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General Bursaries South Africa 2027

General bursaries provide funding for students studying across a wide range of fields, including hospitality, tourism, journalism, communications, public administration, social sciences, social work, sport, supply chain, logistics and other qualifications. Some bursaries support specific fields, while others accept applications from students studying across multiple disciplines.

Use the sections below to find bursaries according to your career interest, qualification or field of study. Always check the individual bursary page for the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions and closing date before applying.

CAREERS AND QUALIFICATIONS WITHIN GENERAL BURSARIES

General bursaries can lead to a wide range of careers across hospitality, tourism, media, communications, public administration, commerce, property, social services, sport, supply chain and transport. The table below shows some of the careers commonly connected to these fields, together with typical South African qualifications and indicative entry-level salaries.

CAREERTYPICAL QUALIFICATION IN SOUTH AFRICAESTIMATED ENTRY-LEVEL SALARY
ChefDiploma in Professional CookeryR8,000–R12,000/month
Hotel ManagerDiploma in Hospitality ManagementR18,000–R28,000/month
Tourism ManagerDiploma in Tourism ManagementR10,000–R16,000/month
Event ManagerDiploma in Event ManagementR10,000–R16,000/month
Travel ConsultantDiploma in Travel and TourismR8,000–R14,000/month
Tour GuideTourist Guide TrainingR8,000–R14,000/month
JournalistDiploma in JournalismR10,000–R16,000/month
Public Relations OfficerDiploma in Public RelationsR10,000–R18,000/month
Communications OfficerBA CommunicationR12,000–R18,000/month
Film & Television ProducerDiploma in Film and TelevisionR10,000–R16,000/month
Social Media ManagerBCom MarketingR12,000–R18,000/month
WriterBA EnglishR10,000–R16,000/month
TranslatorBA Language PracticeR10,000–R16,000/month
LinguistBA LinguisticsR10,000–R16,000/month
Operations ManagerBCom Operations ManagementR15,000–R25,000/month
Political AnalystBA Political ScienceR12,000–R20,000/month
DiplomatBA International RelationsR15,000–R25,000/month
Public AdministratorBAdminR12,000–R18,000/month
Public ManagerBAdmin / BComR15,000–R25,000/month
Property ManagerBCom Property StudiesR12,000–R20,000/month
Real Estate AgentReal Estate QualificationR8,000–R15,000/month
EconomistBCom EconomicsR15,000–R25,000/month
SociologistBA SociologyR10,000–R16,000/month
AnthropologistBA AnthropologyR10,000–R16,000/month
Social WorkerBSWR15,000–R22,000/month
Sports ManagerBA Sport ManagementR10,000–R16,000/month
Sports ScientistBSc Sport ScienceR12,000–R20,000/month
Supply Chain ManagerBCom Supply Chain ManagementR15,000–R25,000/month
Logistics ManagerDiploma in LogisticsR12,000–R20,000/month
Procurement ManagerBCom Supply Chain ManagementR15,000–R22,000/month
Transport ManagerDiploma in Transport ManagementR12,000–R20,000/month
Fleet ManagerDiploma in Transport ManagementR12,000–R20,000/month
Tourism Marketing ManagerBCom Marketing / Diploma in Tourism ManagementR12,000–R18,000/month

Salary figures are indicative South African entry-level estimates and may vary according to the employer, location, qualification, industry and experience.

CHEFFING & COOKING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Cheffing and cooking bursaries can help students who want to build careers in professional cookery, culinary arts and food preparation. Chefs work across restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering businesses and other hospitality environments.

  • Kouga Wind Farm Bursary
  • SA Chefs Bill Gallagher Study Assistance Bursary Fund
  • SA Chefs Bryan Montgomery Bursary Fund

HOSPITALITY BURSARIES FOR 2027

Hospitality bursaries support students interested in careers in hotels, resorts, restaurants, accommodation, catering, events and hospitality management. Qualifications in this field can lead to careers such as hotel manager, accommodation manager, catering manager, event manager and restaurant manager.

  • Access Trust Bursary
  • FEDHASA Cape Bursary
  • Gert Sibande District Municipality Bursary
  • GrandWest Bursary
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary
  • Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
  • Northern Cape Provincial Government Bursary
  • Rand Water Bursary
  • Rustenburg Municipality Bursary
  • SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
  • Sun City Resort Bursary
  • Tourvest Bursary
  • W&RSETA Bursary

HUMANITIES BURSARIES FOR 2027

Humanities bursaries are suitable for students studying subjects concerned with people, culture, society, history, languages, literature, philosophy and related areas. Depending on the qualification, humanities graduates can pursue careers in education, writing, research, communications, public service, media and cultural organisations.

  • Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary
  • Canon Collins Sol Plaatje Scholarship
  • Canon Collins Tom Queba Scholarship
  • General Electric Bursary
  • DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship
  • Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
  • PPS Foundation Bursary
  • Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
  • Rio Tinto/Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
  • Stellenbosch University Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship
  • Stellenbosch University Lisa Maskell Scholarship
  • UCT Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship for Women in Humanities

JOURNALISM BURSARIES FOR 2027

Journalism bursaries are aimed at students pursuing qualifications in journalism, communication, media and related fields. Journalism graduates may work as journalists, broadcasters, researchers, editors, copywriters, content producers and communications professionals.

  • Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship
  • dentsu SA Bursary
  • Department of Tourism Bursary
  • Instinctif Partners Bursary
  • KAS-SAIIA Scholarship
  • Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
  • Rio Tinto/Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
  • SAMNET Bursary

LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE BURSARIES FOR 2027

Language and literature bursaries support students studying languages, literature, linguistics, language practice, writing and related qualifications. These studies can lead to careers in teaching, translation, writing, editing, publishing, journalism, research and communications.

  • Absa Fellowship/Scholarship Programme
  • Babette Taute Scholarship
  • Bridgestone Bursary
  • Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary
  • Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary
  • Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship
  • Gallagher Foundation Scholarship
  • Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
  • Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship
  • Kaplan Centre Bursaries
  • KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursaries
  • Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
  • NESP Scholarship
  • Pyrotec Bursary
  • National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) Bursaries
  • South African Translators’ Institute Bursary

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS BURSARIES FOR 2027

Media and communications bursaries can help students pursue careers in communication, broadcasting, digital media, public information, content production, advertising and related areas.

  • Absa Fellowship/Scholarship Programme
  • Bombela Bursary
  • Boston Media House and YFM Scholarship
  • Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
  • Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship
  • Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary
  • Capitec Bank Bursary
  • Cipla Bursary
  • Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) Bursary
  • Department of Tourism Bursary
  • eMedia Bursary
  • Gauteng Provincial Treasury Bursary
  • Hollywood Foundation Bursary
  • IDB Education Trust Bursary Loan
  • Inscape Scholarship
  • Instinctif Partners Bursary
  • Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
  • Loeries Creative Future Scholarship
  • MultiChoice Bursary
  • Muslim Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)/Voice of the Cape (VOC) Bursary
  • Nestlé Future Talent Bursary
  • North West Provincial Government Bursaries
  • Northam Zondereinde Mine Bursary
  • Palabora Mining Company Bursary
  • Pyrotec Bursary
  • Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary
  • Revolution Media Academy Bursary
  • SAMNET Bursary
  • Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) Bursary
  • South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) Bursary
  • Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Bursary
  • Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship
  • TBWA Bursary
  • Vhembe District Municipality Mayoral Bursary

OPERATIONS & OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT BURSARIES FOR 2027

Operations and operations management bursaries are relevant to students interested in business processes, production, administration, supply chain activities and organisational management.

POLITICAL BURSARIES FOR 2027

Political bursaries are relevant to students studying Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy and related fields. These qualifications can lead to careers in government, diplomacy, policy research, political analysis and international affairs.

  • Absa Fellowship/Scholarship Programme
  • Brand South Africa Bursary
  • Canon Collins Sol Plaatje Scholarship
  • Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC) Bursary
  • Gallagher Foundation Scholarship
  • Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
  • KAS-SAIIA Scholarship
  • Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
  • Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
  • SAMNET Bursary

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION BURSARIES FOR 2027

Public Administration bursaries are suitable for students interested in government administration, public management, policy, municipal administration and related public-sector careers.

PUBLIC RELATIONS BURSARIES FOR 2027

Public Relations bursaries can help students study communication, public relations, media and related qualifications. Graduates can pursue careers in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, marketing communications and stakeholder engagement.

  • Brand South Africa Bursary
  • Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) Bursary
  • Department of Tourism Bursary
  • Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) Bursary
  • Gauteng Provincial Treasury Bursary
  • Instinctif Partners Bursary

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY BURSARIES FOR 2027

Property and real estate bursaries support students interested in property studies, real estate, property management and related built-environment fields. Property qualifications can lead to careers in property management, property development, valuation and real estate.

SOCIAL SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2027

Social Science bursaries are relevant to students studying subjects such as sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, economics and other disciplines that examine people, society and social systems.

  • Absa Fellowship/Scholarship Programme
  • Brand South Africa Bursary
  • Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
  • Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC) Bursary
  • DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship
  • Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
  • Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary
  • Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Bursary
  • General Electric Bursary
  • GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town
  • Harmony Bursary
  • Joe Morolong Assmang Bursary
  • Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
  • Oasis Bursary
  • Pyrotec Bursary
  • Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
  • Robben Island Museum (RIM) Bursary

SOCIAL WORK BURSARIES FOR 2027

Social Work bursaries provide funding for students who want to qualify as social workers and work with individuals, families and communities. Students should always check whether a bursary specifically supports Social Work before applying.

