Looking for bursaries in South Africa? Whether you’re searching for an AgriSETA bursary, an Eskom bursary, a mining bursary, or a government bursary, this is the most comprehensive guide available. This article covers every major bursary provider in South Africa — over 200 organisations — including application links, sectors covered, and tips on how to qualify.
Check Your Personalized Funding Options
A bursary is a financial grant awarded to students to help cover the cost of tertiary education in South Africa. Unlike a student loan, a bursary does not need to be repaid — provided the student meets the conditions set by the funder, such as maintaining a minimum academic average or completing a work-back period with the sponsoring organisation after graduation.
Bursaries in South Africa are offered by:
- Government departments and SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities)
- Private companies and corporations
- Municipalities and state-owned enterprises
- Professional bodies and foundations
- Universities and research institutions
Bursaries typically cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and sometimes a monthly allowance. The fields most commonly funded include engineering, mining, agriculture, IT, healthcare, finance, and the sciences.
How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa
Each bursary provider has its own application process, but here is the general approach:
- Identify bursaries relevant to your field of study — Use the categories below to find providers in your area of interest.
- Check eligibility requirements — Most require South African citizenship, a valid ID, and academic records.
- Prepare supporting documents — Typically: certified ID copy, matric results or latest academic transcript, proof of registration or acceptance letter, proof of income (for means-tested bursaries), a motivational letter, and CV.
- Apply directly on the provider’s website — Links are provided in the full list below.
- Apply early — Most bursary applications open between August and January for the following academic year.
- Apply to multiple bursaries — There is no rule against applying to more than one.
General Eligibility Requirements
While requirements vary, most South African bursaries require:
- South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Acceptance or current enrollment at a recognised public university, university of technology, or TVET college
- A minimum academic average (typically 60–70% or higher)
- Financial need (for means-tested bursaries — often a combined household income below R350,000/year)
- Study in a field relevant to the bursary provider’s industry
- Willingness to sign a work-back agreement (for corporate bursaries)
Agriculture & Food Science Bursaries in South Africa
The agricultural sector offers some of the most accessible bursaries for students studying agriculture, food technology, environmental science, and related fields.
AgriSETA Bursary
The AgriSETA bursary is one of the most searched bursaries in South Africa. AgriSETA (Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority) offers bursaries to students studying agriculture and related disciplines at accredited institutions. AgriSETA bursaries target students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds studying towards qualifications in the agri-sector. Visit www.agriseta.co.za to apply.
Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz)
The Agricultural Business Chamber provides bursaries for students in agricultural business and economics. Visit www.agbiz.co.za for more information.
Citrus Academy Bursary
The Citrus Academy bursary supports students studying towards qualifications relevant to the South African citrus industry, including horticulture and agricultural management. Apply at citrusacademy.org.za.
HORTGRO Bursary
HORTGRO funds students in horticulture, fruit production, plant pathology, and related agricultural sciences. Visit www.hortgro.co.za.
Maize Trust Bursary
The Maize Trust bursary supports students studying agriculture, with a specific focus on maize and grain-related fields. Apply at maizetrust.co.za.
Potato Industry Development Trust / Potatoes South Africa Bursary
These bursaries support students in the potato and vegetable production industries. Visit www.potatoes.co.za.
SUBTROP Bursaries (Lindsey Milne & SAAGA)
SUBTROP offers the Lindsey Milne Bursary and the SUBTROP SAAGA Bursary for students studying subtropical fruit production and related fields. Apply at www.subtrop.co.za/bursaries.
Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE)
The SITFE bursary supports students in fields relevant to the South African sugar industry, including engineering, chemistry, and agriculture. Visit www.sasa.org.za.
South African Sugar Industry Bursary
Supporting broader studies related to sugar production and agro-processing. Visit www.sasa.org.za.
Illovo Sugar Ltd Bursary
Illovo Sugar offers bursaries for students in engineering, food science, and agricultural fields relevant to sugar production. Visit www.illovosugarafrica.com.
South African Association of Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) Bursary
SAAFoST supports students in food science and technology programmes. Visit www.saafost.org.za.
FoodBev SETA Bursary
The FoodBev SETA bursary is open to students studying in the food and beverage manufacturing sector — one of South Africa’s largest employers. Visit www.foodbev.co.za.
South African Society of Crop Production Bursary
Supports students pursuing qualifications in crop science and agronomy. Visit sascp.org.za.
South African Nursery Association Bursary
For students in horticulture and nursery management. Visit sana.co.za.
GWK Ben Scholtz Fund
A bursary fund supporting students in agriculture and related disciplines in the Northern Cape and Free State. Visit www.gwk.co.za/Bursary.
