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Government Bursaries South Africa 2027

Looking for Government Bursaries South Africa 2027? This directory brings together bursaries and study funding opportunities offered by South African government departments, provincial governments, municipalities, public entities and state-owned organisations.

Instead of searching for government bursaries one organisation at a time, use this page to find opportunities by government level, province, municipality, provider, field of study and application status. Where a full Grads24 bursary guide is available, you can follow the internal link for detailed information about eligibility, fields of study, funding, documents, application instructions and closing dates.

🟢 GOVERNMENT BURSARIES SOUTH AFRICA 2027 DIRECTORY
Use this page to discover government-related bursaries for the 2027 academic year. Opportunities are grouped by provider type, province and field of study. Application dates and requirements can change, so always open the individual bursary guide and verify important information with the bursary provider before applying.

Last verified: August 2026. This directory is updated as new 2027 bursary information becomes available.

Government Bursaries South Africa 2027 – Directory

The directory below provides a quick overview of government and government-related bursaries covered by Grads24. Status information should be checked against the individual bursary article and the latest announcement from the provider before an application is submitted.

Bursary Provider Category Study Areas 2027 Status Closing Date
GCRA Bursary Gauteng Provincial Government Provincial Various fields 🟢 Check latest intake See bursary guide
eThekwini Municipality Bursary eThekwini Municipality Municipal Various fields ⚪ 2027 status to be confirmed See bursary guide
Mandeni Municipality Bursary Mandeni Local Municipality Municipal Various fields ⚪ 2027 status to be confirmed See bursary guide
Drakenstein Municipality Bursary Drakenstein Municipality Municipal Various fields ⚪ 2027 status to be confirmed See bursary guide
Polokwane Municipality Bursary Polokwane Municipality Municipal Various fields ⚪ 2027 status to be confirmed See bursary guide
George Municipality Bursary George Municipality Municipal Various fields ⚪ 2027 status to be confirmed See bursary guide
Rand West City Local Municipality Bursary Rand West City Local Municipality Municipal Agriculture, Energy, Engineering, Environmental Health, Finance, Information Technology, Mining, Public and Business Management 🟢 Open 25 September 2026
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Bursary National Government National Sport, arts and culture ⚪ Check latest intake See bursary guide
NFVF Bursary National Film and Video Foundation Public entity Film and related fields ⚪ Check latest intake See bursary guide
CSIR Bursary CSIR Public entity Science, engineering, technology 🟢 Check latest intake See bursary guide
Transnet Bursary Transnet State-owned company Engineering, commerce and related fields ⚪ 2027 date TBA TBA
Eskom Bursary Eskom State-owned company Engineering, science and related fields 🔴 Closed Next intake TBA
National Treasury Bursary National Treasury National Government Finance, economics, accounting and related fields ⚪ Check latest intake See bursary guide
DFFE Bursary Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment National Government Environmental and natural-resource fields 🟢 Open 2 October 2026

Important: A status shown in this directory is a guide to the latest information available on Grads24. Always check the individual bursary page and the official provider before submitting an application.

Government Bursaries Currently Open or Awaiting the 2027 Intake

Government bursary application periods do not follow one national calendar. Some programmes open during the year before the academic year, while others announce their next intake later. For this reason, students should not assume that a bursary with no confirmed closing date has been cancelled.

When checking a bursary, look for one of four useful status indicators:

  • 🟢 OPEN: Applications are currently being accepted.
  • 🟡 CLOSING SOON: Applications remain open but the deadline is approaching.
  • ⚪ DATE TBA: The programme exists, but the next application date has not yet been confirmed.
  • 🔴 CLOSED: The current application period has ended.

If a bursary is closed, keep the individual page bookmarked or return to this directory when the next intake is announced. Many bursary programmes operate annually.

What Are Government Bursaries?

Government bursaries are study funding opportunities provided by government departments, provincial governments, municipalities and certain public institutions. They are generally intended to help students obtain qualifications that support public-sector skills needs, economic development, community development or specific departmental priorities.

