ABOUT BURSARIES FOR 2027
Finding funding for your studies can be difficult when bursary opportunities are spread across companies, government departments, public entities, foundations and other organisations. Grads24 brings these opportunities together and organises them by field of study, provider and application status.
Our bursary information is focused on what students need before applying, including the fields of study covered, requirements, funding benefits, application process, required documents and closing dates.
Some bursaries are open for applications while others may have closed or may be waiting for their next intake. Always check the current status and closing date on the individual bursary page and verify the final application details with the official bursary provider.
BURSARIES OPEN FOR APPLICATION
Looking for bursary funding that you can apply for now? Our Bursaries Open for 2027 page brings together opportunities currently available for application.
Before applying, check the individual bursary page for the latest requirements, eligible fields of study, documents, funding details, application method and closing date. Application periods can be short, so do not wait until the final day to submit your application.
VIEW BURSARIES OPEN FOR APPLICATION (2027)
POPULAR ARTICLES AND BURSARY TIPS
Finding a bursary is only part of the process. These guides can help you understand bursary applications, prepare your documents and avoid common mistakes.
- Bursary Questions and Answers – answers to common questions about eligibility, marks, applications, funding, payments and bursary conditions.
- How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa – a practical guide to finding suitable bursaries and completing an application.
- Bursary Interview Questions and Answers – prepare for common questions you may be asked during a bursary interview.
- How to Write a Bursary Motivation Letter – guidance on writing a motivation that explains your circumstances, achievements and study goals.
- How to Tell If a Bursary Is a Scam – learn what to check before submitting personal information or paying any application-related fees.
BURSARIES BY STUDY FIELD
Bursary providers often restrict funding to particular qualifications or career fields. Use the categories below to find bursaries relevant to your intended course of study.
ACCOUNTING BURSARIES
Find bursaries for accounting, auditing, finance, chartered accountancy, financial management and related qualifications.
AGRICULTURE BURSARIES
Explore funding opportunities for agriculture, agricultural science, agribusiness, forestry, food production and related fields.
ARCHITECTURE BURSARIES
Find bursaries for architecture, architectural technology, design and related built-environment qualifications.
ARTS BURSARIES
Explore bursaries and funding opportunities for visual arts, performing arts, music, film, fashion, theatre and other creative disciplines.
COMMERCE BURSARIES
Find funding for commerce-related qualifications including business, economics, finance, management and other commercial fields.
CONSTRUCTION BURSARIES
Explore bursaries for construction management, quantity surveying, property, surveying and other built-environment fields.
EDUCATION & TEACHING BURSARIES
Find bursaries for teaching, education and related qualifications, including opportunities offered through government and other education funding programmes.
ENGINEERING BURSARIES
Explore bursaries for chemical, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical, mining, industrial, environmental and other engineering disciplines.
GENERAL BURSARIES
Find bursaries that support a broad range of study fields or are not limited to one specific academic discipline.
GOVERNMENT BURSARIES
Explore bursaries offered by national and provincial government departments, public entities and other government-linked organisations.
IT & COMPUTER SCIENCE BURSARIES
Find bursaries for information technology, computer science, software development, data science, information systems and related digital fields.
LAW BURSARIES
Explore funding opportunities for LLB and other law-related qualifications.
MARKETING BURSARIES
Find bursaries for marketing, digital marketing, communications, public relations and related commercial qualifications.
MEDICINE BURSARIES
Explore bursaries for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, allied health sciences and other health-related qualifications.
SCIENCE BURSARIES
Find funding opportunities for biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, environmental science and other scientific disciplines.
BURSARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Students often have questions about who can apply, how bursaries work, what they cover, how payments are made and where to find opportunities. Here are answers to some of the most important bursary questions.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR A BURSARY?
Anyone who meets the requirements of a particular bursary can apply. Common requirements may include South African citizenship or permanent residency, being in Matric or already studying, attending or planning to attend a recognised institution, meeting specific academic requirements and, for some bursaries, demonstrating financial need.
Requirements differ significantly between bursaries, so students should check the eligibility criteria for each opportunity before applying.
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A BURSARY?
The application process depends on the bursary provider. Some bursaries use an online application portal, while others require an application form to be submitted by email or through another specified method.
Before applying, check the closing date, eligibility requirements, fields of study, required documents and official application instructions. Complete the application carefully and submit all requested supporting documents before the deadline.
WHAT DOES A BURSARY COVER?
Bursary coverage depends on the provider and the terms of the bursary. A bursary may cover some or all of your tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, meals, books, learning materials, transport, equipment or living expenses.
Not every bursary covers every expense. Always check the funding benefits and conditions before accepting a bursary so you understand which costs are included and which costs you may still need to pay yourself.
HOW OFTEN IS A BURSARY PAID?
There is no single payment schedule for all bursaries. Depending on the provider, funding may be paid directly to the institution or service provider, provided as allowances, or paid to the student at intervals specified in the bursary agreement.
Some allowances may be paid monthly while other costs, such as tuition or registration, may be settled directly with the institution. The bursary agreement should explain how and when payments are made.
DO YOU HAVE TO PAY A BURSARY BACK?
Generally, a bursary is not the same as a student loan and does not normally have to be repaid simply because you received the funding. However, the specific bursary agreement determines your obligations.
Some bursaries may include conditions such as maintaining academic progress, completing your qualification or working for the bursary provider after graduation. In some circumstances, funding may become repayable if you breach the terms of the agreement.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A BURSARY IS A SCAM?
Check whether the bursary can be verified through the official website of the company, government department, university, foundation or organisation named as the funder. Be cautious if an opportunity asks you to pay a fee to apply, promises funding without an application process, requests unusual personal information or directs you to an unverified website or social media account.
Never assume that a bursary is legitimate simply because it uses a company logo or appears on social media. Verify the opportunity using an official source before submitting personal documents or financial information.
WHAT MARKS DO YOU NEED TO GET A BURSARY?
There is no single mark requirement for every bursary. Some providers may require a minimum overall average, while others specify minimum marks for particular subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences or English.
Academic requirements can also differ according to the qualification, year of study and bursary provider. Meeting the minimum marks does not necessarily guarantee that an applicant will receive funding because bursaries can be competitive.
CAN YOU APPLY FOR A BURSARY IF YOU ARE ALREADY AT UNIVERSITY?
Yes. Some bursaries are available to students who are already studying at university, although the provider may specify the year of study, minimum academic average, qualification or number of years remaining in the degree.
Do not assume that you must be a first-year student to receive bursary funding. Check whether the bursary accepts current university students and whether it requires proof of registration or an academic transcript.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND BURSARIES FOR 2027?
You can find 2027 bursary opportunities on Grads24 by checking the Bursaries Open for 2027 listings and browsing bursaries by study field. You can also check individual companies, government departments, universities, foundations and other organisations that offer student funding.
Because bursary application periods differ, check regularly for newly opened opportunities and always verify the latest application information with the official provider before applying.
If you found this information useful, share this page with a student who may be looking for bursary funding.