Starke Ayres Bursary
Starke Ayres offers bursaries for students in agricultural sciences. Visit www.starkeayres.com.
Upstream Training Trust Bursary
Supports training and development in the agri-processing sector. Visit upstreamtrainingtrust.org.za.
Mining & Resources Bursaries in South Africa
Mining is one of South Africa’s largest bursary-funding sectors, particularly for engineering, geology, metallurgy, and environmental sciences.
Anglo American Bursary
Anglo American offers one of South Africa’s most prestigious corporate bursaries, covering engineering, geology, finance, and more. Visit www.angloamerican.com.
Anglo Gold Ashanti Bursary
AngloGold Ashanti funds students in mining engineering, metallurgy, geology, and related disciplines. Visit www.anglogoldashanti.com.
Anglo Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
Targets engineering and geoscience students. Visit www.angloamericankumba.com.
BHP Billiton Bursary
BHP Billiton offers bursaries for engineering and science students. Visit www.bhp.com.
De Beers Bursary
The De Beers bursary supports students in engineering, geology, and mining-related fields. Visit www.debeersgroup.com.
Exxaro Bursary
Exxaro is a major South African coal and minerals company offering bursaries primarily in engineering disciplines. Visit www.exxaro.com.
Glencore Bursary
Glencore provides bursaries for students in engineering, metallurgy, and earth sciences. Visit www.glencore.com.
Gold Fields Bursary
Gold Fields offers bursaries for mining-related qualifications. Visit www.goldfields.com.
Harmony Gold Bursary
Harmony Gold funds students in engineering and earth sciences. Visit www.harmony.co.za.
Implats (Implats Distinctly Platinum) Bursary
Implats offers bursaries for engineering and metallurgy students. Visit www.implats.co.za.
Lonmin Bursary
Bursaries for engineering and mining students in the platinum sector. Visit www.lonmin.com.
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary
The MQA bursary is a government-linked bursary for students in mining and minerals-related qualifications. Visit mqa.org.za.
MINTEK Bursary
MINTEK supports students in metallurgy, chemistry, and minerals processing. Visit www.mintek.co.za.
Palabora Mining Bursary
Supports students in engineering and mining disciplines. Visit www.palabora.com.
Petra Diamonds Bursary
Petra Diamonds provides bursaries for engineering and geology students. Visit www.petradiamonds.com.
Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) Bursary
Provides bursaries in engineering and logistics. Visit rbct.co.za.
Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
Bursaries for engineering and science students in the mining sector. Visit www.riotinto.com.
Samancor Chrome Bursary
Samancor Chrome offers bursaries in engineering and metallurgy. Visit www.samancorcr.com.
Sibanye-Stillwater Bursary
One of the largest platinum and gold producers in South Africa. Bursaries in engineering and related fields. Visit www.sibanyestillwater.com.
South 32 Bursary
South32 supports students in engineering, geology, and earth sciences. Visit www.south32.net.
Keaton Energy Mining Bursary
Bursaries in mining and engineering disciplines. Visit www.keatonenergy.co.za.
Kimberley Ekapa Mining Bursary
Supports students in the diamond mining sector. Visit ekapa.co.za.
Canyon Coal Bursary
Canyon Coal provides bursaries for mining and engineering students. Visit www.canyoncoal.com.
Element Six Bursary
Element Six, a subsidiary of De Beers, offers bursaries in science and engineering. Visit www.e6.com.
ARMSCOR Bursary
The Armaments Corporation of South Africa funds students in engineering, science, and technology. Visit www.armscor.co.za.
Evraz Highveld Bursary
Supports engineering and metallurgy students in the steel sector. Visit www.evrazhighveld.co.za.
Engineering & Construction Bursaries in South Africa
AECOM Bursary
AECOM is a global engineering firm offering bursaries for civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering students. Visit aecom.com.
Aurecon South Africa Bursary
Aurecon offers bursaries for engineering students, especially civil and structural engineering. Visit Aurecon Bursary.
Arup Education Trust Bursary
The Arup Education Trust supports civil engineering and architectural students. Visit arupedutrust.org.
Aveng Group Bursary
Aveng is one of South Africa’s largest infrastructure companies, offering bursaries in engineering and construction. Visit www.aveng.co.za.
Basil Read Bursary
Basil Read offers bursaries for civil engineering and construction management students. Visit www.basilread.co.za.
Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) Bursary
The CETA bursary funds students in the construction and built environment sector — one of the most applied-for SETAs in South Africa. Visit www.ceta.org.za.