The term government bursaries can therefore refer to more than bursaries offered directly by national government departments. A student may also encounter bursaries offered by a municipality, provincial government, public entity or state-owned company.

Government Bursaries vs Government-Related Bursaries

Provider What It Means Example
National Government A national government department or programme provides the opportunity. National Treasury and departmental bursaries
Provincial Government A provincial government or provincial department provides funding. GCRA and provincial bursary programmes
Municipality A local or district municipality provides funding, often with local residency requirements. Mandeni, Drakenstein and George municipality bursaries
Public Entity A government-established public institution offers the bursary. CSIR and NFVF
State-Owned Company A state-owned organisation provides the bursary as part of its skills-development or talent programmes. Transnet and Eskom

National Government Bursaries South Africa 2027

National government departments may offer bursaries to students studying qualifications relevant to their departments and South Africa’s skills requirements. The available fields, academic requirements, funding and application dates differ from one programme to another.

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Bursaries

Agriculture-related government funding can be relevant to students studying agriculture, agricultural sciences, environmental disciplines and other qualifications specified by the relevant programme.

Department of Health Bursaries

Government health bursaries may support students pursuing health-related qualifications. Provincial health departments can have their own programmes, eligibility requirements and application periods.

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Bursaries

Students interested in mining, engineering, geology, minerals and related technical disciplines should also investigate bursary programmes associated with the government departments and public organisations responsible for these sectors.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Bursary

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Bursary opportunities can be relevant to students pursuing qualifications in sport, arts, culture and related disciplines.

National Treasury Bursary

The National Treasury bursary can be relevant to students studying selected qualifications in areas such as economics, finance, accounting and related disciplines. Requirements and application dates should be confirmed for the relevant intake.

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary

The DFFE Bursary supports selected environmental and natural-resource related fields and is offered by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The current 2027 application period is open until 2 October 2026.

Provincial Government Bursaries 2027

Provincial government bursaries are offered through provincial departments, offices of the Premier and other provincial institutions. Some programmes prioritise students who live in the province, while others may have specific academic or field-of-study requirements.

Eastern Cape Government Bursaries

Free State Government Bursaries

Gauteng Government Bursaries

KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursaries

Limpopo Government Bursaries

Mpumalanga Government Bursaries

  • Nkangala District Municipality Bursary
  • Other Mpumalanga provincial and municipal bursary opportunities

Northern Cape Government Bursaries

  • Northern Cape provincial government bursary opportunities
  • Northern Cape municipal bursary opportunities

North West Government Bursaries

  • North West provincial government bursary opportunities
  • North West municipal bursary opportunities

Western Cape Government Bursaries

Municipal Bursaries South Africa 2027

Municipal bursaries are provided by local or district municipalities and are an important part of the government bursary landscape. They may be particularly relevant to students who live within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction.

Municipal bursaries can have requirements that differ from national bursaries. For example, an application may require proof of residence, while the municipality may also specify particular qualifications, institutions, academic results or household-income requirements.

If you are specifically looking for funding from your local municipality, check the municipality’s individual bursary requirements carefully. A municipal bursary can have a residency requirement that does not apply to a national bursary.

Government Agencies and Public Entity Bursaries

Government-related study funding is not limited to departments and municipalities. South Africa has numerous public entities and government agencies that support skills development and may offer bursaries in specialised fields.

State-Owned Company Bursaries

State-owned companies and state-controlled organisations can also provide bursaries. These opportunities are different from bursaries offered directly by a government department, but they remain important sources of funding for students.

  • Eskom Bursary
  • Transnet Bursary
  • PRASA Bursary
  • SAMSA Bursary
  • NECSA Bursary
  • SANEDI Bursary
  • IDC Bursary
  • Dube TradePort Bursary

Government Bursaries by Province

If you prefer to search for a bursary based on where you live, start with your province. Municipal and provincial bursaries can sometimes include residency requirements, making location an important part of the search.

