2026 Bursaries Open

2026 Bursaries Open for South African Students

If you’re planning to study in 2026, securing a bursary can help you achieve your academic goals without financial burden. This article provides an updated list of bursaries open for 2026, covering various fields like engineering, business, health sciences, and more.

We’ll also guide you through the application process and share tips on how to increase your chances of success. Don’t miss out—apply early before deadlines close!

List of Bursaries Open for 2026

1. Government-Funded Bursaries

The South African government offers bursaries through different departments to support students in critical skills fields.

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

Covers tuition, accommodation, books, and meals for eligible students.
Who Can Apply? South African students from low-income households.
Application Period: Expected to open in late 2025 for 2026 studies.
Apply Here: www.nsfas.org.za

Funza Lushaka Bursary (Teaching)

Covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for students studying education.
Who Can Apply? Students pursuing a teaching degree.
Closing Date: Expected January 2026.
Apply Here: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

Department of Health Bursaries

Supports students in medicine, nursing, and allied health sciences.
Who Can Apply? Students accepted into health-related programs.
Closing Date: Varies by province.
Apply Here: www.health.gov.za

2. Private Sector & Corporate Bursaries

Eskom Bursary (Engineering & Technical Fields)

Covers full tuition, accommodation, books, and monthly allowance.
Who Can Apply? Students in engineering, science, and technology.
Closing Date: August 2025 for 2026 studies.
Apply Here: www.eskom.co.za

Anglo American Bursary (Mining, Engineering & Geology)

Provides funding for students in mining-related fields.
Who Can Apply? Students with strong academic results.
Closing Date: May 2025 for 2026 studies.
Apply Here: www.angloamerican.com

Standard Bank Bursary (Finance & Business)

Supports students in finance, business, and accounting.
Who Can Apply? Undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Closing Date: September 2025.
Apply Here: www.standardbank.com

Sasol Bursary (STEM Fields)

Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for engineering, science, and technology students.
Who Can Apply? Matriculants and university students in STEM fields.
Closing Date: September 2025.
Apply Here: www.sasolbursaries.com

3. University-Specific Bursaries

UCT Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

Available to top-performing undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Who Can Apply? South African students with excellent academic results.
Closing Date: October 2025.
Apply Here: www.uct.ac.za

Wits University Financial Aid & Bursaries

Various bursaries available for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Who Can Apply? Students with financial need or academic excellence.
Closing Date: Varies by faculty.
Apply Here: www.wits.ac.za

Stellenbosch University Merit Bursary

Offers bursaries for high-achieving students.
Who Can Apply? Matriculants with top marks.
Closing Date: November 2025.
Apply Here: www.sun.ac.za

ACCOUNTING BURSARIES

ARTS BURSARIES

COMMERCE BURSARIES

COMPUTER SCIENCE | IT BURSARIES

CONSTRUCTION | BUILT ENVIRONMENT BURSARIES

EDUCATION BURSARIES

ENGINEERING BURSARIES

GENERAL BURSARIES

GOVERNMENT BURSARIES

LAW BURSARIES

MBA | POSTGRADUATE

MEDICAL BURSARIES

NURSING BURSARIES

SCIENCE BURSARIES

UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA | UNIVERSITY-SPECIFIC BURSARIES

INTERNATIONAL BURSARIES

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST BURSARY APPLICATION FORMS

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

Highly Recommended

Things To Note Before Applying For A Bursary

Bursary Motivational Letter

List Of All Available Bursaries in South Africa

List of All Bursaries in South Africa 2025 – 2026

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES ARE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

****SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES BY MONTH

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN JANUARY

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN FEBRUARY

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN MARCH

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN APRIL

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN MAY

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN JUNE

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN JULY

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN AUGUST

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN SEPTEMBER

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN OCTOBER

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN NOVEMBER

SOUTH AFRICAN BURSARIES CLOSING IN DECEMBER

List Of All Available Bursaries in South Africa

Nsfas Status Check

How do I Check the Status of my NSFAS Application

How to Apply for a 2026 Bursary

1️⃣ Choose the Right Bursary

Check the eligibility requirements and ensure it match your field of study.

2️⃣ Prepare Required Documents
Certified copy of your ID
Academic transcripts & latest school results
Proof of income (for financial need bursaries)
Motivational letter (why you deserve the bursary)
Recommendation letters (if required)

3️⃣ Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Apply online or send your application via email/postal address.

4️⃣ Follow Up

Check the status of your application and be ready for interviews if required.

Conclusion: Apply Early & Secure Your 2026 Bursary!

Getting a bursary is a game-changer—it allows you to focus on your studies without worrying about finances. Many bursaries for 2026 are now open, so don’t wait until the last minute!

Start your application today and take the first step toward a brighter future!