2026 bursaries that are open now.
Discover 2026 bursaries available now in South Africa! Top companies like Sasol, Shoprite, Standard Bank, and more are offering full funding for university and college studies. Get complete details on eligibility requirements, application deadlines, covered expenses, and direct application links. Don’t miss out on free education funding – these bursary opportunities close soon! Essential guide for Grade 12 learners, undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking financial aid for tertiary education.
Let me be brutally honest with you: university fees in South Africa are absolutely crushing dreams. When a single year at university can cost anywhere from R40,000 to R120,000, and youth unemployment is over 45%, getting funding isn’t just helpful – it’s often the only way talented students can access higher education.
But here’s the good news that nobody’s shouting loud enough: South Africa’s top companies, including Shoprite, Sasol, Allan Gray, and FirstRand, are offering massive bursaries for the 2026 academic year.
Right now, as you’re reading this, there are millions of rands in bursary funding waiting for students just like you. The catch? Most of these applications close between September and November 2025, which means you need to act fast.
I’ve spent the last few weeks compiling every available bursary for 2026, and I’m going to walk you through the best opportunities, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply. No fluff, no outdated information – just the opportunities that are actually open right now.
Why 2026 Bursaries Matter More Than Ever
Let’s talk numbers for a second. The most recent unemployment rate for graduates in Q4 2024 was 8.7%, improving from 9.8% in Q3 2024. That means if you can actually afford to get your degree, your chances of employment improve dramatically.
But here’s the reality: most families can’t afford tertiary education without help. That’s where bursaries come in – they’re not loans you have to repay, they’re investments that companies make in future talent.
Top Corporate Bursaries Open for 2026
1. Sasol Bursary Programme 2026
Sasol remains one of South Africa’s most generous bursary providers, and their 2026 programme is already accepting applications.
Who Can Apply: Must be below the age of 30 at the time of the bursary application. Open to Grade 12 learners and current university students.
Fields of Study:
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
What They Cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks
- Meal allowance
- Travel allowance
Important Note: Should a bursary be awarded to an individual, it is done conditionally and will only be activated in the applicable study year (1st year – 2026) inter alia should the student’s 2025 results (current study year – Grade 12) be approximately equivalent to the results he/she applied with.
Apply Here: https://www.sasolbursaries.com/welcome/
2. Standard Bank Group Bursary
The Standard Bank Group Bursary is available if you require funding for your first, second, third and final year of undergraduate studies – as well as if you want to pursue your postgraduate studies up to Master’s level.
Who Can Apply: Current students and prospective first-years who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Fields of Study:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
- Actuarial Science
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Statistics
What Makes This Special: Mentoring and psychological support throughout your studies, which honestly can be just as valuable as the financial support.
Requirements: Meet the admission requirements of your university if applying for a post-graduate bursary. To qualify, you should be well-rounded academically, with strong performance in any of the following fields.
Apply Here: https://www.standardbank.com/sbg/standard-bank-group/careers/early-careers/bursaries
3. Investec Tertiary Bursary Programme
Investec tertiary bursary programme in partnership with StudyTrust, provides the funding for young South Africans with academic potential get to university.
Who Can Apply: Grade 12 learners and first-year students from disadvantaged backgrounds with strong academic potential.
Fields of Study:
- Commerce-related degrees
- Financial services
- Banking
- Investment management
Special Focus: This programme specifically targets students who have the potential but lack the financial means.
4. Transnet Bursary 2026
The Transnet Bursary is open for 2026 studies towards Commerce and Engineering fields.
Who Can Apply: Grade 12 learners and current students pursuing careers in logistics, engineering, and commerce.
Fields of Study:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Transport Economics
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
Work-back Obligation: Most Transnet bursaries require you to work for the company for a specified period after graduation.
Apply Here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/engineering-bursaries-south-africa/transnet-bursary-south-africa/
5. Vodacom Bursary Programme
Applications for the 2025 intake are closed. Please visit our page again from 1 June 2025 for the 2026 intake. This means applications should be opening soon!
Who Can Apply: may apply if already in first year (upwards) if studying at an accredited South African tertiary institution and meet all criteria above.
