Last updated: June 2026
Applications for the 2027 academic year are open. The closing date is 31 August 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
The Vodacom Bursary is one of South Africa’s prestigious financial support opportunity for talented students. It is designed to assist undergraduate with funds to pay for tuition fees, books, accommodation and other study related expenses.
Successful applicants will also get a cellphone and a laptop, with additional benefits like: new bursary students orientation workshop, workplace exposure through the structured Vacation Work programme. Final year beneficiaries gain access to Lyra Wellbeing Services which is the official wellness programme.
Funding for tertiary education continues to be a challenge in South Africa especially for technology and ICT related studies. This is why the Vodacom Bursary is one of highly sought after funding schemes.
This article provides a detailed guide of the bursary application process, along with steps you must follow to improve chances of success.
Who Can Apply?
The table below provides a quick overview of the eligibility criteria:
Students who wish to apply for the Vodacom Bursary, must meet the requirements below:
- Applicants must be South African citizens by birth
- Applicants must be registered to undertake selected undergraduate studies on full-time bases
- Applicants must have passed Matric with a minimum of 70% or higher in all subjects
- University applicants must pass their tertiary studies by an average of 65% and above
What the Vodacom Bursary Covers
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support from Vodacom, covering various academic and personal needs to help them focus on their studies. These include:
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Meals allowance
- A laptop
- A cellphone
- Workplace exposure programmes
- Wellness programme
- Work readiness skill training for final year students
The bursary is a year to year award and its renewal is on the bases of recipients satisfactory performance for each year.
Fields of Study Covered by the Vodacom Bursary
The Vodacom Bursary funds studies aligned to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and must be undertaken on full-time bases. All awards are on merits bases placing academic performance on top of the list of eligibility requirements.
This bursary helps first, second and third year undergraduate students pursuing qualifications in the following fields of study:
- Computer Engineering,
- Computer Science,
- Information Systems,
- Information Technology,
- Electronics/Electronic Engineering,
- Electrical Engineering,
- Actuarial Science,
- Mathematics,
- Statistics, and
- Digital Marketing
- Business
- Commercial
*View similar Engineering Bursaries and Scholarships available in South Africa.
*View our list of Bursaries and Scholarships OPEN for applications in 2027 academic year
How To Apply?
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Step 1 — Visit the official Vodacom Bursary Application 2027 portal
- Step 2 — Register with your ID number, email address, and phone number
- Step 3 — Verify your email address
- Step 4 — Complete the online application form
- Step 5 — Upload all required supporting documents
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. Apply early — do not wait for the closing date.
Required Documents
- Applicants under the age of 18 year must complete the Parental Consent Form available on the Vodacom website
- A certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of Grade 11 results and Grade 12 (Matric) if applicants is still doing Matric
- A certified copy of your Matric certificate, if already completed
- Full academic performance record/ transcripts, if currently studying (on institutions letterhead)
- Fee statement, if currently studying (on institutions letterhead)
- Proof of acceptance into a tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
About Vodacom
Vodacom is one of Africa’s leading communications companies, connecting over 50 million customers across South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, and the DRC. Beyond telecommunications, Vodacom is committed to skills development and education through initiatives like this bursary programme, which serves as a structured pipeline for identifying and developing South Africa’s future technology professionals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Closing Date
Application for 2027 academic year open on 1 June and close on 31 August 2026.
Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Apply now before 31 August 2026
Bursary Contact Information
If you have queries relating to this bursary opportunity, please contact Vodacom directly on:
Webpage: vodacom.com/bursary-programme.php
*Please note:
- Only South African citizens can apply.
- Make sure you send all supporting documents to avoid disqualification.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Vodacom Bursary Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When does the Vodacom Bursary 2027 close? Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 31 August 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.
Q: Who qualifies for the Vodacom Bursary? South African citizens by birth who are enrolled full-time in their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd undergraduate year at an accredited South African university, with a Matric average of 70% and a tertiary average of 65% or higher.
Q: What does the Vodacom Bursary cover? Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, a laptop, a cellphone, workplace exposure, work readiness training, and access to the Lyra Wellbeing wellness programme.
Q: Does the Vodacom Bursary cover Business degrees? Yes. In addition to STEM fields, the bursary also covers Business and Commercial studies.
Q: How do I apply for the Vodacom Bursary? Apply online at externalbursary.vodacom.co.za. You will need certified copies of your ID, academic transcripts, and proof of tertiary enrolment.
Q: Is the Vodacom Bursary renewed every year? Yes. The bursary is renewed annually, subject to the recipient maintaining satisfactory academic performance each year.
This article was last updated in June 2026.