  • Absa Fellowship/Scholarship Programme
  • Black Mountain Study Trust Bursary
  • Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Bursary
  • Donald White/Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund Bursary
  • Erika Theron Trust Scholarship
  • Exxaro Bursary
  • Gauteng Provincial Treasury Bursary
  • ISFAP Bursary
  • National Department of Social Development Bursary
  • Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
  • SASSETA Bursary

SPORTS BURSARIES FOR 2027

Sports bursaries can support students pursuing qualifications related to sport management, sport science, coaching, physical education and other sport-related fields.

SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS BURSARIES FOR 2027

Supply Chain and Logistics bursaries are suitable for students interested in procurement, purchasing, logistics, inventory management, warehousing, distribution and supply chain management. These qualifications can lead to careers such as supply chain manager, logistics manager and procurement manager.

TRANSPORT & ROAD BURSARIES FOR 2027

Transport and Road bursaries support students studying transport management, logistics, road infrastructure, transport economics and related fields. Depending on the qualification, graduates can work in transport operations, fleet management, logistics and road transport.

  • Bombela Bursary
  • City of Cape Town Bursary
  • Clicks Foundation Bursary
  • Department of Transport Bursary
  • Eastern Cape Department of Transport Bursary
  • Great North Transport Bursary
  • GWK Bursary Fund
  • KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursaries (Department of Transport)
  • LGSETA Bursary
  • Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety Bursary
  • Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
  • Msunduzi Municipality Bursary
  • North West Provincial Government Bursaries
  • Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety & Liaison Bursary
  • Palabora Mining Company Bursary
  • Road Traffic Infringement Agency Bursary
  • South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary
  • Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) Bursary
  • Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary

TRAVEL & TOURISM BURSARIES FOR 2027

Travel and Tourism bursaries support students who want to build careers in tourism management, travel, tour operations, hospitality and related sectors. Qualifications may lead to careers such as tourism manager, travel consultant, tour guide and tourism marketing manager.

  • Access Trust Bursary
  • Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
  • Capricorn District Municipality Bursary
  • Department of Tourism Bursary
  • Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC) Bursary
  • Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
  • Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality Bursary
  • Gert Sibande District Municipality Bursary
  • GrandWest Bursary
  • Greater Letaba Municipality Bursary
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary
  • Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
  • Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Bursary
  • Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
  • Musina Local Municipality Bursary
  • NESP Scholarship
  • North West Provincial Government Bursary
  • Northern Cape Provincial Government Bursary
  • Rustenburg Municipality Bursary
  • SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
  • South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Bursary
  • South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) Bursary
  • Sun City Resort Bursary
  • Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality Bursary
  • Tourvest Bursary
  • Vhembe District Municipality Mayoral Bursary

ALL GENERAL BURSARIES IN ALL FIELDS OF STUDY FOR 2027

If your qualification does not fit neatly into one of the sections above, you can also consider bursaries that support multiple fields of study. These opportunities may cover a broad range of qualifications, so you should check the approved fields and eligibility requirements for each bursary before applying.

  • Absa Fellowship/Scholarship Programme
  • Accenture Scholarship
  • Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary
  • AFHCO Bursary
  • Agar-Hamilton Trust Bursary
  • AJ Foundation Bursary
  • Ashinga Africa Initiative (AAI) Leadership Programme
  • ASSET (Association for Educational Transformation) Bursary South Africa
  • Athlone Institute Bursary
  • Allan Gray Orbis Foundation High School Scholarship
  • Blind SA Bursary
  • Cape Winelands District Municipality Bursary
  • Chatsworth Centre Bursary
  • City of Matlosana Bursary
  • City of Polokwane Bursary
  • Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) Bursary
  • Converse South Africa #KickTheDebt Student Award
  • DirectAxis University Scholarship
  • Dr Ruth S Mompati District Municipality Bursary
  • DSV Empowerment Trust Bursary
  • Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Bursary
  • Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary
  • Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary
  • Fleet Horizon Solutions (FHS) Bursary
  • Garden Route District Municipality Bursary
  • Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary
  • Gauteng COGTA Bursary
  • Gumtree SA Study Fund
  • Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship
  • Hollywoodbets & Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation Bursary
  • HCI Foundation Bursary
  • IAHET Bursary
  • Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship
  • Idwala Industries Holdings Limited Bursary
  • IFA (Independent Field Advertiser) Bursary
  • Imfundo Enhle Education Trust Bursary
  • INISA Student Grant
  • INSETA ISSF Bursary
  • JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary
  • KELE Mining Solutions Bursary
  • Kouga Wind Farm Bursary
  • Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary
  • Mampeule Foundation Bursary
  • Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) Bursary
  • Milpark Student Bursaries
  • Mitchell’s Plain Bursary and Role Model Trust
  • Mopani District Municipality Bursary
  • Mulilo Bursary
  • Muslim Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)/Voice of the Cape (VOC) Bursary
  • National Treasury Bursary
  • Nedbank Bursary
  • Newcastle Municipality Bursary
  • Novus Holdings (Paarl Media Trust) Bursary
  • NYDA African Scholars Fund Bursary
  • Pearson South Africa Bursary
  • Pick n Pay Bursary
  • Pindulo VDM Bursary
  • Polokwane Municipality Bursary
  • Readers Unite Bursary
  • Renttech South Africa Bursary for People with Disabilities
  • Saaberie Chishty Society Bursary
  • SACTWU Bursary
  • SAIF Bursary Fund
  • SANZAF Zakah Bursary
  • Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary
  • South32 HMM Bursary
  • South32 HMM Community Bursary
  • South32 Khutala Colliery (SAEC) Bursaries
  • South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) Bursary
  • Thales Southern Africa Bursary
  • The Rhodes Trust Scholarship (Postgraduate)
  • Tiso Foundation Bursary
  • Tomorrow Trust Bursary
  • Tsitsikamma Wind Farm Trust Bursary

