List Of Science Bursaries in South Africa 2025

List Of Science Bursaries in South Africa 2025 – 2026

AVIATION, AIR TRAFFIC | PILOT BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

List Of Science Bursaries in South Africa | Air traffic controllers work in area control centres and airport control towers and are responsible for the route mapping of aircraft using the most efficient route, tracking the aircraft’s position using radar and ensuring the aircraft’s safety in the airspace.
Airline pilots are responsible for flying passengers or cargo on short or long-haul flights for business, commercial or leisure purposes. An aircraft is usually operated by two pilots – a captain or pilot in command and a supporting first officer.
Commercial Pilot earn an average annual salary of R360 000, while Air traffic controllers earn an average annual salary of R300 000.

bursaries

ACTUARIAL SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Actuaries assess the probability of an event and the financial consequences thereof, using mathematical skills and statistical techniques. They provide financial, strategic and commercial advice with their knowledge of business and economics, as well as their understanding of statistics, probability theory and investment theory.
Actuaries earn an average salary of R612 000 per annum, with an entry-level actuary earning around R465 000 per annum.

Capitec Bank Bursary
City of Johannesburg Bursary
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
Financial Services Board (FSB) Bursary
FNB Fund Bursary
Investec Bank CSI Bursary
ISFAP Bursary
JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary
Liberty Life Bursary
Oasis Bursary
Old Mutual Actuarial Bursary
PPS Bursary
Sanlam Bursary
SARS Bursary
South African Actuaries Development Programme Bursary
South African Reserve Bank Bursary
Standard Bank CSI Bursary
Stanlib Bursary
Vodacom Bursary

bursaries

AGRICULTURE | AGRICULTURAL RELATED STUDIES BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Agricultural managers are responsible for overseeing the development of crops, animals and other commodities sold to companies or private customers. Agricultural managers manage the day-to-day operations of commercial agricultural operations, including crop planning, budgeting, hiring and management of production workers and farm maintenance supervision.
Farm Managers earn an average salary of R191 000 per annum.

bursaries

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY | GENERAL CHEMISTRY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Chemists search for and make use of new knowledge about chemicals to develop drugs, cosmetics and synthetic fibres. Chemists specialise in the following areas: organic and inorganic chemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry, analytical, medical, materials and macromolecular chemistry.
Analytical chemists work in laboratories with a team of other scientists, to study chemical compounds and their makeup.
The average annual salary for a Chemist is R250 000 and R165 000 for an Analytical Chemist.

AECI Limited Bursary
Anglo American Platinum Bursary
Armscor Bursary
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
Canyon Coal Bursary
CHIETA Bursary
Department of Environmental Affairs Bursary
FoodBev SETA Bursary
Impala Platinum/ Implats Bursary
ISFAP Bursary
Omnia Bursary
Rand Water Bursary
Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
SARS Bursary
Standard Bank CSI Bursary
Upstream Training Trust Bursary

bursaries

ANIMAL SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Animal scientists research with regards to nutrition, growth, reproduction, genetics and development of domestic animals. They also conduct research on livestock and products produced by livestock such as milk, eggs, meat, leather, fibre and other products.

Cape Wools SA Bursary Fund

bursaries

ANTHROPOLOGY AND ARCHAEOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Forensic anthropologists study bones (in the field called osteology) and profile research subjects via information gathering to determine the age, gender and physical condition of the body and bones at death. They work to assist law enforcement agencies with processing skeletal evidence.
Archaeologists, on the other hand, study human history by way of examining artefacts, such as prehistoric buildings and tools, as well as animal bones and microorganisms.
Anthropologists earn an average annual salary of R370 000 to R574 000 depending on years in the field.

bursaries

BIOLOGY | BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Field biologists are those who research air, on land and in the water regarding the study of plants, bird and animal behaviour in natural ecosystems. Field biologists track land and aquatic animal movements, as well as collect plant specimens.
Biological scientists examine how living organisms relate to their surrounding environment, specialising in numerous animal, plant or environmental studies.