  • Eastern Cape: Alfred Nzo District Municipality, DEDEAT, Eastern Cape Premier’s Office and other provincial and municipal opportunities.
  • Free State: Free State Premier’s Office and other provincial and municipal opportunities.
  • Gauteng: GCRA and Gauteng provincial and municipal opportunities.
  • KwaZulu-Natal: eThekwini, Mandeni, Ubuhlebezwe, uMlalazi and other provincial and municipal opportunities.
  • Limpopo: Greater Letaba, Polokwane, Vhembe and other provincial and municipal opportunities.
  • Mpumalanga: Nkangala District Municipality and other provincial and municipal opportunities.
  • Northern Cape: Provincial and municipal bursary opportunities.
  • North West: Provincial and municipal bursary opportunities.
  • Western Cape: Bergrivier, Drakenstein, George and other provincial and municipal opportunities.

Government Bursaries by Field of Study

Another effective way to find a government bursary is to start with the qualification you want to study. Government departments, public entities and state-owned organisations often target specific skills and disciplines rather than funding every qualification.

Field Potential Government-Related Providers What to Check
Engineering CSIR, Eskom, Transnet and other public-sector organisations Engineering discipline and year of study
Agriculture Agriculture departments and public agricultural entities Qualification and academic requirements
Health Sciences National and provincial health programmes Professional qualification and provincial requirements
Accounting and Finance National Treasury and public-sector organisations Required qualification and academic performance
Information Technology Government agencies and technology-related entities Approved IT or computing qualifications
Science CSIR, NRF, ARC and other research organisations Specific science discipline
Environmental Studies DFFE, SANParks and related organisations Environmental or natural-resource qualification
Law Selected government departments and public institutions LLB or other specified legal qualification
Teaching Government and provincial education programmes Teaching phase, subject and provincial requirements

If you already know what you want to study, you may find it easier to begin with a field-of-study directory such as Engineering Bursaries South Africa 2027 and then compare the individual funding opportunities available for your qualification.

Government Bursaries for Undergraduate Students

Many government-related bursaries support undergraduate study, but the exact year of study allowed differs between providers. Some programmes target first-year students, while others accept students already enrolled at university or another recognised tertiary institution.

Before applying, check whether the bursary accepts first-year students, current university students, diploma students, postgraduate students or students in a particular year of study.

Government Bursaries for First-Year Students

If you are entering tertiary education for the first time in 2027, pay particular attention to bursaries that specify Grade 12 results, admission to a recognised institution or first-year enrolment as part of their eligibility criteria.

Do not assume that every government bursary accepts first-year applicants. Some programmes are designed specifically for students who are already studying toward a particular qualification.

Government Bursaries for Postgraduate Students

Some public entities and government-related organisations support postgraduate study, particularly in research, science, engineering, technology and other areas aligned with their objectives. Postgraduate applicants should check whether the specific programme supports Honours, Master’s or Doctoral study.

Who Can Apply for Government Bursaries?

There is no single set of eligibility requirements for every government bursary in South Africa. Each provider establishes its own criteria.

  • South African citizenship may be required.
  • A minimum academic average may apply.
  • You may need to study a specific qualification.
  • You may need to attend a recognised South African tertiary institution.
  • A provincial or municipal residency requirement may apply.
  • Household-income limits may apply.
  • The bursary may be restricted to a particular year of study.
  • Some programmes may have age or other programme-specific requirements.

Always check the individual bursary’s eligibility criteria. Meeting the requirements for one government bursary does not automatically mean that you qualify for another.

Documents Commonly Required for Government Bursaries

Document requirements vary, but applicants may be asked for some combination of the following:

  • South African Identity Document
  • Grade 12 / Matric certificate
  • Latest academic record
  • Proof of university or college acceptance
  • Proof of registration
  • Proof of household income
  • Proof of residence
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Motivation letter
  • Parents’ or guardians’ supporting documents where required

Do not automatically submit every document listed above. Use the specific checklist supplied by the bursary provider and make sure every required document is provided in the requested format.