GENERAL BURSARY APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

The following general bursaries have current 2027 application opportunities. Closing dates can change, so students should check the individual bursary page before submitting an application.

Important: A bursary appearing on this page does not necessarily mean that applications are currently open. Always check the status and closing date on the individual bursary page before applying.

RECENTLY CLOSED GENERAL BURSARIES

LATEST GENERAL BURSARIES

HOW TO FIND A GENERAL BURSARY

The best way to find a suitable general bursary is to start with your intended qualification or career rather than applying for every bursary you find. Use the field-of-study sections above to identify opportunities that match your course.

  1. Identify the qualification or career you want to pursue.
  2. Find the relevant field-of-study section above.
  3. Check the bursaries listed under that field.
  4. Open the individual bursary page and check the eligibility requirements.
  5. Confirm the closing date and application method.
  6. Prepare the required documents before submitting your application.
  7. Apply through the official application method provided by the bursary provider.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE USUALLY REQUIRED FOR A BURSARY APPLICATION?

Required documents differ between bursary providers, but applicants are commonly asked to provide identification, academic results and proof of registration or acceptance at a tertiary institution.

  • Certified copy of your South African ID
  • Latest academic results
  • Matric certificate, if already completed
  • Proof of university or college registration
  • Proof of acceptance, where applicable
  • Proof of household income or financial need, where required
  • Curriculum vitae, where required
  • Motivation letter, where required

CAN I APPLY FOR A BURSARY THAT IS CLOSED?

Generally, you should not submit an application after the stated closing date unless the bursary provider has officially extended or reopened the application period. Instead, check whether another bursary in the same field is still accepting applications.

If a bursary has closed, you can also use its eligibility requirements and previous closing date to prepare for the next intake.

GENERAL BURSARY CLOSING DATES

There is no single closing date for general bursaries. Providers set their own application periods, and some open applications many months before the academic year begins while others open later.

For 2027 studies, students should start checking for bursaries well before the academic year begins and should not wait until January to look for funding.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GENERAL BURSARIES

What are general bursaries?

General bursaries are funding opportunities that support students across multiple fields of study or qualifications that do not fall into a narrowly defined bursary category.

Which general bursaries are open now?

The bursaries listed in the General Bursary Applications Open Now section are opportunities with current 2027 application periods. Always check the individual bursary page for the latest closing date before applying.

Is the Amandla Omoya Trust Bursary open for 2027?

Yes. The Amandla Omoya Trust Bursary is open for 2027 applications. The application is managed through StudyTrust, and students should check the latest closing-date information before submitting their application.

What study fields are covered by the Amandla Omoya Trust Bursary?

The Amandla Omoya Trust supports post-school education and training across recognised South African tertiary and training institutions. Applicants should check the current programme requirements for the specific qualification and study level they intend to pursue.

How do I apply for a general bursary?

Open the individual bursary listing, check the eligibility requirements and closing date, prepare the required documents and follow the application instructions provided by the bursary provider.

Can I apply for more than one bursary?

Yes. You can apply for multiple bursaries provided that you meet the eligibility requirements for each programme. Applying for several suitable opportunities can increase your chances of securing funding.

What should I do if a bursary is closed?

Look for another bursary in the same field that is still open, or prepare for the next application cycle. You can also browse the other General Bursaries sections above to find alternative funding opportunities.

Important: Bursary requirements, supported fields, funding benefits and closing dates can change from one intake to another. Always confirm the latest information on the individual bursary page and, where possible, with the official bursary provider before submitting your application.

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