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How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa

Applying for a bursary can help reduce the cost of university, college or school education, but every bursary has its own requirements, application process and closing date. Some bursaries are available to Grade 12 learners preparing for tertiary study, while others are aimed at current university students or learners in earlier grades.

This guide explains how to find bursaries you may qualify for, when to start applying, how to check that an opportunity is legitimate, what documents you may need, how to complete an application and what to do after submitting it.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A BURSARY IN SOUTH AFRICA?

To apply for a bursary in South Africa, first find bursaries that match your study level, field of study, academic results and other eligibility requirements. Read the full bursary requirements before starting the application, prepare the required documents, complete the application using the method specified by the bursary provider and submit it before the closing date.

A typical bursary application involves these steps:

  • Find bursaries that match your circumstances and intended or current qualification.
  • Check the eligibility requirements carefully.
  • Check the opening and closing dates.
  • Verify that the bursary opportunity is legitimate.
  • Prepare your supporting documents.
  • Complete any required motivation, essay or personal statement.
  • Complete the application form accurately.
  • Upload or submit all required documents.
  • Review the application before submitting it.
  • Submit the application before the stated deadline.
  • Keep confirmation or proof that the application was submitted.

The exact process differs between bursaries. Some sponsors use their own online application system, while others use an organisation that administers applications on their behalf. StudyTrust, for example, currently uses an online application platform for bursaries it administers and requires applicants to provide personal, study, academic and household-income information.

WHEN SHOULD I START APPLYING FOR BURSARIES?

You should start looking for bursaries well before you need the funding. Do not wait until the beginning of the academic year to start searching because many bursaries have application periods that close months before studies begin.

Application periods differ between sponsors. Some bursaries open during the middle of the year for funding in the following academic year, while others have different opening and closing dates. StudyTrust currently states that most of the bursaries and scholarships it administers open on 1 June and close on 30 September, although individual opportunities may have different deadlines.

The safest approach is to start searching early, make a list of suitable bursaries and check each sponsor’s official closing date before applying.

CAN I APPLY FOR A BURSARY WHILE IN GRADE 12?

Yes. Grade 12 learners can apply for bursaries, particularly bursaries intended to fund students entering university or another tertiary institution in the following academic year.

However, being in Grade 12 does not automatically make you eligible. A bursary may require particular subjects, minimum marks, financial need, a specific qualification, admission to a particular institution or other conditions.

For example, current StudyTrust opportunities include bursaries that invite applications from Grade 12 learners who will begin their first undergraduate degree, while other programmes have different study-level requirements.

If you are in Grade 12, check both the bursary requirements and the university or college admission requirements for the qualification you intend to study.

CAN I APPLY FOR A BURSARY WHILE IN GRADE 11?

Yes, but only if the bursary specifically accepts Grade 11 learners. Many tertiary bursaries are designed for Grade 12 learners who are preparing to enter tertiary education, so Grade 11 learners need to look specifically for opportunities that accept applicants at their current school level.

Some high-school bursaries accept learners before Grade 12. For example, StudyTrust currently lists a high-school bursary programme for learners in Grades 10 to 12, demonstrating that eligibility can begin before Grade 12 for certain programmes.

Grade 11 learners should therefore check the required grade, academic results, subjects and other selection criteria before starting an application.

CAN I APPLY FOR A BURSARY WHILE IN GRADE 10?

Yes, some bursaries are available to Grade 10 learners, but they are not the same as the bursaries intended for students entering university.

High-school bursaries may have requirements relating to academic performance, household income, school attendance, subjects and the grade the learner will enter in the following year. For example, StudyTrust currently states that one of its high-school programmes covers learners in Grades 10, 11 and 12.

If you are in Grade 10, search specifically for high-school bursaries rather than assuming that a bursary advertised for university applicants will accept your application.

CAN I APPLY FOR A BURSARY WHILE IN GRADE 9?

Grade 9 learners may find bursaries or educational funding opportunities, but opportunities at this level are more limited and eligibility is entirely dependent on the specific programme.

Do not assume that a bursary accepting high-school learners will automatically accept Grade 9 applicants. Always check the minimum and maximum grade specified by the bursary provider.

If you are in Grade 9, you can still start preparing early by researching bursaries, keeping your academic results strong and identifying the subjects and qualifications required for the careers or fields you are interested in.

