A bursary is a cash award made by any Educational Institution, Corporate Body, or Government Authority to individuals or student groups. It is usually awarded to enable a student, or group of students to attend school, university, or college when they might not be able to afford it on their own. Some bursaries are aimed at encouraging specific groups or individuals to study.
For all those that want to know which companies offer bursaries in South Africa, I listed all bursaries in South Africa, some given by rich individuals and their families, others by big companies, and some by municipal authorities. Some of these Bursaries are awarded to students who have shown themselves to be excellent, others are awarded randomly, regardless of performance, while others still are there to encourage people who come from certain poor areas to acquire an education.
Whatever category of student you fall into, there is a bursary that suits you, and that you can benefit from. The list of SA Bursaries available for students in South Africa is given below.
List of All Bursaries In South Africa
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship
This fellowship and the attendant financial rewards are only open to third-year students.
Contact – Website: https://www.jgfellowship.org
SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund
This is open to students who want to become Chartered Accountants. The applications are currently ongoing for the academic year.
Contact Website: https://www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za
Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship
This scholarship is done in partnership with the American Embassy and is open to students from 160 countries including South Africa.
Contact Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Boston City Campus Bursary
This bursary is only open to students of the institution. For further information please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://www.boston.co.za › about-us › bursaries
Anglo American Platinum Bursaries
Anglo American offers a bursary award. Applications will open on May 21. Preferred students are those studying mining. For further information about requirements visit the company website.
Contact Website: https://www.angloamerican.com › apply › jobdetail
ABSA Fellowship Programme
The ABSA Fellowship Programme is more than just a bursary programme. This is an initiative that provides financial support to students, and also provides mentorship, as well as job placements to deserving ones.
National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) Bursary
The National Metrology Institute of South Africa offers a bursary award scheme, but this programme is actually more than just a cash award; the Institute is keen to help promote student excellence and to bring in deserving students to work with the Institute when they graduate.
Contact Website: https://www.nmisa.org
merSETA Bursary
merSETA bursaries are awarded annually to University students. To find out more about this bursary programme, and the requirements, use the channel below.
Contact Website: http://www.merseta.org.za
Tomorrow Trust Tertiary Bursary
This bursary programme is open from June 21. The Tomorrow Tertiary Programme offers bursary awards to students studying various fields in various Universities. To find out more about this bursary award, and about the requirements, please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://tomorrow.org.za
FEDISA Future Vision Bursary
FEDISA Fashion Institute offers bursary awards to deserving students of the institution. To find out more about this bursary award, and about the requirements please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://www.fedisa.co.za › futurevisionbursary
Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Postgraduate Scholarship
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Postgraduate Scholarship is open to students who are South African nationals, studying Postgraduate courses in South African Institutions. For more information about the requirements please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://www.omt.org.za › graduate-study-funding
WK Construction Bursary
WK Construction offers bursaries to suitable students studying B.sc Civil Engineering. For further information about this bursary programme, and how to qualify, please use the channel below:
Contact Website: http://www.wkc.co.za
Moore SAICA Trainee Bursary
Moore South Africa offers bursaries to suitable students who want to become Chartered Accountants. For more information about this bursary programme, please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://www.moore-southafrica.com › graduate ›
Exxaro Bursary
The Exxaro Bursary programme is intended to help students who are studying mining. This programme does not stop at distributing money; the company is interested in the development of young talented individuals who can one day become part of the company’s elite workforce. To find out more about this bursary program, and how to qualify, please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://www.exxaro.com › workplace
Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme
Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme is open to students studying health-related courses in South Africa. To get more information about this scholarship you may visit the bursary office of your school, or start with the channel provided below.
Contact Website: https://www.samrc.ac.za › request-for-applications
Assmang Khumani Mine Bursary Programme
This programme is designed to help 25 economically disadvantaged students. The bursary programme is the initiate of the Tsantsabane local municipality and Assmang Beeshoek Mine. To find out more about this bursary scheme please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://assmang.co.za › author › assmangad
NRF-Nuffic Doctoral Scholarships
This program is designed to provide funding for students studying for Doctoral Degrees. To find out more about this programme, please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://www.nrf.ac.za › division › funding
Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
This is an opportunity not just to receive funding for studies but to participate in one of the most renowned mentorship programs in the whole country. For more information about requirements please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://www.mandelarhodes.org › scholarship › apply
FoodBev SETA Mandatory Grant
The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Companies in South Africa offer bursaries to suitable students studying in South African institutions. To find out more about this bursary offer, and how to qualify, please use the channel below.
Contact Website: http://www.foodbev.co.za › sector-skills-planning
UFS Research Master’s and Doctoral Bursaries
The University of Free state offers a bursary programme to students who need funding to continue or complete their education. This particular bursary programme is open to students studying for their Master’s and Doctoral degrees. For more information please use the channels below.
Contact Website: https://www.ufs.ac.za › postgraduate-services › funding
SAMSTIP Teacher Internship Bursaries
The South African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Programme (SAMSTIP) offers bursaries to students who wish to become Mathematics or Science Teachers. For more information please use the channel below.
