: Anglo American Bursaries.

7. The Toyota South Africa Bursary Scheme

Toyota South Africa offers bursaries for students in engineering, computer science, and related fields. The bursary covers the full cost of tuition and provides additional allowances for accommodation and books.

• Eligibility: South African citizens pursuing engineering or computer science degrees.
• Application: Apply via the Toyota South Africa website: Toyota Bursaries.

8. The TotalEnergies Bursary Program

TotalEnergies provides bursaries for students pursuing degrees in fields related to energy, engineering, and sciences. TotalEnergies bursaries are aimed at supporting the development of skilled professionals in the energy sector.

• Eligibility: South African students pursuing studies in engineering, chemistry, and other energy-related fields.
• Application: Applications are typically submitted via the TotalEnergies website: TotalEnergies Bursary Application.

9. The Absa Bank Bursary Scheme

Absa Bank offers a range of bursary opportunities in various fields, including accounting, economics, and law. This bursary is aimed at students with strong academic records and an interest in pursuing a career in banking and finance.

• Eligibility: South African citizens studying accounting, economics, law, and related fields.
• Application: The bursary application can be made on the Absa website: Absa Bursaries.

10. The Sasol Bursary Scheme

Sasol, a global energy and chemicals company, offers bursaries for students pursuing qualifications in engineering, chemistry, and other related fields. The Sasol bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and other study-related expenses.

• Eligibility: South African students studying engineering, chemistry, and related fields.
• Application: Bursary applications can be submitted on the Sasol website: Sasol Bursaries.

11. The Department of Social Development Bursary

The Department of Social Development offers bursaries for students pursuing degrees and diplomas in social work, social sciences, and related fields. This bursary supports students who are committed to addressing social challenges within South African communities.

• Eligibility: South African students pursuing social work, psychology, or social sciences degrees.
• Application: The application process is available through the Department of Social Development website or affiliated educational institutions.

12. The Bursary Portal

The Bursary Portal provides a centralized platform where students can find various bursaries offered by different companies and organizations across South Africa. It’s an excellent resource for discovering new bursary opportunities in all fields of study.

• Eligibility: The portal hosts bursaries for a variety of disciplines, from technical fields to humanities and medical sciences.
• Application: Visit the Bursary Portal for updated bursary listings and application details: Bursary Portal.

13. The Nampak Bursary Scheme

Nampak offers bursaries for students pursuing degrees in engineering, marketing, and other related fields. The bursary includes financial support for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

• Eligibility: South African citizens studying engineering, marketing, or related fields.
• Application: Applications are available through Nampak’s official website.

14. The Old Mutual Bursary Program

Old Mutual offers bursaries for students pursuing degrees in various fields, including actuarial science, finance, and accounting. The bursary covers full tuition and provides allowances for living expenses.

• Eligibility: South African students pursuing actuarial science, finance, accounting, or related degrees.
• Application: Visit the Old Mutual website for bursary details and application forms.

There are numerous bursaries available in South Africa for students in 2026, catering to a wide range of fields and academic interests. Whether you are looking to pursue studies in engineering, business, health sciences, or the humanities, there is likely a bursary that matches your needs.

Make sure to check the specific eligibility criteria for each bursary and apply well in advance to secure financial assistance for your studies.

To apply for bursaries in South Africa for 2026, start by visiting the official websites of the various institutions listed or the central bursary portal for more details.