GIBB Bursary
GIBB is a leading South African engineering consultancy offering bursaries in civil and structural engineering. Visit www.gibb.co.za.
Group Five Bursary
Group Five offers bursaries for engineering and construction students. Visit www.g5.co.za.
Hatch Bursary
Hatch provides bursaries for mining, chemical, and process engineering students. Visit www.hatch.com.
Haw & Inglis Group Bursary
Supports civil engineering students. Visit www.haw-inglis.co.za.
Hillary Construction Bursary
Supports built environment and civil engineering students. Visit hillary.co.za.
IMESA Bursary (Institute of Municipal Engineering SA)
IMESA offers bursaries for municipal engineering students. Visit www.imesa.org.za.
iX Engineers Bursary
iX Engineers (formerly Jeffares & Green) funds civil and structural engineering students. Visit www.ixengineers.co.za.
Jones & Wagener Bursary
Supports civil and geotechnical engineering students. Visit www.jaws.co.za.
Kantey & Templer Consulting Bursary
Kantey & Templer offers bursaries for civil engineering students. Visit kanteys.co.za.
Knight Piésold Bursary
Supports students in civil, mining, and environmental engineering. Visit www.knightpiesold.com.
Leomat Construction Bursary
Supports students in construction-related disciplines. Visit www.leomat.co.za.
Master Builders Association Bursary
The MBA supports built environment students through its bursary programmes. Visit www.mbanorth.co.za.
Mtema Mashao Consulting Engineers Bursary
Provides engineering bursaries with an emphasis on previously disadvantaged students. Visit www.mtemamashao.co.za.
Murray & Roberts Bursary
Murray & Roberts is one of South Africa’s largest construction groups, offering bursaries in engineering and project management. Visit www.murrob.com.
Royal HaskoningDHV Bursary
Royal HaskoningDHV offers bursaries for civil and environmental engineering students. Visit global.royalhaskoningdhv.com.
SAICE SPEBS Bursary (South African Institute of Civil Engineers)
SAICE (South African Institute of Civil Engineers) administers the SPEBS bursary for outstanding civil engineering students. Visit saice.org.za.
Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) Bursary
SEIFSA supports students in the steel and engineering sector. Visit www.seifsa.co.za.
Stefanutti Stocks Bursary
Stefanutti Stocks is a major construction group offering bursaries in engineering. Visit stefanuttistocks.com.
Tiber Construction Bursary
Supports civil engineering and construction management students. Visit www.tiber.co.za.
UWP Consulting Bursary
Supports civil and water engineering students. Visit www.uwp.co.za.
VGI Consulting Bursary
Supports students in engineering and related disciplines. Visit www.vgi.co.za.
WBHO Bursary
WBHO is one of South Africa’s top construction companies, offering bursaries for civil engineering and quantity surveying students. Visit www.wbho.co.za.
WK Construction Bursary
Supports students in civil engineering and construction. Visit www.wkc.co.za.
Worley Parsons / WSP / WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff Bursary
These global engineering firms offer bursaries for engineering students in South Africa. Visit www.wsp.com.
ArcelorMittal South Africa Bursary
ArcelorMittal offers bursaries in metallurgical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Visit www.arcelormittalsa.com.
Siemens Bursary
Siemens offers bursaries in electrical and mechanical engineering. Visit www.siemens.com.
Denel Dynamics Bursary
Denel Dynamics funds aerospace and defence engineering students. Visit www.deneldynamics.co.za.
Gibela Bursary
Gibela (the train manufacturer) offers bursaries in mechanical and electrical engineering. Visit www.gibela-rail.com.
Saab Grintek Defence Bursary
Supports students in electronics and defence engineering. Visit www.saab.com.
Nanoteq Bursary
Supports students in engineering and technology. Visit www.nanoteq.com.
Banking, Finance & Insurance Bursaries in South Africa
ABSA Bank Bursary
ABSA is one of the largest banks in South Africa, offering bursaries for students in finance, actuarial science, commerce, IT, and engineering. Visit ABSA Bursary.
Capitec Bank Bursary
Capitec offers bursaries in finance, commerce, and IT. Visit Capitec Bursary.
FNB (First National Bank) Bursary
FNB provides bursaries for students in finance, commerce, and technology. Visit www.fnb.co.za.
Investec Bursary
Investec offers prestigious bursaries for high-achieving students in finance, commerce, and engineering. Visit www.investec.co.za.
JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary
The JEF bursary supports students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in finance and commerce. Visit www.jse.co.za/our-business/jef-bursary.
Liberty Life Bursary
Liberty Life offers bursaries in actuarial science, finance, and IT. Visit www.liberty.co.za.