CAN CURRENT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS APPLY FOR BURSARIES?

Yes. Some bursaries are specifically available to students who are already studying at university or another tertiary institution.

The year of study accepted can differ significantly between bursaries. Some opportunities are limited to first-year students, while others may fund students in later undergraduate years or postgraduate study.

For example, StudyTrust currently administers bursaries for university students at different levels, including opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on the individual programme.

When searching, check whether the bursary accepts your current year of study, qualification, institution and academic results.

HOW DO I FIND BURSARIES I QUALIFY FOR?

The best way to find suitable bursaries is to search according to your study level, field of study, academic performance, financial circumstances and other eligibility factors.

Start with bursaries relevant to your intended or current field, such as engineering, medicine, accounting, science, agriculture, law, information technology or teaching. You can then narrow the list using the bursary’s academic, financial, citizenship, location and study-level requirements.

Before applying, compare your circumstances with the actual requirements published by the bursary provider. A bursary appearing in a general list does not mean that every student is eligible.

On Grads24, you can browse bursaries and funding opportunities by field and other categories, then open the individual bursary article for its current requirements, application process and closing date.

HOW DO I AVOID BURSARY SCAMS?

Before applying for a bursary, make sure the opportunity is genuine. Students searching for funding may encounter fake bursary advertisements, websites pretending to represent legitimate organisations, or individuals asking applicants to pay money to submit an application.

Check the bursary information carefully and, where possible, confirm the opportunity through the organisation’s official website or another reliable source. Be particularly cautious if an application requires payment, asks for unnecessary personal or banking information, or directs you to an unfamiliar website.

  • Verify the organisation: Check that the bursary is offered by the organisation named in the advertisement and look for the opportunity on its official website.
  • Check the application process: Make sure the application instructions and website address match information published by the bursary provider.
  • Do not pay to apply: Be cautious of anyone asking you to pay a fee simply to submit a bursary application.
  • Protect your personal information: Do not provide passwords, PINs or other sensitive banking information to someone claiming to process a bursary application.
  • Be careful with unexpected messages: Treat unsolicited WhatsApp messages, emails and social-media posts offering bursary funding with caution until the opportunity has been independently verified.

If you are unsure whether a bursary opportunity is legitimate, do not submit your personal documents or make any payment until you have verified it. For a more detailed checklist, see our guide on how to spot a bursary scam.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A BURSARY APPLICATION?

There is no single set of requirements that applies to every bursary. Each sponsor decides who can apply and what selection criteria must be met.

Common bursary requirements can include:

  • South African citizenship or another specified citizenship requirement.
  • A particular grade, year of study or qualification level.
  • Minimum academic marks or an academic average.
  • Specific subjects or fields of study.
  • Acceptance or registration at a specified institution.
  • Full-time study.
  • Financial need or a household-income threshold.
  • Residence in a particular province, municipality, community or geographic area.
  • Age limits where applicable.
  • Other conditions set by the bursary sponsor.

For this reason, always read the full requirements before spending time on an application. StudyTrust, for example, states that the selection criteria of its different bursaries vary and can include academic potential, financial need and the applicant’s study programme.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A BURSARY?

The documents required depend on the bursary, but applicants are commonly asked for documents that prove their identity, academic results, financial circumstances and other eligibility information.

  • A copy of your South African ID or other required identity document.
  • Recent academic results or an academic record.
  • Proof of university, college or school admission where required.
  • Proof of household income where financial need is assessed.
  • Proof of residential address where applicable.
  • Documents relating to a parent or guardian’s financial circumstances where required.
  • Additional documents requested by the specific bursary provider.

Some bursaries require certified copies, while others may specify a particular document format or a certification period. Do not assume that a document accepted by one bursary will meet another sponsor’s requirements.

StudyTrust’s current application instructions, for example, require documents such as an identity document, academic record, proof of address, proof of income and a recent photograph, with additional documents depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Prepare your documents before beginning the application so that you do not reach the submission stage with missing information.

HOW DO I WRITE A BURSARY MOTIVATION LETTER?

A bursary motivation letter should explain why you are applying for the funding, what you are studying or intend to study, your academic goals and why the bursary is relevant to your circumstances.

