Introduction
South Africa has many bursary schemes that provide financial assistance to deserving students who cannot afford tertiary education. These bursaries are funded by the government, state-owned enterprises, private companies, banks, and non-profit organizations. Their primary objective is to ensure that academically deserving students from disadvantaged and low-income families have equal access to higher education. Most bursaries cover tuition fees, accommodation, books, meals, transport, and sometimes provide monthly living allowances. Some bursaries also require students to work for the sponsoring organization after completing their studies.
General Requirements for Most South African Bursaries
Although requirements differ between bursaries, applicants are generally expected to meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Obtain good academic results (usually 60%–75% average depending on the bursary).
- Gain admission to a recognised public university or TVET college.
- Submit certified copies of academic results, ID, proof of household income, and proof of residence.
- Some bursaries require applicants to study specific scarce-skill qualifications.
Common Expenses Covered
Most bursaries provide funding for:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Prescribed textbooks
- Study materials
- Laptop (where applicable)
- Transport allowance
- Living allowance
- Research costs (for postgraduate students)
The exact amount depends on the institution, qualification, and bursary policy. Government-funded schemes such as NSFAS and Funza Lushaka provide funding up to annual limits determined by government policy.
Qualifications Commonly Funded
South African bursaries frequently fund:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Accounting
- Chartered Accountancy
- Law
- Education
- Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Mining Engineering
- Geology
- Actuarial Science
- Commerce
- Economics
- Architecture
- Built Environment
- Health Sciences
Fifteen Major South African Bursaries
| Bursary | Main Fields Funded | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| NSFAS | Most university and TVET qualifications | Tuition, accommodation, books, meals, transport |
| Funza Lushaka | Teaching (BEd and PGCE) | Full study costs with work-back obligation in public schools |
| SASOL Bursary | Engineering and Science | Full funding plus vacation work |
| Anglo American Bursary | Mining, Engineering, Geology | Full bursary and graduate employment opportunities |
| Transnet Bursary | Engineering, Logistics, Finance | Tuition, accommodation and employment opportunities |
| Eskom Bursary | Electrical Engineering and Energy fields | Full financial support |
| SANRAL Bursary | Civil Engineering | Tuition and study support |
| Department of Health Bursaries | Medicine and Nursing | Study funding with service obligation |
| Investec Bursary | Commerce, Engineering, IT | Tuition and mentoring |
| Allan Gray Fellowship | Entrepreneurship | Leadership development and funding |
| Standard Bank Bursary | Finance, IT, Engineering | Comprehensive financial assistance |
| Nedbank External Bursary | Commerce, Technology, Science | Tuition and living costs |
| Old Mutual Imfundo Trust | Accounting, Actuarial Science | Full funding and mentorship |
| National Research Foundation (NRF) | Honours, Masters and PhD | Research funding and stipends |
| Thuthuka Bursary Fund (SAICA) | Chartered Accountancy | Full funding, accommodation and academic support |
The Benefits of South African Bursary Schemes for Students from Poor Backgrounds
South African bursary schemes have become one of the most important tools for improving access to higher education. Many talented learners complete high school with excellent academic results but come from families that cannot afford university tuition. Without bursaries, thousands of these students would never have the opportunity to study further. Bursaries therefore play a significant role in reducing educational inequality and promoting social mobility.
One of the greatest benefits of bursaries is that they remove financial barriers to education. University fees, accommodation, textbooks, transport and daily living expenses are often too expensive for unemployed or low-income households. Bursaries pay for most or all of these costs, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than worrying about finances. This financial security improves academic performance because students can dedicate more time to learning instead of seeking part-time employment.
Bursaries also contribute to South Africa’s economic development by producing skilled professionals in occupations where shortages exist. Many bursary programmes focus on fields such as engineering, medicine, education, accounting, information technology and agriculture. These professions are essential for national development. By funding students in scarce-skill areas, bursaries help ensure that the country has enough qualified professionals to support economic growth and improve public services.
Another important benefit is that bursaries reduce unemployment in the long term. Many bursary providers include internships, vacation work or graduate employment opportunities. Government bursaries such as the Funza Lushaka Programme require graduates to work in public schools after qualifying, while several corporate bursaries offer employment contracts after graduation. These arrangements provide valuable work experience and increase graduates’ chances of securing permanent employment.
Bursaries also promote equal educational opportunities. Students from rural communities and disadvantaged backgrounds often face limited access to quality education and financial resources. Bursary schemes help bridge this gap by enabling deserving students to attend reputable universities regardless of their family’s income. As a result, education becomes based more on academic ability than financial status.
Graduates who benefited from bursaries often become role models within their communities. Many return to uplift their families, create employment opportunities, mentor younger learners, and contribute positively to local economic development. Their success encourages other young people to work hard at school and pursue higher education.
Despite these advantages, bursary recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic performance and comply with the conditions of their funding agreements. Some bursaries require students to work for the sponsoring organisation for a specified period after graduation. These obligations ensure that the investment benefits both the student and South Africa.
Bursary schemes remain one of the country’s most effective investments in human capital. They enable talented students from poor backgrounds to obtain quality education, reduce poverty, improve employment prospects, address critical skills shortages and strengthen economic growth. Continued investment in bursary programmes will help South Africa build a more educated, productive and inclusive society for future generations.