Mazi Asset Management Bursary
Supports students in finance and investment management. Visit www.mazi.co.za.
Metropolitan Bursary
Metropolitan supports students in actuarial science, finance, and related fields. Visit www.metropolitan.co.za.
MMI Holdings Limited Bursary
Momentum Metropolitan funds students in actuarial science, finance, and IT. Visit www.momentummetropolitan.co.za.
Nedbank Bursary
Nedbank offers bursaries for students in commerce, finance, IT, and engineering. Visit www.nedbank.co.za.
Oasis Bursary
Oasis (investment management) supports finance students. Visit www.oasis.co.za.
Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG) Imfundo Trust Bursary
The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust provides bursaries for students from disadvantaged backgrounds in commerce, education, and other fields. Visit studytrust.org.za/old-mutual.
PPS Bursary
PPS (Professional Provident Society) offers bursaries for graduate-professional students in medicine, dentistry, law, engineering, and accounting. Visit www.pps.co.za.
PSG Bursary
PSG funds students in finance and commerce. Visit www.psg.co.za.
Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary
The PIC offers bursaries for students in finance, economics, and investment management. Visit www.pic.gov.za.
PWC Bursary
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) offers bursaries for students in accounting, auditing, and finance. Visit PWC Bursary.
Sanlam Bursary
Sanlam is one of South Africa’s largest financial services groups, offering bursaries in actuarial science, finance, and IT.
Santam Bursary
Santam offers bursaries for students in insurance, risk management, and finance.
South African Reserve Bank Bursary
The SARB provides bursaries for students in economics, finance, and related fields. Visit www.resbank.co.za.
Stanlib Bursary
Stanlib supports students in finance and investment management. Visit www.stanlib.com.
Financial Services Board (FSB) Bursary
Now the FSCA, this body funds students in finance and economics. Visit www.fsca.co.za.
Barloworld Education Trust Bursary
The Barloworld Education Trust provides bursaries in engineering and commerce. Visit www.barloworld.com.
IDB Education Trust Loan
Provides educational financing for students in various fields. Visit www.idb.org.za.
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary
The IDC offers bursaries for students in engineering, science, and economics. Visit www.idc.co.za.
Government & Municipal Bursaries in South Afric
Government bursaries are among the most widely available in South Africa and often come with a work-back obligation in the public sector.
Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary
The GCRA bursary is one of the most popular government bursaries, open to Gauteng residents studying in fields relevant to the provincial government. Visit gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za.
Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary
The DWS bursary (formerly Department of Water Affairs) is one of South Africa’s largest government bursary programmes, funding civil engineering, environmental science, hydrology, and geology students. Visit www.dws.gov.za.
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Bursary
Supports students in agriculture and related fields. Visit www.daff.gov.za.
Department of Energy Bursary
The Department of Energy offers bursaries for students in engineering and energy-related disciplines. Visit www.energy.gov.za.
Department of Environmental Affairs Bursary
Supports students in environmental science and management. Visit www.environment.gov.za.
Department of Public Works Bursary
Supports students in civil engineering, quantity surveying, and built environment disciplines. Visit www.publicworks.gov.za.
Department of Science and Technology Bursary
Funds students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Visit www.csir.co.za.
Department of Trade and Industry Bursary
Supports students in commerce, economics, and industrial engineering. Visit www.thedtic.gov.za.
Department of Transport Bursary
The Department of Transport funds students in transport planning, logistics, and related engineering. Visit www.transport.gov.za.
Eastern Cape Department of Education Bursary
Offers bursaries to Eastern Cape students studying education and related fields. Visit www.ecdoe.co.za.
Free State Department of Education Bursary
Supports Free State students in education-related qualifications. Visit www.education.fs.gov.za.
Free State Provincial Government Bursary
Broad bursary access for Free State students in fields relevant to provincial government. Visit www.gov.za.
Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
Supports students in health sciences, nursing, medicine, and allied health professions in Gauteng. Visit the Gauteng Provincial Government website for details.
Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development Bursary
Supports students in engineering and built environment professions.
Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport Bursary
Funds students in transport engineering and planning. Visit Gauteng Roads Bursary.
Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements Bursary
Supports students in housing, built environment, and urban planning.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health Bursary
Supports health science students in KwaZulu-Natal. Visit www.kznhealth.gov.za.
Limpopo Department of Public Works Bursary
Supports civil engineering and built environment students in Limpopo. Visit www.dpw.limpopo.gov.za.
