Government bursaries in South Africa act as a catalyst to promote financial assistance of deserving students who do not have money to finish their studies. The role played by government to prmote education in South Africa requires more than just lip service. Financial support directed to education by government helps to encourage the private sector to do the same.
Shortage of skills in South Africa charges government with the responsiblity to allocate a budget that goes to education. NSFAS is our governments initiative to demonstrate its commitment to skills development.
NSFAS is not able to provide adequate financial support for all students who wish to pursue tertiary education. More funds must be made available to support more students.
National Government Bursaries
Through its various national departments, government of South Africa makes available funds to help students from previously disadvanaged backgrounds.
Below is the list of national government departments that offer bursaries:
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
- Department of Health
- Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
Provincial Government Bursaries
Over and above these above-listed departments, there are bursaries offered by provincial government’s department. Various agencies of government also make budget available to financially support students.
List of Government Bursaries For 2025 in South Africa
- Bergrivier Municipality Bursary
- Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
- Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
- Eastern Cape Premiers Office Bursaries
- EThekwini Municipality Bursary
- Greater Letaba Municipality Bursary
- Ingquza Hill Municipality Bursary
- KZN Human Settlement Bursary
- Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality Bursary
- Musina Municipality Bursary
- National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Bursary
- Nkangala District Municipality Bursary
- NFVF Bursary
- GCRA Bursary
- Services SETA Bursary
This government bursaries list gets updated whenever there is a new opportunity that is published. You can also browse by the field of study below. We wish you all the best with your search for a suitable bursary.