Fields of Study:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Data Science
- Business Analytics
Application Process: Once you’ve registered and applied, we’ll email you confirmation of receipt. Our Bursary Management team will then carefully assess your application and provide you with feedback every step of the way!
Apply Here: https://www.vodacom.com/bursary-programme.php
Regional and Specialized Bursaries
Northern Cape Provincial Government Bursary
The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) is inviting students to apply for the Provincial Transversal bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.
Perfect for students from the Northern Cape who want to study anywhere in South Africa.
Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) Bursary
The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.
Focuses on engineering and industrial-related fields.
Deadline: (31 October 2025)
Potatoes SA Bursary
Yes, you read that right! Potatoes South Africa (PSA) is inviting students to apply for bursary funding, for the 2026 academic year.
Deadline: (31 October 2025)
Fields: Agriculture, Agribusiness, Food Science
Your Ultimate Bursary Resource Hub
Comprehensive Bursary Databases
ZA Bursaries – Your one-stop resource https://www.zabursaries.co.za/
This platform maintains A list of ALL bursaries available in South Africa, for the 2026 academic year.
Graduates24 Bursary Portal https://www.graduates24.com/bursaries
Features A list of currently available bursaries, scholarships,funding programmes for 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, hounors, PhD students.
StudyTrust Application Portal https://studytrust.org.za/bursary-applications/
Apply online before 30 September to be considered for a StudyTrust bursary the next year. You have 14 days from the date of registration to submit your application.
Time-Sensitive Opportunities: Apply Before It’s Too Late
Closing in October 2025
Multiple major bursaries are closing soon. Check the complete list here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursaries-closing-in-october-2025/
Closing in November 2025
Don’t miss these opportunities: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursaries-closing-in-november-2025/
The Real Talk: What You Need to Know
Academic Requirements Matter Most bursaries require at least 60% average, with top programmes wanting 70%+ in relevant subjects. Don’t let this discourage you – apply anyway if you’re close.
Financial Need is Considered Many bursaries prioritize students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Be honest about your financial situation in your application.
Work-back Obligations Some bursaries require you to work for the company after graduation. This isn’t necessarily bad – it guarantees you a job! Just make sure you understand the terms.
Application Quality Counts I’ve reviewed hundreds of bursary applications, and the difference between successful and unsuccessful ones often comes down to effort. A well-written motivation letter can overcome average marks.
Your 5-Step Application Strategy
Step 1: Create a Master List (Today) Visit the ZA Bursaries website and list every bursary you qualify for. Don’t self-reject – let them reject you.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents (This Week)
- Certified ID copy
- Latest academic results
- Proof of household income
- Motivation letter template
- Two reference letters
Step 3: Craft Your Story (This Week) Write a compelling motivation letter that explains:
- Why you want to study this field
- What you’ll do with your qualification
- How the bursary will change your life
- Your career goals
Step 4: Apply Strategically (Next Two Weeks) Start with bursaries closing soonest. Apply to at least 10-15 programmes to maximize your chances.
Step 5: Follow Up (Ongoing) Keep track of your applications. Many students lose opportunities simply because they didn’t respond when contacted.
Common Mistakes That Kill Applications
Missing Deadlines: This is unforgivable. Set phone reminders.
Incomplete Applications: One missing document can disqualify you.
Generic Motivation Letters: Personalize each application to the specific bursary.
Poor Proofreading: Spelling and grammar errors suggest carelessness.
Not Following Instructions: If they ask for a specific document format, provide it exactly as requested.
The Bottom Line
Here’s what you need to understand: right now, in September 2025, there are hundreds of bursaries open for 2026 studies. Companies are actively looking to invest in talented young South Africans.
But these opportunities won’t wait for you. Most applications close between October and November 2025. That gives you roughly 4-8 weeks to get your applications in.
The difference between getting funded and taking on massive student debt often comes down to one thing: action. The students who get bursaries aren’t necessarily the smartest – they’re the ones who applied early, applied often, and took the process seriously.
Your homework for today is simple: visit the ZA Bursaries website, create your list of eligible bursaries, and start your first application. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t wait until your marks improve. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.”
The bursary that changes your life is waiting for your application. But only if you actually apply.
The door to funded education is open right now. Walk through it before it closes.
Start Here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/
Your future self will thank you for the effort you put in today.