Masakh’iSizwe Bursary (Western Cape Department of Infrastructure)
The Masakh’iSizwe bursary is one of the most well-known provincial bursaries, available to Western Cape students studying engineering, quantity surveying, and built environment disciplines. Visit www.westerncape.gov.za.
Mpumalanga Department of Education Bursary
Supports teachers and education students in Mpumalanga. Visit www.mpumalanga.gov.za.
Western Cape Provincial Government Bursary
The Western Cape government offers various bursaries for students studying in fields needed by the province. Visit www.westerncape.gov.za.
Alfred Nzo District Municipality Bursary
Supports students from the Alfred Nzo District in the Eastern Cape. Visit www.andm.gov.za.
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
Supports local students in various disciplines. Visit bushbuckridge.gov.za.
Cape Agulhas Municipality Bursary
Supports local students from the Cape Agulhas area. Visit capeagulhas.gov.za.
Cape Winelands District Municipality Bursary
Supports students from the Cape Winelands region. Visit capewinelands.gov.za.
City of Cape Town Bursary
The City of Cape Town offers bursaries for students in engineering, urban planning, finance, and other fields relevant to municipal services. Visit www.capetown.gov.za.
Durban eThekwini Municipality Bursary
The eThekwini Municipality provides bursaries for students in engineering, finance, and urban planning. Visit www.durban.gov.za.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
Supports students in engineering, IT, and municipal services in Ekurhuleni. Visit www.ekurhuleni.gov.za.
Emadlangeni Municipality Bursary
Local municipality bursary for students in KwaZulu-Natal. Visit emadlangeni.gov.za.
Engcobo Local Municipality Bursary
Supports students from the Engcobo area in the Eastern Cape. Visit www.engcobolm.gov.za.
Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality Bursary
Supports students from Limpopo. Visit www.ephraimmogalelm.gov.za.
Gert Sibande District Municipality Bursary
Supports students from Mpumalanga. Visit www.gsibande.gov.za.
Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency Bursary
Supports students in water management and hydrology. Visit iucma.co.za.
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Bursary
Supports civil engineering students. Visit www.jra.org.za.
Johannesburg Water Bursary
Supports water engineering and environmental science students. Visit www.johannesburgwater.co.za.
Magalies Water Bursary
Supports students in water and environmental engineering. Visit www.magalieswater.co.za.
Msunduzi Municipality Bursary
Supports students from the Pietermaritzburg region. Visit www.msunduzi.gov.za.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary
Supports students in engineering and municipal services in the Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha area. Visit www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za.
PRASA Bursary
PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) offers bursaries for engineering students. Visit www.prasa.com.
Rand Water Bursary
Rand Water provides bursaries for engineering, science, and chemistry students. Visit www.randwater.co.za.
Rustenburg Municipality Bursary
Supports students from the Rustenburg area. Visit www.rustenburg.gov.za.
Umgeni Water Bursary
Umgeni Water funds civil, chemical, and environmental engineering students. Visit www.umgeni.co.za.
Vhembe District Municipality Bursary
Supports students from Limpopo. Visit www.vhembe.gov.za.
National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) Bursary
Supports students in urban planning, quantity surveying, and housing studies. Visit www.nhfc.co.za.
State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Bursary
SITA offers bursaries for IT and computer science students. Visit www.sita.co.za.
TCTA (Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority) Bursary
Supports civil and water engineering students. Visit www.tcta.co.za.
SANRAL Bursary
The SANRAL bursary (South African National Roads Agency) is one of South Africa’s most popular civil engineering bursaries. Visit www.nra.co.za.
SARS Bursary
SARS (South African Revenue Service) offers bursaries for students in accounting, law, economics, and IT. Visit www.sars.gov.za.
ISFAP Bursary
The ISFAP bursary (Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme) supports missing middle students who do not qualify for NSFAS. Visit www.isfap.org.za.
Science, Technology & Research Bursaries {#science}
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursary
The CSIR bursary is one of South Africa’s top research bursaries, available to postgraduate students in engineering, science, and technology. Visit www.csir.co.za.
Council for Geoscience Bursary
Supports students in geology, geophysics, and earth sciences. Visit www.geoscience.org.za.
iThemba LABS Bursary
iThemba LABS offers postgraduate bursaries in nuclear and radiation physics. Visit tlabs.ac.za.
National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) Bursary
Supports students in physics, chemistry, and engineering. Visit www.nmisa.org.
National Research Foundation (NRF) Bursary
The NRF bursary is one of South Africa’s most prominent postgraduate funding sources, supporting research in all disciplines. Visit www.nrf.ac.za.
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursary
Supports medical and health science research students. Visit www.prf.ac.za.
