If you are a South African student and you are planning to study in 2026, bursaries are one of many ways you can fund your studies. Below is a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa that are closing in August 2025 — with helpful information on who should apply, how to prepare, and tips to help your application stand out. Each individual bursary opportunity has its own eligibility criteria, fields of study, application process and the closing date.
LIST OF BURSARIES CLOSING IN AUGUST 2025
Below is the comprehensive list of funding opportunities that are closing in the month of August 2025:
1. Rhodes Trust Scholarship
Closing Date: 1 August 2025
- Catering for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford
- Covers expenses like tuition, living expenses, and travel costs
- Open for applications from outstanding South African students who are committed to academic excellence
- Highly competitive and very prestigious
2. UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition
Closing Date: 1 August 2025
- Funding Grade 12 learners with academic and leadership potential
- Recipients receives full tuition bursary at the University of the Free State
- Includes the advantage of an internship opportunity at Media24 for practical experience
- Ideal for future media and communication professionals
3. Competition Tribunal South Africa Scholarship
Closing Date: 15 August 2025
- Supports postgraduate studies in competition law, economics, or related fields
- Covers tuition fees and study-related expenses
- Open to students pursuing legal or regulatory careers
- Preference given to academically strong applicants
4. Hortgro Bursary
Closing Date: 15 August 2025
- For students studying agriculture, particularly fruit production and horticulture
- Provides funding for tuition and promotes skills development in the sector
- Aimed at nurturing future leaders in the agricultural industry
5. IVANPLATS Bursary
Closing Date: 15 August 2025
- Supports studies in mining-related disciplines including engineering and geology
- Covers tuition fees and offers potential practical training opportunities
- Offered by a leading South African mining company
6. Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary (LPFF)
Closing Date: 15 August 2025
- For LLB students intending to practice law in South Africa
- Covers tuition fees and other academic expenses
- Only open to South African citizens
- Supports development of legal professionals
7. SANParks Bursary
Closing Date: 18 August 2025
- For students in environmental science, conservation, or related fields
- Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Offered by South African National Parks to support conservation efforts
- Covers tuition and study-related costs
8. SBF High School Scholarship
Closing Date: 22 August 2025
- Provides financial aid to current high school learners
- Helps with tuition and other school-related costs
- Aims to support learners in reaching their academic goals
9. Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship
Closing Date: 28 August 2025
- Postgraduate scholarship for students in science, humanities, engineering, and more
- Covers tuition and related study expenses
- Highly respected scholarship with a competitive selection process
10. Bigen Bursary
Closing Date: 30 August 2025
- For students pursuing engineering, architecture, or project management
- Funded by infrastructure consulting firm Bigen
- Preference for applicants with strong academic performance
11. Liberty Bursary
Closing Date: 30 August 2025
- Supports students studying finance, actuarial science, and economics
- Offered by Liberty, a leading financial services group
- Aims to nurture future professionals in the financial sector
12. FSCA Bursary for Students with Disabilities
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- Supports students with disabilities in finance, accounting, and related areas
- Offered by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority
- Promotes inclusion and accessibility in the financial industry
13. Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in engineering, quantity surveying, and related fields
- Offered by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
- Supports academically strong and financially needy students
14. Momentum Group Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- Focuses on actuarial science and business-related degrees
- Provided by Momentum, a major financial services company
- Supports skills development and leadership in the industry
15. Nedbank Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For studies in accounting, finance, and economics
- Offered by Nedbank to nurture future financial professionals
- Covers tuition fees and academic expenses
16. Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in finance, business, and related fields
- Supports academic excellence and leadership growth
- Offered by Old Mutual as part of its education initiatives
17. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in accounting, business, and finance
- PwC invests in future leaders in professional services
- Covers tuition and offers work opportunities
18. Proxa Water Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students studying water treatment and environmental engineering
- Offered by Proxa, a sustainable water solutions company
- Supports students passionate about environmental sustainability
19. SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For disadvantaged students studying chartered accounting
- Covers tuition, books, and living expenses
- Offered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
20. South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- Supports students pursuing actuarial science degrees
- Promotes transformation and diversity in the actuarial profession
- Covers full academic and living expenses
21. South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) Scholarship
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students studying cultural studies or related disciplines
- Promotes research and innovation in arts and culture
- Funded by SACO to support the cultural economy
22. South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For civil engineering students with an interest in road infrastructure
- Supports tuition and academic expenses
- Aims to promote careers in road development and construction
23. UFS Bursary: Star of Stars Competition
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- Open to high-achieving Grade 12 learners
- Bursary to study at the University of the Free State
- Awarded based on academic excellence and community involvement
24. Vodacom Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students studying ICT, engineering, and business
- Covers tuition and living expenses
- Offers opportunities to work with Vodacom after graduation
Bursaries with No Confirmed Closing Date
While the bursaries below did not have a confirmed closing date at the time of publishing, they may still be open for applications:
- Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) Bursary
- Heribert Nasch Bursary
- Hulamin Bursary
- JG Afrika Bursary
- Kearney Bursary
- Moshal Scholarship Program
- Milkor Bursary
- Mineral Processing Guru (MPG) Bursary
- PG Group Bursary
- Shell Bursary
- WBHO Bursary
- Worley Bursary
- WSP Bursary
- 18twenty8 Bursary (Applications accepted anytime)
- Advance Africa Scholarship (Applications accepted anytime)
- BBD Bursary (Applications accepted anytime)
- Career Wise Bursaries (Applications accepted anytime)
- MINDS Scholarship (Applications accepted anytime)
- TTI Bursary (Applications accepted anytime)
Supporting Documents You Need To Apply
To ensure a smooth application process, gather the following documents early:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified academic results or latest report card
- Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letters, or affidavits)
- Motivational or personal statement
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognized institution
- Reference letters (if required)
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Read eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
- Tailor your motivational letter to each bursary. Avoid generic templates.
- Prepare certified copies of your documents early.
- Apply before deadlines to avoid last-minute issues.
- Keep digital and physical copies of all submitted forms and confirmation emails.
- Apply to multiple bursaries to increase your chances of success.
With these bursaries closing soon, now is the time to prepare your applications and secure funding for your studies. Check each bursary’s official website for application forms and further details.