Top Bursaries for 2026 in South Africa
Top Bursaries for 2026 in South Africa: Applications Now Open for Funding and Scholarships | If you’re looking for bursaries available for the 2027 academic year, numerous opportunities are currently open across a variety of fields in South Africa. These bursaries cater to diverse disciplines, including engineering, education, finance, and computer science. Here’s a list of some notable options:
Top Bursaries for 2026
Discover top bursaries for 2026 in South Africa including NSFAS, Sasol, Funza Lushaka, Allan Gray and more. Direct application links included.
🚀 Introduction
Studying in South Africa can be expensive, but bursaries make higher education possible for thousands of students every year. The good news is that many top bursaries for 2026 are already open or open soon, and most of them can be applied for online.
Whether you want to study engineering, teaching, accounting, IT, or medicine, there are funding options available from government and private companies.
👉 Below are the best bursaries in South Africa for 2026, including official application links so you can apply immediately.
1. NSFAS Bursary (Government Funding)
- Covers tuition, accommodation, books, and allowances
- For students at public universities and TVET colleges
- Income threshold: low-income households
👉 Apply here: https://www.nsfas.org.za
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary (Teaching)
- For students studying Education degrees
- Full funding for tuition, accommodation, and living costs
- Requires teaching commitment after graduation
👉 Apply here: https://www.eservices.gov.za
3. Sasol Bursary Programme
- Focus on Engineering and Science degrees
- Covers full tuition, accommodation, and study materials
- Includes mentorship and vacation work
👉 Apply here: https://www.sasolbursaries.com
4. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
- For entrepreneurial-minded students
- Covers full university costs plus mentorship
- Available for selected universities
👉 Apply here: https://www.allangrayorbis.org
5. Thuthuka Bursary Fund (Accounting)
- For students pursuing Chartered Accountancy (CA)
- Covers full tuition and academic support
- Includes mentoring and training
👉 Apply here: https://www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za
6. Eskom Bursary Scheme
- Focus on Engineering fields
- Covers tuition, accommodation, and allowances
- Includes possible employment after studies
👉 Apply here: https://www.eskom.co.za/careers
7. Transnet Bursary Programme
- For Engineering and technical studies
- Includes vacation work and job opportunities
- Covers full study costs
👉 Apply here: https://www.transnet.net/careers
8. StudyTrust Bursaries (Multiple Sponsors)
- One application gives access to multiple bursaries
- Includes corporate and private funding
- Covers various study fields
👉 Apply here: https://www.studytrust.org.za
9. Standard Bank Bursary (via StudyTrust)
- Focus on Commerce, Finance, and Engineering
- Covers tuition and accommodation
- Requires good academic performance
👉 Apply here: https://www.studytrust.org.za
10. Motsepe Foundation Bursary
- For financially disadvantaged students
- Covers STEM and other priority fields
- Includes tuition and study support
👉 Apply here: https://www.motsepefoundation.org
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Bursary
- Apply for at least 5–10 bursaries
- Submit applications early before deadlines
- Prepare certified documents in advance
- Write a strong motivation letter
- Apply to both government and private bursaries
Important Reminder
- Some bursaries close between April and November 2026
- Requirements vary by field and academic results
- Always apply directly through official websites
Things To Note Before Applying For A Bursary
Bursary Motivational Letter
Tips for Students On Managing Your Bursary Funds
Psychometric Assessments for Bursary Applications
List of All Bursaries in South Africa
Bursaries For All Fields Of Study
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