Bursaries Closing In January 2025 – Never Miss The Deadline

Bursaries Closing In January 2025 South Africa

Obtaining a bursary not only covers your university expenses but also enhances your chances for employment upon graduation. Many academically excelling students actively search for financial support opportunities offered by various organizations in South Africa. Bursary beneficiaries have increased chances of getting employed after they complete their studies.

January signals the beginning of a new year, but majority of bursary applications close months before the commencement of bursaries that are still open for applications. Most organizations conclude their selection process a year before the start of the new academic year, with most bursary providers concluding their selection process a year in advance.

In this publication, we will provide a list of bursaries closing in January 2025, along with a detailed checklist to assist you in your application process. We will also explore common mistakes to avoid when you submit completing your funding application.

List of Bursaries Closing In January 2025

January is a crucial month of the year for undergraduate students who still need bursaries for the 2025 academic year. Many bursary providers have already closed their application processes, they are now finalizing contracts with successful applicants. However, some organizations are still open for applications. This is often because they may have not receive enough applications or because they have more funds available to award more bursaries. Students who have not yet secured financial support should take advantage of these remaining opportunities and apply before the final deadlines.

There are 3 groups of bursary closing dates: confirmed, unconfirmed, and open all year round. Below is an explanation of each group:

1. Confirmed Closing Dates: These bursaries have fixed deadlines announced by the providers. For example, the BASF South Africa Trust Bursary closes on 10 January 2025. This category is ideal for students who are organized and can meet the specific application deadlines.
2. Unconfirmed Closing Dates: These bursaries do not yet have publicly announced deadlines, or the dates may vary each year. Applicants should frequently check with the bursary provider for updates to ensure they don’t miss out.
3. Open All Year Round: Some bursary programs accept applications throughout the year without a fixed deadline. These are often provided by organizations with ongoing funding schemes or rolling admissions. However, early application is advised, as funds may be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Confirmed Bursaries Closing In January 2025

1. Reatile Foundation Trust Bursary – Closing: 9 January 2025
2. Sasria Bursary – Closing: 3 January 2025
3. BASF Bursary – Closing: 10 January 2025
4. VBKOM Bursary – Closing: 12 January 2025
5. EThekwini Municipality Bursary – Closing 17 January 2025
6. Royal Bafokeng Holdings (RBH) Bursary – Closing: 17 January 2025
7. Gold One Bursary – Closing: 17 January 2025
8. Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Bursary – Closing: 17 January 2025
9. Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) Bursary – Closing: 17 January 2025
10. Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality Bursary – Closing: 23 January 2025
11. Rio Tinto/Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary – Closing: 24 January 2025
12. Vhembe District Municipality Bursary – Closing: 24 January 2025
13. Funza Lushaka Bursary – Closing: 26 January 2025
14. East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) Bursary – Closing: 27 January 2025
15. Eskom Bursary – Closing: 29 January 2025
16. Assmang Bursary – Closing: 30 January 2025
17. DENOSA Bursary – Closing: 31 January 2025
18. Cape Gate Erwin Robert Balde Bursary – Closing: 31 January 2025
19. Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary – Closing: 31 January 2025
20. Gallagher Foundation Scholarship – Closing: 31 January 2025
21. Idwala Industrial Holdings Bursary – Closing 31 January 2025
22. Portia M Bursary – Closing 31 January 2025
23. PSIRA Bursary – Closing: 31 January 2025
24. SAAFoST Undergraduate Bursary – Closing: 31 January 2025
25. Siemens Bursary – Closing: 31 January 2025
26. TCTA Bursary – Closing: 31 January 2025
27. Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary – Closing: 31 January 2025
28. FAME Academy SA Bursaries (Arts) – Closing: 31 January 2025

Bursaries with Unconfirmed Deadlines

Some bursaries have application deadlines that remain unconfirmed, leaving students unsure of exact submission timelines. These opportunities often require proactive inquiry with the organizations to ensure timely applications. Below is a list of bursaries with unconfirmed deadlines, offering diverse options for financial support:

1. Accenture Scholarship
2. Aspen Bursary
3. Fasken Scholarship
4. Hulamin Bursary
5. JG Afrika Bursary
6. Kearney Bursary
7. Moshal Scholarship Program
8. Milkor Bursary
9. Mineral Processing Guru (MPG) Bursary
10. PG Group Bursary
11. Shell Bursary
12. WBHO Bursary

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing a Bursary Application

1. Missing the Deadline
   Procrastination can lead to last-minute submissions, which often result in incomplete or poorly compiled applications. Always submit your application before the closing date.
2. Ignoring Eligibility Criteria
   Applying for a bursary without meeting its requirements wastes your time. Ensure you thoroughly review the eligibility criteria before starting your application.
3. Providing Incomplete Documentation
   Failing to include all required documents, such as certified transcripts, proof of acceptance, or ID copies, can disqualify your application.
4. Submitting a Generic Application
   Using a one-size-fits-all application for multiple bursaries is a common error. Tailor your application to each bursary by addressing how your goals align with the sponsor’s mission.
5. Overlooking the Motivation Letter
   A poorly written or vague motivation letter can weaken your application. Take time to craft a compelling narrative that highlights your academic achievements, financial need, and career aspirations.
6. Neglecting to Proofread
   Submitting an application with spelling and grammatical errors reflects poorly on your attention to detail. Always double-check your work or ask someone else to review it.
7. Providing Incorrect or Outdated Information
   Ensure that all information, such as contact details, academic records, and personal data, is accurate and up to date.
8. Failing to Highlight Financial Need
   Many bursaries prioritize students who demonstrate financial hardship. Clearly articulate why you need financial support.
9. Not Following Instructions
   Ignoring specific application guidelines, such as word limits or required formats, can lead to disqualification. Follow all instructions carefully.
10. Neglecting to Seek Help
    Failing to ask for advice from mentors, teachers, or career counselors can lead to missed opportunities for improvement. Utilize available resources to strengthen your application.

Conclusion

January is a critical time for students applying for bursaries to support their studies in 2025. With various opportunities still open, it’s important to act quickly and submit your applications before the deadlines. Careful preparation, meeting eligibility requirements, and avoiding common mistakes can greatly increase your chances of securing funding. Make sure to stay organized and submit your applications on time to take full advantage of these opportunities.

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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.