Department of Environmental Affairs Bursary
Maize Trust Bursary
PPS Bursary

bursaries

BIOMEDICAL BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Biomedical technicians are responsible for installing, testing, calibrating and thereafter repairing biomedical equipment, as well as maintaining safe operations and training users.
Biomedical scientists conduct numerous scientific and laboratory test on tissue samples to assist with diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

CHIETA Bursary
NUMSA Bursary
Vermaak and Partners Pathologists Bursary

bursaries

BOTANY | PLANT STUDIES BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

The botany field is a very broad one – it includes the study of more than 300 000 species of plants, from mosses to giant trees. In essence, Botanists are biological scientists who study plants, usually specialising in one group or type of plant or one approach to plant studies.

bursaries

ECONOMETRICS BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Econometricians utilise economic theory and quantitative analysis techniques to analyse economic relationships and apply them to everyday applications. They are usually responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, evaluating and replicating long and short term models.

bursaries

ENVIRONMENTAL BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Environmental managers oversee the environmental performance of public and private sector companies They also develop, implement and monitor environmental strategies that encourage sustainable development.
Environmental managers can also advise companies on how best to minimise their environmental impacts – such as creating schemes for recycling, reduction and prevention of pollution, waster management and renewable energy.
Environmental Managers earn an average income of R442 000 per annum.

bursaries

FARMING BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Farmers (also known as agriculturers) engage in agriculture by raising living organisms for food or raw materials. Farmers generally raise field crops, vineyards, orchards and livestock.

Access Trust Bursary
PPS Bursary

bursaries

FOOD SCIENCE | FOOD TECHNOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Food scientists study the ingredients and chemical, microbiological and physical properties of food to ensure that it is safe for consumption. Food scientists evaluate the flavour, colour, texture and nutritional value of food.
Food technologists ensure that food processes and products are developed, manufactured and modified efficiently and safely. Food Technologists earn around R175 000 per annum.

AECI Limited Bursary
AVI Limited Bursary
Clover Bursary
Department of Agriculture, Forestry | Fisheries Bursary
FoodBev SETA Bursary
IDB Education Trust Bursary Loan
Irish Aid Kader Asmal Scholarship
Maize Trust Bursary
SAAFoST Bursary
W|RSETA Bursary

bursaries

FORESTRY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Foresters practice forestry, which is the profession as well as the art and science of managing forests. These professional harvest timber, manage protected areas and provide ecological restoration, among other activities.
Foresters earn an average annual salary of R245 000.

bursaries

GENETICS BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Genetic scientists (also known as Geneticists) use their knowledge to treat and guide patients with hereditary disorders or diseases.
Genetic counsellors test patients for hereditary conditions and provide advice on possible treatments.

GEOGRAPHY | GEOGRAPHIC BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Geographers study the earth, as well as it’s land, inhabitants and other features. Geographers also examine cultural and political structures that relate to geography.

bursaries

GEO RELATED BURSARIES (GEOMATICS, GEOPHYSICS, GEOHYDROLOGY, GEOCHEMISTRY, GEO-INFORMATICS) FOR 2025 – 2026

-Geomatics (also known as geospatial science or surveying engineering) is the science of gathering, storing, processing and thereafter delivering spatially referenced information or geographic information.
-Geophysics is the scientific use of chemistry, physics, advanced mathematics and geology to study the earth and its oceans, atmosphere, internal make-up, electrical and other fields.
-Hydrogeology is the study of how groundwater moves through the rocks and soil of the earth
-Geochemistry is the science whereby experts use their knowledge of chemistry and geology to seek out natural resources such as minerals, oils and natural gas. They also use their knowledge and skills to increase the quality of water and reduce pollution.
-Geoinformatics is the science and technology whereby information science infrastructure is developed and used in addressing the problems of geoscience, geography, cartography and related branches of engineering and science.

bursaries

GENERAL SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

The bursaries listed below cover various fields within the Science faculty, so anyone studying towards a Science qualification (regardless of the field of study) could be eligible to apply for these bursaries.

bursaries

GEOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Geologists study the structure, composition and history of the earth’s crust, as well as examining minerals, fossils and rocks to identify the processes affecting the development of the earth. These experts also apply their knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics to try to locate petroleum and mineral deposits and underground water sources.
Geologist (entry-level) earn an average income of R292 000 per annum.

