Grads24 is South Africa’s online platform which publishes a comprehensive list of bursaries in 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. Bursaries provide a break and allow students to focus on their studies without stressing about fees.
POPULAR BURSARY GUIDES
- Step-By-Step Guide To Get A Bursary
- Understanding Bursary Requirements
- Sample Bursary Interview Questions & Answers (PDF)
- Expert Tips
ESSENTIAL TIPS TO SECURE A BURSARY
BURSARIES BY FIELDS OF STUDY
ACCOUNTING BURSARIES
Students who are interested 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 are designed to support students pursuing architecture and design-related qualifications. 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 are designed to support future leaders of business related fields. 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 required when you apply for bursaries in this category.
EDUCATION BURSARIES
Applicants who want to become Teachers, Lecturers, Curriculum Developers, Education Policy Analysts, Special Needs Educators, School Administrator are considered.
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 awarded by various spheres of government and agencies of government. 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 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.
WHICH BURSARY IS NOW OPEN FOR 2025?
To find bursaries that are open for 2025, you must search using closing months. For an example, if you are searching in December, it is advisable to consider bursaries closing in January 2025. You will find a list that is arranged in terms of the deadline. This goes on for almost all months. You can also browse bursaries that are open all year round.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR A BURSARY IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Bursary providers offer bursaries for various reasons. They develop a list of eligibility requirements which is used 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 CAN I APPLY FOR A BURSARY IN 2025
There are two way to apply for a bursary. The first method is to complete and submit your bursary application online. This is done on a dedicated online page created by the bursary provider. It has the option to upload all required documents.
The second option is to submit your application offline. You are required to download an application form, complete it and send it back. There are two common options of submitting your application form. You are directed to either send it back by postal facility or to email it back. 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 I HAVE TWO BURSARIES AT THE SAME TIME?
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.
AM I REQUIRED TO PAY BACK THE BURSARY AMOUNT IN SOUTH AFRICA?
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 2025 ACADEMIC YEAR
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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About the Author:
Mr. Percy Mncwango is a seasoned education writer with over 10 years of experience in creating high-ranking articles that provide valuable guidance for students seeking university funding. As a graduate of the University of Cape Town Business School, Percy combines deep knowledge and personal experience to help students succeed. He has received bursaries from Nampak, Telkom, and the Institute of Directors of South Africa (IoD). Percy’s educational background, which includes Richtec TVET, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and UCT GSB, equips him with a unique perspective that enriches his SEO-optimized content and resonates with aspiring scholars.