Bursaries for 2026 In South Africa

Whether you are from Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape or Njampela in Nongoma, funding your studies is now possible. Various companies in South Africa make bursaries available to help mainly previously advantaged students fund their studies. Being black and from rural towns like Maphumulo is no longer your excuse of not pursuing tertiary education.

Grads24 is SA’s online platform which publishes a comprehensive list of bursaries for 2026in South Africa – helping students secure funding. We have subdivided bursaries according to categories aligned with fields of study. This make is much easier to browse through out list and find funding opportunity that matches your studies.

Additionally, we provide scholarship and study loans to broaden our resources to ensure that our readers find their match. Our focus in primarily on university and university of technology funding opportunities. These are primarily for full-time undergraduate students. However, there are few postgraduate bursaries that we have published.

The cost of higher education is high in South Africa, leading to many students failing to acquire a qualification. The job market is very competitive and it is difficult to compete without a post-matric qualification. These bursaries provide a break and allow students to focus on their studies without stressing about fees.

Bursaries for 2026 Popular Guides

Bursaries by Study Field

We want to make it easier for your to find a matching bursary that suits your financial needs. To achieve that, we have arranged bursaries for 2026 according to different fields of study. Below are different categories of our bursaries:

Accounting Bursaries

If you have interest in careers like accounting, finance, or auditing can take advantage of these funding opportunities. These target students who possess strong mathematical and financial analysis skills. Popular professions found on this category include Chartered Accountants (CA) and Financial Managers.

ARCHITECTURE BURSARIES

These bursaries for 2026 cater for students pursuing careers aligning with architecture and design. They are targeting students who want to become Architects, Urban Designers, Landscape Architects, BIM Specialists, Architectural Technologists, Interior Designers. Strong academic performance in arts, technical drawing and mathematics.

AGRICULTURE BURSARIES

Studies funded by these bursaries include farming, agronomy, animal sciences, and agricultural management. Careers include Agronomist, Soil Scientist, Agricultural Economist, Farm Manager, Animal Scientist, Horticulturist, Agricultural Extension Officer.

ARTS BURSARIES

Students interested in fine arts, performing arts, graphic design, and multimedia must apply for arts bursaries. The application process may require submission of portfolios or auditions to demonstrate artistic talent. Careers include Fine Artists, Graphic Designers, Illustrators, Animators, Art Directors, Museum Curators, Performing Artists (Actor, Dancer, Musician).

Commerce Bursaries

These bursaries target learners and students who want to become future leaders of business fields of study. They are for careers like Economists, Business Consultants, Investment Bankers, Entrepreneurs, Financial Planners, Human Resource Managers, Business Analyst.

Construction Bursaries

If you want to become Construction Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Site Engineers, Project Managers, Building Inspectors, Civil Engineers can apply. Both Science and Mathematics are a requirement if you wish to apply for bursaries in this category.

Education & Teaching Bursaries

Applicants who want to become Educators, Lecturers, Curriculum Developers, Education Policy Analysts, Special Needs Educators, School Administrator are welcome to apply for these ones.

Engineering Bursaries

Students who possess strong mathematics and science skills and a passion for problem-solving can apply. Graduates will work as Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Chemical Engineers, Structural Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Industrial Engineer.

General Bursaries

These bursaries are broad in that they cover various fields of study. Here you are looking at careers like Journalist, Social Worker, Scientist, Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Officer, Business Developer.

Government Bursaries

Bursaries in this category are basically a list of those that government agencies offer to successful applicants. They target careers like Public Administrators, Healthcare Professionals (Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist), Educator, Environmental Managers, Civil Engineers, Policy Maker and more.

Law Bursaries

These are for people who want to become Attorneys, Advocates, Legal Advisors, Corporate Lawyers, Prosecutors, Judges, Compliance Officers, Mediators.

IT & Computer Science Bursaries

They are funding opportunities for students who want to become Software Developers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Specialists, Systems Analysts, Network Engineers. Furthermore they also cater for Web Developers, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer and more careers.

Marketing Bursaries

They help students pursuing careers as Marketing Managers, Digital Marketers, Brand Strategists, Market Research Analyst, Advertising Executive, Content Creator. You must possess very strong interpersonal skills.

Medicine Bursaries

For individuals who dream of becoming Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Surgeons, Medical Researchers, Physiotherapists, Radiologists, Dentist and more.

Bursaries Still Open for 2026

You will find it easy to navigate through bursaries for 2026 publication by grads24.co.za since they each fall under a specific category (e.g. accounting bursaries, engineering bursaries, marketing bursaries and more) Additionally we have written guiding articles that list closing dates by months starting from January to December of each year. This makes it easier for you to find bursaries still open for applications.

There is also a list of bursaries open all year round which organises those that do not have a closing date. This will help you if you have missed deadlines but you have not secured funding for 2026 academic year.

Who Qulaifies for a bursary in South Africa?

Bursary providers offer bursaries for various reasons. They develop a list of eligibility requirements which they to match funding with candidates. Commonly, learners in Matric and students already in tertiary qualify for a bursary in South Africa. Additionally you must be academically capable and be financially unable to pay for your studies.

How To Apply for Bursaries for 2026?

There are two way to apply for a bursary. The first method is to complete and submit your bursary application online. This you can do on an online page you will see on individual bursary listing. It has the option to upload all required documents.

The second option is to submit your application offline. You must download the form, complete it and send it back. There are two common options of submitting your application form. You must return it by post or to email. You are provided with addresses to send it back before the closing date.

Bursary providers are not able to access applications without a set of supporting documents. This is for verification purposes. Below are some of commonly required from online bursary application recipients:

Certified Copy of your South Africa ID
Your Academic Performance Transcripts
Proof of Household Income
Motivational Letter
Proof of Address

WHAT EXPENSES ARE COVERED BY A BURSARY?

There are common expenses that most bursaries cover. These include registration fees, tuition fees, book and study material, meals and accommodation. Some bursaries provide partial coverage and other provide full coverage with include gadgets like laptops and mobile phones. Additional benefits like traveling and monthly living allowance get added in some bursaries.

Can You Have Two Bursaries In One Year?

Yes you can have more than one bursary depending on the contractual requirements of each. Bursary providers do indicate if this is allowed or not. In instances where they do not, you must check if you are required to join the company upon completion. If they both have such an obligation, it is impossible to hold both. You can also write to the provider and request permission to apply for a second bursary.

Do You Pay Back The Bursary?

A bursary is different from a loan because you do not pay it back if you complete on time. In an instance where you fail to complete your studies, you may be asked to repay the money with interest. If you breach your contract and it gets terminated, you may also be asked to pay back the money. It is advised that you complete your funded studies as according to the bursary agreement.

Where Can I find Bursaries For 2026?

There are various online and offline platforms that publish bursaries that are open for applications. These include websites like Grads24, universities websites, companies websites, newspapers and notice boards.

BURSARY APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Before you start with the application:

Identify bursaries relevant to your field of study
Check if you meet the eligibility requirements
Note the bursary closing date

Required Supporting Documents:

️Certified copy of your South African ID
Latest academic transcript or results
Proof of household income (for financial need-based bursaries)
Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
Proof of residence

Application Submission Process:

Complete the bursary application form accurately
Attach all required supporting documents
Submit before the deadline (online or via email/post)
Keep a copy of your application for reference

After Application Submission:

Follow up on your application if no response after 4-6 weeks
Prepare for possible bursary interviews
Look for alternative funding in case of rejection

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