How to Apply for Government Bursaries in South Africa

1. Find a bursary that supports your qualification

Check the approved fields of study before spending time on an application. A bursary offered by a government department or public entity may only support selected qualifications.

2. Check the eligibility requirements

Confirm citizenship, academic results, year of study, residency, household income and tertiary-institution requirements where applicable.

3. Prepare your documents

Collect the required academic, identity, financial and supporting documents before beginning the application.

4. Use the official application method

Some bursaries use online application portals, while others may require applications through email, post or a government organisation’s prescribed application process. Follow the instructions provided by the bursary provider.

5. Submit before the closing date

Do not wait until the final day. Technical problems, missing documents or certification requirements can delay an application.

6. Keep proof of your application

Where possible, save the confirmation email, application reference number or other evidence that your application was successfully submitted.

Government Bursaries vs NSFAS

NSFAS is a government-funded student financial aid programme, but it should not be treated as identical to every government department, municipal or public-entity bursary.

Individual government bursaries can have their own fields of study, academic requirements, income limits, residency rules and application periods. Students should therefore investigate both NSFAS and other funding opportunities for which they may qualify.

Can You Apply for a Government Bursary and NSFAS?

You should check the funding conditions of both programmes. Some bursaries may not permit recipients to receive other forms of financial assistance, while others may have specific rules about additional funding. Never assume that two funding awards can automatically be combined.

Why Apply for Government Bursaries Early?

Government bursaries do not share one application calendar. A programme may close months before the academic year begins, while another may announce its next intake later.

  • You have more time to obtain academic records.
  • You can prepare certified documents where required.
  • You have time to correct errors on the application.
  • You can apply for more than one suitable opportunity.
  • You reduce the risk of missing an early closing date.

How to Find the Right Government Bursary

The best bursary is not necessarily the one with the largest funding package. Start by matching the bursary to your circumstances.

  • Know your qualification: Find bursaries that specifically support your degree, diploma or other qualification.
  • Check your location: Municipal and provincial bursaries may have residency requirements.
  • Check your academic results: Some programmes require a minimum average or specific Matric subjects.
  • Check your year of study: Make sure the bursary accepts your current study level.
  • Check the funding terms: Determine what expenses the bursary covers.
  • Check the closing date: Prioritise applications that are currently open or approaching their deadline.

Government Bursaries and Your Field of Study

Government-related bursaries can be particularly valuable in fields where public-sector organisations need specialised skills. This is why students should search both by provider and by qualification.

For example, an engineering student should not only search for “government engineering bursaries”. The student should also investigate individual organisations such as CSIR, Eskom, Transnet and other relevant public-sector providers.

Similarly, a student studying accounting or finance can search government departments and public-sector organisations whose bursary programmes support those qualifications.

How Grads24 Organises Government Bursaries

Grads24 organises government-related bursary information around the way students actually search for funding: provider, province, municipality, field of study and application status.

This means you can start with the information you already know. If you know the organisation, go to its individual bursary article. If you know your province, use the provincial sections. If you know your qualification, use the field-of-study section.

Individual bursary articles then provide the detailed information needed to make an application decision, including eligibility requirements, supported fields, funding information, required documents, application instructions and closing dates where available.

Government Bursary Status and Closing Dates

One of the most important things to check before applying is whether the bursary is currently accepting applications.

A bursary marked closed should not necessarily be removed from your search. Many government-related bursaries operate annually, meaning that the current intake may have ended while another application period is expected in the future.

STATUS WARNING: Never rely on an old closing date when preparing an application. Application dates, eligible qualifications and funding conditions can change between academic years. Check the individual Grads24 article and the latest information from the bursary provider.