Contact Website: https://www.samstip.org
Shoprite Bursaries
Shoprite’s bursaries provide financial assistance towards payment of tuition and on-campus accommodation. But that is not all; the company would like to guarantee suitable students placements in the organization after they have graduated.
Contact Website: https://www.shopriteholdings.co.za › careers
Other Bursary Programmes in South Africa are given below:
Independent Field Advertiser (IFA) Bursary Scheme
SEIFSA Bursary
Newcastle Municipality Bursary
GrandWest Socio-Economic Development (SED) Bursary
Gauteng Department of Human Settlements Bursary (External)
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
CETA – Thapelo Madibeng Bursary
UFS Honours Bursaries
Mopani District Municipality Bursary
NAACAM Bursary
Stefanutti Stocks Bursary
Breede Valley Municipality Bursary (EXTERNAL)
SOLTRAIN Bursary Fund
Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary
Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary
Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
AFHCO Bursary
Adidas X Red & Yellow Creative Business School Bursary
Converse #KickTheDebt Student Bursary Award
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Bursary
South African Nursery Association Bursary
KwaDukuza Municipality Bursary
DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development Bursaries
Gibela Bursary
DRDGOLD Bursary
Egis Operation South Africa Bursary
Hollywoodbets Bursary
Stellenbosch Municipality Bursary
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Bursary
Saldanha Bay Municipality Bursary
South African Translators’ Institute Bursary
West Coast District Municipality Bursary
Community Bursary Khutala (SAEC)
Columbus Stainless Bursaries
Khutala Colliery (SAEC) – Child of Employee Bursary
Kuehne + Nagel Inzuzo Trust Bursary
KwaZulu-Natal Dept of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) Bursary
Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
SEDISA Trust Bursary
Gauteng City-Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary
FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships
Hatch Bursaries
FoodBev SETA DISCRETIONARY Grant
FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship
Armscor External Bursary
Bitou Municipality Mayoral Bursary
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary
SIOC-CDT Bursary
Rhodes University John Davidson Educational Trust Bursary
Starke Ayres Bursary
HKA Bursary South Africa
MultiChoice Bursary Program
AstraZeneca Bursary
UNISA Merit Bursary
UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary
WOZA MATRICS Bidvest Bursaries
National Disaster Management Centre External Bursary
Rhodes University Global Partnership Network Masters Scholarships
Webber Wentzel Scholarship
Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Bursary
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Bursary
Sasria Bursary
Aon Bursary
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme
Pyrotec Bursary
Jamiatul Ulama KZN Bursary
South African Bulk Terminals (SABT) Bursary
Knysna Municipality Mayoral Bursary
Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) Bursary
Gold One Group Bursary
Bergrivier Municipality External Study Bursaries
Alfred Nzo District Municipality External Bursary
SAMAC NPC Bursary
Huawei Bursary
Chevening UK Scholarship
DSI-CSIR Bursaries
EWSETA Bursary
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursaries
Subtrop SAAGA Bursary
Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Scholarship
The JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
Toyota Tsusho Africa Bursary Scheme
Cenfri Bursary Program
Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursaries
Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary
WSP Bursary
Capsicum Culinary Studio Bursary
Nurturing Emerging Scholars Program
ISFAP Bursary Funding
Compensation Fund Bursary
Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary
Electrum Academic Bursary
Gallagher Foundation Scholarship
Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary
South African Association of Botanists Scholarship
BBD Bursary
Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary
Zutari Undergraduate Bursary
Kantey & Templer Bursary
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI) Bursary
CEF SOC Ltd Bursary Scheme
SANRAL Scholarship
SANRAL Bursary
Citrus Academy Bursary Fund
The Agar-Hamilton Trust Bursary
The Hexagon Trust Bursary
Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa Bursaries
South African Reserve Bank Bursary
South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) Bursaries
Santam Bursary
NRF Postgraduate Scholarships
Standard Bank Group Bursary Fund
Upstream Training Trust Bursary
Promaths Bursary Fund
Sanlam Bursaries
SAIBPP Bursary Fund
South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Bursary
SAIRR Bursary South Africa
GWK Ben Scholtz Bursary Fund
South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) Bursary
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Bursary
ANFASA Bursary Grant Scheme
Mediclinic Bursary
Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) Bursary
HORTGRO Bursary
Accenture Scholarship (Honours)
ABSA Bursaries
Toyota SA Bursary
SARAO Scholarship and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programmes
Jones & Wagener Bursary
Transnet Bursary
Kaplan Centre Bursaries South Africa
Old Mutual Bursaries
MTN Chartered Accountant Bursary Programme
Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
Mintek Bursary
SASAS Post-Graduate Bursary
Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) Bursary
Robben Island Museum (RIM) Bursary
Land Bank Bursary Scheme
Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) Bursary
PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bursary
South African Medical Association Bursary
Isipho Admin Bursary
South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP) Bursary
UNISA Bursaries
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary
Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) Bursaries
Takealot Bursary
Moses Kotane Institute Bursary
RichField Graduate Institute Bursary
Seriti Scholarship
CA Campus Bursary
Stellenbosch University Department of Genetics MSc Bursary
BEKA Schreder Bursary
GrandWest Bursaries
NHFC Bursary Fund
ClubX Magazine Bursary
Digby Wells Bursary
