Bursaries with Monthly Allowance

Most bursaries in South Africa cover tuition, but not all offer monthly stipends to help with day-to-day costs like food, data, rent, or transport. In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover top bursaries that offer monthly allowances, how to apply, what you’ll need, and who qualifies. This is your go-to list if you’re looking for fully funded support, not just registration fees.

Bursaries with Monthly Allowance

What Is a Monthly Allowance Bursary?

Bursaries with a monthly allowance don’t just cover your school fees — they give you cash or direct support each month to help with things like:

Meals or groceries
Transport
Accommodation (if not included in housing)
Data/Wi-Fi
Toiletries or basic personal needs
Books or stationery

Some bursaries offer stipends of R1,500 to R3,500+ per month, depending on the funder and your living situation (on-campus vs off-campus).

Top Bursaries with Monthly Allowances (2025)

Here are some of the most popular South African bursaries that include monthly stipends:

1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Tuition, accommodation, learning materials, living allowance (R1,650+ pm)
Who Can Apply: South African students at public universities/TVETs with household income below R350,000
Website: www.nsfas.org.za

NSFAS is the most widely used bursary that includes a monthly living allowance — updated annually.

2. Funza Lushaka Bursary (for Teaching)

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and monthly living allowance
Who Can Apply: Students studying to become teachers (BEd and PGCE)
Website: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

3. Department of Health Bursaries

Monthly Allowance: Yes (varies by province)
Covers: Full tuition, accommodation, textbooks, stipend
Who Can Apply: Students in nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and allied health sciences
Apply Through: Provincial health departments (KZN, Limpopo, Gauteng, etc.)

4. Sasol Bursary

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Tuition, accommodation, books, laptop, monthly stipend
Fields: Engineering, science, IT, accounting
Who Can Apply: High-achieving matriculants or university students
Website: www.sasolbursaries.com

5. Transnet Bursary Programme

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Tuition, housing, meals, monthly cash allowance
Fields: Engineering, logistics, maritime, accounting
Who Can Apply: SA citizens studying at accredited institutions
Website: www.transnet.net

6. Nedbank Bursary

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Tuition, study materials, accommodation, meals, monthly allowance
Fields: Finance, economics, IT, analytics, law
Website: www.nedbank.co.za

7. Anglo American Bursary

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Full academic costs, accommodation, monthly stipend
Fields: Engineering, geology, metallurgy, mining
Apply: www.angloamerican.com

8. BankSETA Bursary

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Tuition, study tools, monthly living allowance
Fields: Banking, finance, accounting
Apply: Through registered institutions or SETA channels

9. Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Tuition, accommodation, food, stipend
Fields: Health, education, engineering, agriculture, law
Apply: www.mpumalanga.gov.za

10. Multichoice Bursary

Monthly Allowance: Yes
Covers: Tuition, laptop, accommodation, monthly allowance
Fields: Film, IT, media, engineering
Website: careers.multichoice.com

What You’ll Need to Apply

Here’s a general checklist most bursaries require:

Certified copy of ID
Matric certificate or latest academic results
Proof of admission or registration
Parent/guardian income proof
Motivation letter
Bank details (for allowances)
Completed bursary application form

Tip: Always apply early and triple-check all documents before submitting.

Benefits of a Monthly Allowance

Not all bursaries offer this — so it’s a big bonus. Here’s why it matters:

Reduces stress and financial pressure
Lets you focus on academics instead of side jobs
Helps with daily costs like groceries, Wi-Fi, transport
Keeps you independent if you study away from home

Things to Watch Out For

While bursaries with monthly allowances are awesome, here are some things to consider:

Service contracts: Some bursaries (e.g., Funza Lushaka) require you to work for the government or company after graduation.
Minimum academic performance: You usually need to maintain a certain grade average.
Reapplication: Some bursaries are only for one year and must be renewed.
Allowances may vary: Some bursaries offer cash, others offer vouchers or reimbursements.

When Should You Apply?

Most bursaries for 2025 open between April and October 2024. Some close as early as June, so be alert!

Always check:

Opening and closing dates
Requirements by level (matric vs university students)
Online or manual application method

Quick Tips to Increase Your Chances

Start researching early in the year
Apply for multiple bursaries — don’t rely on just one
Make sure your motivation letter is strong and personalized
Ask for help from teachers or mentors when preparing documents
Follow instructions exactly as outlined on each application

FAQs – Bursaries with Monthly Allowance

1. Do all bursaries offer a monthly allowance?

No, only some do. NSFAS and many government or corporate bursaries offer stipends.

2. Can I use the allowance for rent and groceries?

Yes! The monthly allowance is meant to help with personal living expenses.

3. Is the allowance paid directly to students?

It depends. Some pay to your account, others to your residence, or through a voucher system.

4. Can I get more than one bursary with an allowance?

Usually not. Most bursary agreements won’t allow you to double-dip unless it’s clearly disclosed.

5. How much is the average monthly allowance?

It varies. NSFAS pays about R1,650, while private bursaries can go over R3,000 depending on needs.

Conclusion

Getting a bursary that includes a monthly allowance can be a game-changer — giving you financial security while you focus on your studies. From NSFAS to private sector sponsors like Sasol and Transnet, there are tons of options across fields like engineering, teaching, medicine, and finance.

The key is to apply early, prepare your documents carefully, and don’t be afraid to apply to multiple bursaries. Your future is worth it.

Want help applying for any of these bursaries? Check our latest bursary listings or reach out via the contact page. We’ve got your back!

How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa

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