How To Apply For Bursaries In South Africa (Step-by-Step Guide)

Finding funding for your studies can change your future. If you are a South African student planning to study at a university, TVET college, or private institution, understanding how to apply for bursaries in South Africa is essential.

This detailed guide explains the full process, requirements, important deadlines, and official platforms you should use to secure funding in South Africa.

Bursaries in South Africa are financial awards provided by government departments, private companies, universities, and NGOs to help students pay for tuition, accommodation, books, and sometimes living expenses.

Unlike student loans, bursaries usually do not need to be repaid, but some may require you to work for the sponsor after graduation.

Whether you are applying for government funding like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme or corporate bursaries from companies such as Sasol and Eskom, the application process follows similar steps.

Why Bursaries Matter in South Africa

Higher education costs continue to rise across South Africa. Many students rely on financial aid to:

Cover tuition fees
Pay for accommodation
Buy textbooks and learning materials
Support transport and living expenses

Government initiatives such as NSFAS have helped thousands of students from low-income households access higher education. In addition, major companies offer bursaries to develop future professionals in scarce skills fields like engineering, accounting, IT, and health sciences.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Bursaries in South Africa

Step 1: Identify the Right Bursary

Start by researching bursaries that match:

Your field of study
Your academic results
Your financial background
Your province

Official platforms to search:

NSFAS
South African Government Portal
University financial aid pages (e.g., University of Cape Town careers page)
Corporate websites (e.g., Sasol, Eskom, Transnet)

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, confirm:

You are a South African citizen
You meet the academic requirements
Your household income meets funding criteria
You have been accepted at a registered institution

Some bursaries are merit-based, others are need-based.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Most bursary applications require:

Certified copy of your ID
Latest academic results
Proof of household income
Proof of residence
University acceptance letter
Motivation letter

Make sure documents are clear and recently certified (within 3 months).

Step 4: Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Your motivation letter should:

Explain your financial need
Highlight academic achievements
Show career goals
Demonstrate leadership or community involvement

Keep it professional and concise (1 page maximum).

Step 5: Submit Before the Closing Date

Many bursaries close between:

August – November (for the following academic year)
Some open as early as May

Late applications are usually not accepted. Always double-check deadlines on official websites.

Step 6: Track Your Application

After submission:

Check your email regularly
Log in to the bursary portal
Respond quickly if additional documents are requested

For NSFAS applications, track your status on the official NSFAS portal.

What to Expect After Applying

If shortlisted, you may:

Be invited for an interview
Complete an assessment test
Submit additional documents

If approved, you will receive a funding agreement outlining:

What costs are covered
Academic performance requirements
Work-back obligations (if applicable)

Common Challenges When Applying for Bursaries

1. Missing Documents

Many applications are rejected due to incomplete paperwork.

2. Applying Late

Deadlines are strict.

3. Not Meeting Academic Criteria

Always check minimum requirements before applying.

4. Falling for Scams

Avoid bursaries that ask for payment to apply. Legitimate bursaries in South Africa are free to apply.

Tips for Success When Applying for Bursaries

Apply to multiple bursaries (don’t rely on one)
Prepare documents early
Improve your Grade 11 and Grade 12 results
Apply as soon as applications open
Keep copies of everything

If you want more practical funding guides, check our complete How-To Career Guides for South Africa

Useful Resources

Here are official platforms to bookmark:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How to Apply for Bursaries in South Africa

1. Who qualifies for bursaries in South Africa?

Most bursaries are available to South African citizens who meet specific academic and financial requirements. Government funding like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme mainly supports students from low-income households, while corporate bursaries may focus on academic performance and specific fields of study.

2. When should I apply for bursaries?

Most bursaries open between May and September and close between August and November for the following academic year. It is important to apply early and monitor official websites regularly for updated deadlines.

3. What documents are required for a bursary application?

Commonly required documents include:

Certified copy of your South African ID
Latest academic results
Proof of household income
Proof of residence
University acceptance letter
Motivation letter

Always check the specific bursary’s requirements before submitting.

4. Can I apply for more than one bursary?

Yes. In fact, it is highly recommended to apply for multiple bursaries to increase your chances of receiving funding. However, if you are awarded more than one, you may need to choose one depending on the terms and conditions.

5. Do I need university acceptance before applying?

Some bursaries require proof of acceptance at a registered institution such as the University of Cape Town or other accredited universities. Others allow you to apply while waiting for admission results. Always read the eligibility criteria carefully.

6. Are bursaries different from student loans?

Yes. A bursary usually does not need to be repaid, although some sponsors require you to work for them after graduation. A student loan, on the other hand, must be repaid with interest.

7. How do I apply for NSFAS funding?

You must apply online through the official NSFAS website. Create an account, upload required documents, and track your application status through your online profile.

8. What happens if my bursary application is rejected?

If rejected, you can:

Apply for other bursaries
Submit an appeal (if allowed)
Consider alternative funding options
Reapply the following year

For NSFAS, you may submit an appeal directly through the online portal if you meet appeal criteria.

9. Are there bursaries for TVET college students?

Yes. Students enrolled at public TVET colleges can apply for funding through NSFAS and other provincial government bursaries. Visit Website for updated information on available programmes.

10. How can I avoid bursary scams in South Africa?

To avoid scams:

Never pay money to apply for a bursary
Only apply through official websites
Verify opportunities on trusted platforms like government portals or reputable company websites
Be cautious of offers received only through social media

Legitimate bursaries in South Africa are free to apply.

If you want more verified funding opportunities and step-by-step guides, regularly check our bursary updates at Wikihii South Africa and stay informed about new openings throughout the year.

Conclusion

Knowing how to apply for bursaries in South Africa gives you a major advantage. Thousands of students miss opportunities every year because they apply late, submit incomplete documents, or fail to research properly.

Start early, stay organised, and apply strategically. With the right preparation, you can secure funding and focus fully on your studies in 2026.

For daily bursary alerts and verified opportunities, stay connected through Wikihii Africa and our WhatsApp updates.