Keep the letter specific to the bursary and answer the questions or instructions provided by the sponsor. Avoid copying a generic motivation letter and changing only the bursary name.

A useful motivation letter can explain:

  • Who you are and what you are studying or plan to study.
  • Why you chose your field of study.
  • Your relevant academic achievements.
  • Your financial circumstances where relevant.
  • What you hope to achieve through your studies.
  • How the bursary would support your education.

Some bursary applications use their own essay or motivation questions instead of asking for a separate letter. Follow the sponsor’s instructions rather than submitting an additional document that was not requested.

For a detailed guide, see How to Write a Bursary Motivation Letter.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A BURSARY ONLINE?

To apply for a bursary online, use the application method specified by the bursary provider. This may be the sponsor’s official website, an online application platform operated by an organisation administering the bursary, or another official application system.

  • Open the bursary provider’s official application instructions.
  • Confirm that applications are currently open.
  • Read the eligibility requirements.
  • Create an account if the application platform requires one.
  • Enter your personal and academic information accurately.
  • Upload the requested supporting documents.
  • Complete any motivation, essay or additional questions.
  • Check every section before submitting.
  • Submit the application before the closing date.
  • Save the confirmation or reference number if one is provided.

Do not use an unofficial application link simply because it appears in a social-media post or message. When possible, start from the bursary provider’s official website and follow its application instructions.

StudyTrust, for example, directs applicants to its online application platform and states that applicants must provide the required information and supporting documents before submission.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A BURSARY INTERVIEW?

Some bursary providers interview shortlisted applicants before making a final funding decision. If you are invited to an interview, review the bursary information, understand what you are studying or plan to study and be prepared to explain your academic goals and why you are applying for the funding.

Before the interview, you should:

  • Review the bursary provider and the purpose of the bursary.
  • Know the details of your qualification, institution and field of study.
  • Review the information you provided in your application.
  • Prepare to discuss your academic achievements and goals.
  • Be ready to explain how the bursary would support your studies.
  • Practise answering common interview questions clearly and honestly.
  • Confirm the interview date, time and format before attending.

An interview does not necessarily form part of every bursary application. Follow the instructions given by the specific bursary provider if you are shortlisted.

For common questions and example answers, see Bursary Interview Questions and Answers.

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE BURSARY?

Yes, you can generally apply for more than one bursary, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and follow each sponsor’s application rules.

Applying for several suitable bursaries can give you more opportunities to secure funding, but every application must still be completed according to the relevant sponsor’s instructions.

Some organisations also administer multiple bursaries through a single application. StudyTrust currently states that one application can be considered across the bursaries it administers for which the applicant qualifies, while also encouraging applicants to apply for bursaries outside its own programmes.

If you are eventually offered more than one source of funding, check the terms of each award before accepting them because sponsors may have rules concerning other bursaries or sources of financial assistance.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BURSARY APPLICATION WAS SUCCESSFUL?

The bursary provider will normally communicate the outcome using the contact details or communication method specified during the application process. This may involve email, an application portal, telephone communication or another official method.

The selection process can take time, particularly where the sponsor receives a large number of applications. Some providers may screen applications, shortlist candidates, conduct interviews or assessments and then make final awards.

For example, some StudyTrust-administered bursaries involve screening and may require shortlisted applicants to participate in assessments or interviews before final selection.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily mean that you will receive a bursary. Some programmes have a limited number of awards and make a final selection from eligible applicants.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER SUBMITTING A BURSARY APPLICATION?

After submitting your bursary application, keep a record of the application and continue monitoring the communication channels provided by the bursary sponsor.

  • Save your application confirmation or reference number.
  • Keep copies of the documents you submitted.
  • Check your email regularly, including your spam or junk folder.
  • Monitor the bursary application portal if one is provided.
  • Respond promptly if the sponsor requests additional information.
  • Continue applying for other suitable bursaries until your funding is confirmed.
  • Continue with university or college admission processes where applicable.
  • Keep track of the deadlines for your institution and bursary applications.

Do not assume that submitting a bursary application means that your funding has been approved. Continue making the necessary education and funding arrangements until you receive official confirmation of the award.

If your application is unsuccessful, check whether the bursary provider gives you an opportunity to apply again in a future cycle and continue looking for other funding opportunities.

RELATED BURSARY INFORMATION

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This bursary information was last updated in September 2026.

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