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Bursary
SANSA offers bursaries for students in space science, physics, and engineering. Visit research.sansa.org.za.
Square Kilometre Array (SKA) South Africa Bursary
The SKA South Africa bursary is available to postgraduate students in astronomy, physics, and engineering. Visit www.ska.ac.za.
Applied Centre for Climate and Earth System Science (ACCESS) Bursary
Supports students in climate science and earth systems. Visit ACCESS Bursary.
Centre for Invasion Biology Bursary
Supports students in ecology and invasion biology. Visit blogs.sun.ac.za/cib.
South African Weather Service (SAWS) Bursary
SAWS offers bursaries for students in meteorology, atmospheric science, and related disciplines. Visit www.weathersa.co.za.
GreenMatter Bursary
Supports students in biodiversity, conservation, and environmental sciences. Visit www.greenmatterza.com.
Energy & Utilities Bursaries in South Africa
Eskom Bursary
The Eskom bursary is one of the most recognised bursaries in South Africa. Eskom offers bursaries primarily for electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering students. Visit www.eskom.co.za.
AFROX Bursary
AFROX (African Oxygen Limited) offers bursaries in engineering and science. Visit www.afrox.co.za.
Department of Energy Bursary
See Government section above.
EWSETA Bursary
The Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA) provides bursaries for students in energy, water, and related engineering fields. Visit ewseta.org.za.
Engen Bursary
Engen offers bursaries for engineering students, particularly in chemical and mechanical engineering. Visit engen.co.za.
National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) Bursary
NERSA supports students in engineering and economics. Visit www.nersa.org.za.
Sasol Bursary
The Sasol bursary is one of South Africa’s largest corporate bursaries, covering chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering as well as chemistry and finance. Visit www.sasol.com.
Total (TotalEnergies) Bursary
Total offers bursaries for engineering and science students. Visit www.total.co.za.
Foskor Bursary
Foskor supports chemical and mining engineering students. Visit www.foskor.co.za.
Globeleq Scholarship
The Globeleq Scholarship supports students in engineering and related fields in the renewable energy sector. Visit Globeleq Scholarship.
IT, Telecoms & Digital Bursaries in South Africa
Amazon Bursary
Amazon offers bursaries and scholarships for IT and computer science students in South Africa. Visit www.amazon.com.
Huawei Bursary
Huawei supports students in IT, telecommunications, and engineering. Visit through the University of Pretoria portal.
MTN Bursary
The MTN bursary is one of South Africa’s most popular tech bursaries, available to students in IT, engineering, and commerce. Visit www.mtn.co.za.
Telkom Bursary
Telkom offers bursaries for IT, computer science, and telecommunications engineering students. Visit www.telkom.co.za.
Vodacom Bursary
The Vodacom bursary supports students in IT, engineering, and related fields. Visit www.vodacom.co.za.
BBD Software Development Bursary
BBD offers bursaries for computer science and software engineering students. Visit BBD Bursary.
League Digital Bursary
Supports students in digital and tech-related disciplines. Visit www.leaguedigital.com.
Pretune SIM Card Bursary
Supports students in IT and related fields. Visit www.pretune.co.za.
Revolution Media Academy Bursary
Supports students in media and digital communications. Visit revolution.edu.za.
WeThinkCode Bursary
WeThinkCode offers free coding education and bursaries for aspiring software developers. Visit www.apply.wethinkcode.co.za.
Women in IT Bursary
Supports women pursuing careers in information technology. Visit womeninit.org.za.
TBWA Bursary
TBWA supports students in advertising, marketing, and communications. Visit www.tbwa.com.
Retail, FMCG & Consumer Goods Bursaries
AVI Limited Bursary
AVI (Associated Brands) offers bursaries in engineering and food science. Visit www.avi.co.za.
Clover Bursary
Clover supports students in food science, engineering, and dairy technology. Visit www.clover.co.za.
Clicks Pharmacy Bursary
Clicks offers pharmacy bursaries for students enrolled in accredited pharmacy programmes. Visit clicks.co.za.
Mondi Bursary
Mondi offers bursaries in paper science, chemical engineering, and forest management. Visit www.mondigroup.com.
Nampak Tissue Bursary
Supports engineering and packaging technology students. Visit www.nampak.com.
Omnia Holdings Bursary
Omnia supports students in chemistry, chemical engineering, and agriculture. Visit www.omnia.co.za.
Pioneer Foods Bursary
Pioneer Foods supports students in food science, engineering, and agriculture. Visit www.pioneerfoods.co.za.
RCL Foods Bursary
RCL Foods supports students in engineering, food science, and agriculture. Visit rclfoods.com.