Cape Wools SA Bursary Fund
Mazars CA Audit Bursary
Mitchell’s Plain Bursary and Role Model Trust Bursary
Bowmans Bursary
General Electric (GE) Bursary
DENOSA Bursary
Gibela Rail Bursary Scheme
SAWISE Angus Scholarship
Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Bursary
TBWA Bursary
AfriSam Bursary
Illovo Sugar Ltd Bursary
Vhembe District Municipality Mayoral Bursary
AAUW International Fellowship Program
Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary
PSG Bursary
BMW Bursaries
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Department of Mineral Resources Bursary
Agbiz Centenary Bursary
KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission Bursary
SUBTROP Lindsey Milne Bursary
SANZAF Zakah Bursary
NYDA-African Scholars Fund Bursary
Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads & Infrastructure Bursary
HCI Foundation Bursary
Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality Bursary
Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Programme (DAFI) Scholarship
BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary
PSA Stiglingh Memorial Bursary
Athlone Institute Bursary
Southern African Journalists’ Bursary
FoodBev SETA Bursary
Commonwealth Scholarships: Split-site Ph.D. Scholarships
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries
Maize Trust Bursary
NEET (National Economic Education Trust) Bursary
South African Geomatics Council Bursary
PG Group Bursary South Africa
SAICE Patrons Engineering Bursary Scheme
UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honors Bursaries
How Do I Get a Bursary Award In South Africa?
How To Get A Bursary In South Africa?
Every donor organization has its own set of rules and requirements, but here are general guidelines to help you qualify, and obtain a bursary award.
Most of the Bursaries listed above Require you to be a South African citizen (or South African permanent resident) in that case you will need to have your Identity Documents ready. These are usually the same Identity Documents you used to gain admission for your studies.
Some Bursaries are actually made to assist International Students; for these, you will need to provide Identity Documents from your home country, backed by proof that you are indeed studying in South Africa.
Some Bursaries require you to be currently studying or at least to have applied to study at a South African institution. You can scale this by providing your Matric Results, or by providing your recent results at the school you are currently attending.
Some Bursaries require you to have a strong academic history (some bursaries require good grades in certain subject – e.g. Maths/Science/Languages)
Some Bursaries are only open to students who come from certain municipalities. You may then need to provide some proof of residency.
Some Bursaries require you to have a proven financial need (often this can be done by submitting proof of household income)
I believe the above details answer your question on how to get a bursary in South Africa.
How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa
In order to apply for a Bursary in South Africa, you will need to visit the website registration portal created by the awarding organization. A list of these donor organizations and some of their websites have been provided above.
When you visit the website you then click on register.
You fill out the Online Form, providing the Required Information.
You upload the required documentation. Please ensure that you have read the requirements; every donor organization has its own unique set of rules and requirements, but you will most likely be required to upload documents confirming your nationality such as your national identity card, and then a copy of your results such as Matric, or results from a recent school term. You may also be required to provide proof that you need the financial aid; you may upload your income documents.
Where to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa?
Alternatively, you may visit the financial assistance office of your school, and request information about bursaries. Some donor organizations liaise with schools, providing physical forms for interested students who then fill them, and submit them to the school authorities. Some institutions themselves provide financial assistance for students who have trouble with the financial demands of their education.
Which Companies Offer Bursaries in South Africa?
There is a long list of companies that offer bursaries in South Africa; some of these companies offer course-specific bursaries; that is the bursaries only apply to students studying specific courses. Some companies offer these bursaries with the understanding that upon graduation the students will work for them, thereby bringing their knowledge and abilities to use in service of the companies. A few of the companies offering bursaries are given below:
Shoprite : Understanding to work.
Eskom: Understanding to Work.
SAICA: For students studying Accounting
American Embassy: Open to all.
Oppenheimer Memorial: Open to all.
Anglo American: Mining.
ABSA: Banking, Accounting, etc.
The full list of bursaries available in South Africa is detailed above.
Are Bursaries Taxable in South Africa?
No, Bursaries are not taxable in South Africa. Bursaries do not require you to pay any money either.
Do Foreigners Qualify for Bursaries in South Africa?
Yes, Foreigners can get bursaries in South Africa, although the options are fewer and far between. Foreign students can still apply to the financial aid department of their schools for further information on available bursaries.
Related:
- Who Qualifies for NSFAS Bursary
- Bursaries for Studying to become a Pilot in South Africa
- Bursaries For Zimbabwean Students In South Africa
Conclusion:
With this list of South Africa bursaries available you should now get to work by researching each of these bursary awarding institutions, so as to ensure that you have the requirements to enable you to get picked for a bursary award. When you have found a bursary that is suitable for you, you have to officially apply. Some of these awarding organizations have their application processes online, and anyone who wishes to apply to the bursaries will have to do so by visiting their websites.
It is important to ensure that you follow all the guidelines as instructed on their website.