Frequently Asked Questions – Government Bursaries South Africa 2027

Which government departments offer bursaries in South Africa?

Various national and provincial government departments offer bursaries depending on their skills requirements, annual programmes and available funding. Opportunities can cover fields such as agriculture, health, engineering, finance, science, law and other disciplines.

Are there government bursaries for 2027?

Yes. Government departments, provincial governments, municipalities, public entities and state-owned organisations can offer bursaries for the 2027 academic year. Application dates differ between providers, so each bursary should be checked individually.

Which provinces offer government bursaries?

Government-related bursary opportunities can be found across all nine South African provinces. Provincial departments and municipalities may have separate programmes and eligibility requirements.

Are municipal bursaries government bursaries?

Municipal bursaries are provided by local government institutions such as municipalities. They are therefore government-related bursaries, although they differ from bursaries provided directly by national government departments.

Does NSFAS count as a government bursary?

NSFAS is a government-funded student financial aid programme. It operates differently from individual bursary programmes offered by departments, municipalities, public entities and other organisations.

Can I apply for more than one government bursary?

You can generally apply for bursaries for which you meet the eligibility requirements. However, individual programmes may have rules concerning other funding or double funding, so check the terms before accepting an award.

Which government bursaries are available for engineering students?

Engineering students may find opportunities through public entities and state-owned organisations such as CSIR, Eskom and Transnet, as well as other government-related programmes. Eligibility depends on the engineering discipline, year of study and current bursary intake.

What documents do I need for a government bursary?

Requirements vary, but applicants may be asked for an identity document, Matric certificate, academic record, proof of registration or acceptance, proof of household income, proof of residence, CV and motivation letter.

Where can I find government bursaries that are currently open?

Use the Government Bursaries South Africa 2027 directory on Grads24 and check the status shown beside each opportunity. Open the individual bursary guide to confirm the latest closing date and application instructions before applying.

Are there government bursaries for students in KwaZulu-Natal?

Yes. KwaZulu-Natal has provincial, municipal and other government-related bursary opportunities. Examples listed on Grads24 include eThekwini Municipality, Mandeni Municipality and Ubuhlebezwe Municipality bursaries, subject to their individual application requirements and intake dates.

Are there government bursaries in the Western Cape?

Yes. Western Cape government-related bursary opportunities can include provincial and municipal programmes. Grads24 covers opportunities such as Bergrivier Municipality, Drakenstein Municipality and George Municipality bursaries.

Do municipal bursaries require proof of residence?

Some municipal bursaries may require proof that the applicant lives within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction. This is not a universal rule, so applicants should check the specific municipality’s eligibility requirements.

What happens if a government bursary is closed?

A closed bursary may simply mean that the current application period has ended. Many programmes operate annually, so students should check the individual bursary page for information about the next expected intake.

Important Before You Apply

  • Check that your qualification is supported by the bursary.
  • Check the minimum academic requirement.
  • Check whether you need to live in a particular province or municipality.
  • Check whether the programme accepts your year of study.
  • Check the current closing date.
  • Prepare your supporting documents early.
  • Use the official application method specified by the provider.
  • Keep confirmation that your application was submitted.
  • Do not pay an unofficial person or website to submit a bursary application on your behalf.
  • Verify important information against the latest information from the bursary provider.
Important: Bursary availability, eligibility requirements, funding terms and closing dates can change between application cycles. Grads24 provides this directory to help students discover opportunities, but applicants should always confirm the latest information with the relevant government department, municipality, public entity or organisation before submitting an application.

Find More Bursaries on Grads24

If you know what you want to study, you can narrow your search using our field-of-study bursary resources. For example, students interested in engineering can browse Engineering Bursaries South Africa 2027.

You can also explore our bursary guides for other fields, including accounting, information technology, health and medical studies and other qualifications.

When you find a bursary that matches your qualification and circumstances, open its individual Grads24 guide for the detailed requirements, funding information, application instructions and latest status.

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