SAB (South African Breweries) Bursary
The SAB bursary supports students in engineering, commerce, and science. Visit www.sab.co.za.
Safripol Bursary
Safripol offers bursaries for chemical engineering students. Visit www.safripol.com.
Sappi Bursary
Sappi offers bursaries in forestry, paper science, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Visit www.sappi.com.
SAPREF Bursary
SAPREF offers engineering bursaries in the petroleum refining sector. Visit www.sapref.com.
Shoprite Group Bursary
Shoprite offers bursaries in retail management, finance, and logistics. Visit www.shopriteholdings.co.za.
Tiger Brands Bursary
Tiger Brands supports students in engineering, food technology, and commerce. Visit www.tigerbrands.com.
Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary
Toyota SA offers bursaries for engineering students. Visit www.toyota.co.za.
Unilever Bursary
Unilever supports students in chemical engineering, food science, marketing, and commerce. Visit www.unilever.com.
British American Tobacco Bursary
Supports students in engineering, science, and commerce. Visit www.batsa.co.za.
BMW South Africa Bursary
BMW SA offers bursaries for mechanical and electrical engineering students. Visit www.bmw.co.za.
Mercedes-Benz Bursary
Mercedes-Benz supports engineering students in South Africa. Visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za.
PG Group Bursary
Supports students in glass technology and related engineering fields. Visit www.pggroup.co.za.
Hulamin Bursary
Hulamin offers bursaries for metallurgical and mechanical engineering students. Visit www.hulamin.com.
Truworths Bursary
Supports students in retail, fashion, and business. Visit www.truworths.co.za.
Tourvest Bursary
Tourvest supports students in hospitality and tourism management. Visit www.tourvest.co.za.
Takealot Bursary
Supports students in IT, logistics, and e-commerce. Visit www.takealot.com.
Transport & Logistics Bursaries
Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary
The TETA bursary is available to students in transport, logistics, and related engineering fields. Visit www.teta.org.za.
Transnet Bursary
Transnet is one of South Africa’s largest state-owned companies, offering bursaries in engineering, logistics, and supply chain management. Visit www.transnet.net.
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) Bursary
The ATNS bursary supports students in aviation, electronics, and related fields. Visit www.atns.com.
Golden Arrow Bursary
Supports transport and engineering students. Visit www.gabs.co.za.
African Marine Solutions Bursary
Supports marine engineering and logistics students. Visit www.amsol.co.za.
SMIT Amandla Marine Bursary
Supports students in marine and maritime studies. Visit www.amsol.co.za.
SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) Bursary
SAMSA offers bursaries for students in maritime studies and marine engineering. Visit www.samsa.org.za.
Law, Surveying & Professional Bodies
South African Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE) SPEBS Bursary
Prestigious bursary for civil engineering students. Visit saice.org.za.
South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) Bursary
The SAIEE bursary supports electrical engineering students. Visit SAIEE Bursary.
South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP) Bursary
The SAIBPP bursary supports transformation in the property sector. Visit saibpp.co.za/saibpp-bursary-fund.
South African Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors Bursary
Supports surveying and geomatics students. Visit PLATO Bursary.
SACPLAN Bursary
Supports students in urban and regional planning. Visit sacplan.org.za.
SAPOA Bursary
Supports students in property studies and real estate. Visit www.sapoa.org.za.
South African Medical Association (SAMA) Bursary
Supports medical students. Visit www.samedical.org.
Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa Bursary
Supports pharmacy students. Visit www.pssa.org.za.
South African Veterinary Foundation Bursary
Supports veterinary science students. Visit savf.org.za.
Netcare Bursary
Netcare offers bursaries for nursing and health science students. Visit www.netcare.co.za.
PPC Bursary
Supports engineering and science students in the cement and construction materials sector. Visit www.ppc.africa.
Pyrotec Bursary
Supports packaging and engineering students. Visit Pyrotec Bursary.
Environmental & Sustainability Bursaries {#environment}
Digby Wells Environmental Bursary
Supports environmental science and management students. Visit www.digbywells.com.
Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Bursary
ERM offers bursaries for environmental science and engineering students. Visit www.erm.com.
ILASA Bursary (Institute of Landscape Architecture of South Africa)
Supports landscape architecture students. Visit www.ilasa.co.za.
Foundations & Scholarship Programmes
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Bursary
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation bursary is one of South Africa’s most prestigious, targeting entrepreneurially minded students across all disciplines. Visit www.allangrayorbis.org.
Altron Bill Venter Academy Bursary
Supports engineering and IT students. Visit Altron Bursary.
Accenture Scholarship
Accenture offers scholarships for students in IT, engineering, and business. Visit www.accenture.com/za-en/careers.
Association for Educational Transformation Bursary
Supports students in education and related disciplines. Visit studysa.org.
Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Scholarship
Supports previously disadvantaged students in various fields. Visit www.mabuzafoundation.co.za.
Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary
One of South Africa’s oldest bursary trusts, supporting students in various disciplines. Visit www.omt.org.za.
Ernst and Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary
Provides financial support to students in need. Visit eriksentrust.co.za.
HCI Foundation Bursary
HCI Foundation provides bursaries for students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. Visit hcifoundation.co.za.
Hexagon Trust Bursary
Supports students in various disciplines. Visit www.hexagontrust.org.
Irish Aid Kader Asmal Scholarship
An international scholarship for South African students in development-related fields. Visit www.isfap.co.za.
Motsepe Foundation Bursary
The Motsepe Foundation supports previously disadvantaged students in various fields. Visit motsepefoundation.org.
NEET (National Economic Education Trust) Bursary
Supports students in economics and commerce. Visit NEET Bursary.
NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund
The NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship supports young South Africans in various fields. Visit NYDA Scholarship.
Paul Mthimunye Fund Bursary
Supports students from disadvantaged communities. Visit paulmthimunyebursary.org.za.
SACEE Norah Taylor Bursary
Supports students in civil and structural engineering. Visit sacee.org.za.
SAWISE Angus Scholarship (South African Women in Science and Engineering)
The SAWISE bursary supports women in science and engineering. Visit www.sawise.uct.ac.za.
Schauenburg Education Trust Bursary
Supports mining-related engineering students. Visit schauenburg.co.za.
SEDISA Trust Bursary
Supports students in health and social development. Visit sedisatrust.com.
SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary
SIOC-cdt offers bursaries for students from communities near the Sishen Iron Ore Mine. Visit www.sioc-cdt.co.za.
Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Bursary
Supports engineering and science students. Visit Thebe Foundation Bursary.
Thuto Pele NPC Bursary
Supports students from disadvantaged communities in engineering. Visit Thuto Pele Bursary.
Tiso Foundation Bursary
The Tiso Foundation supports black professionals in pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Visit tisofoundation.co.za.
Volkswagen Community Trust Bursary
Supports students in engineering and technical disciplines. Visit www.vwcommunitytrust.co.za.
Trudon Bursary
Supports IT and communications students. Visit trudondigital.co.za.
Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Bursaries {#seta}
SETAs are among the most accessible bursary sources for South African students. Here is a complete list:
| SETA | Field | Website |
|---|---|---|
| AgriSETA | Agriculture | agriseta.co.za |
| CHIETA | Chemical Industries | chieta.org.za |
| CETA | Construction | ceta.org.za |
| EWSETA | Energy & Water | ewseta.org.za |
| FoodBev SETA | Food & Beverages | foodbev.co.za |
| merSETA | Manufacturing & Engineering | merseta.org.za |
| MQA | Mining | mqa.org.za |
| Services SETA | Services | nationalgovernment.co.za |
| TETA | Transport | teta.org.za |
| W&RSETA | Wholesale & Retail | wrseta.org.za |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bursaries in South Africa
What is the difference between a bursary and a scholarship in South Africa? A bursary is primarily based on financial need and often comes with a work-back agreement. A scholarship is usually awarded purely on academic merit and typically does not require repayment or working for the funder.
Can I apply for more than one bursary at a time? Yes. There is no rule against applying to multiple bursaries simultaneously. In fact, it is highly recommended to maximise your chances.
What is a work-back agreement? A work-back agreement is a contract where you agree to work for the bursary provider for a set period after graduating — typically one year per year of funding. Failing to fulfil this obligation usually means you must repay the bursary.
What is the AgriSETA bursary? The AgriSETA bursary is offered by the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority and funds students studying in the agricultural sector at accredited South African institutions. It is one of the most searched bursaries in South Africa. Apply at agriseta.co.za.
Is NSFAS a bursary? Yes. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is the largest bursary programme in South Africa, available to students from households with a combined income of less than R350,000 per year. Qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges may receive a full bursary package. Visit nsfas.org.za.
When do bursary applications open in South Africa? Most corporate and government bursary applications open between August and November for the following academic year. Some open as early as July or as late as January. Check each provider’s website for exact dates.
Where can I find a complete list of all bursaries in South Africa? The NSTF (National Science and Technology Forum) maintains one of the most comprehensive lists at nstf.org.za/bursary-providers. You can also check zabursaries.co.za and bursaries.co.za for updated listings.