Afrimat Bursary
Alfred Nzo District Municipality Bursary
Anglo American Coal Bursary
Anglo American Platinum Bursary
BHP Billiton Bursary
Black Mountain Bursary
Canyon Coal Bursary
Council for Geoscience Bursary
de Beers Bursary
Department of Mineral Resources Bursary
Digby Wells Environmental Bursary
Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary
Exxaro Bursary
Gert Sibande District Municipality Bursary
Glencore plc Bursary
Gold Fields Ltd Bursary
Impala Platinum/ Implats Bursary
Keaton Energy Mining Bursaries
Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
Lonmin Bursary
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary
NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund
Petra Diamonds Bursary
PPC Bursary
Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
Samancor Chrome Bursary
SARS Bursary
Sibanye-Stillwater Bursary
South 32 Bursary
Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Bursary
Upstream Training Trust Bursary

bursaries

GRAIN | CROP STUDIES BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Grain farmers are responsible for growing grain such as wheat, corn, rye, sorghums and others. These farms usually specialize in 2 or 3 types of grains.
Grain merchandisers buy and sell grains (such as the ones mentioned above) and can work as a broker for other grain buyers and sellers, as well as manage futures accounts.
Crop farmers have a vast knowledge and experience of crop science – from pest control to horticulture and business contracts.

bursaries

HORTICULTURE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

A horticulturist or horticultural worker is responsible for growing, harvesting and selling plants, trees, shrubs and flowers. They generally work at landscape companies, nurseries, botanical gardens, arboretums and parks.
Horticulturists earn around R167 000 per annum.

HYDROLOGY | HYDROGEOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Hydrologists are experts in measuring water volume and streamflow, among other body properties. They also collect samples of water and soil to test for certain properties, as well as analyse data on the environmental impacts of drought, pollution, erosion and other problems.
Hydrogeologists study the movement, location and quality of subterraneous water formations – these findings are used for aquifer protection, construction projects and for safely disposing of hazardous waste.
Hydrologist earns an average annual salary of R264 000, while Hydrogeologist earns around R300 000.

MARINE BIOLOGY, OCEANOGRAPHY, AQUATIC SCIENCE, MARITIME STUDIES | RELATED STUDIES BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

-Marine biology is the study of living beings in the ocean – from plankton to whales and everything in between.
-Oceanography is split into various categories: physical oceanography, biological oceanography and chemical oceanography all of which have different tasks and working environments. Generally, oceanographers study and research water, sea life, climates and weather that help with the preservation of natural resources of waters.
-Aquatic science studies the freshwater and oceanic environments of the earth.

bursaries

MATHEMATICS BURSARIES (BUSINESS MATHEMATICS, APPLIED MATHEMATICS, MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS, FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS, BUSINESS MATHEMATICS) FOR 2025 – 2026

Mathematicians research fundamental mathematics and mathematical technique applications to science, management and related fields. Mathematicians also solve problems with mathematical methods.
The average annual salary for a mathematician is around R247 000.

ABSA Bank Bursary
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Bursaries
Armscor Bursary
Capitec Bank Bursary
FNB Fund Bursary
Investec Bank CSI Bursary
ISFAP Bursary
JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary
Motsepe Foundation Bursary
North West Provincial Government Bursary
Oasis Bursary
Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG) Imfundo Trust Scholarship
Pretune SIM Card Bursary
PPS Bursary
Sasol Bursary
Standard Bank CSI Bursary
Standard Bank 150 Bursaries
Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary
Trudon Bursary
Upstream Training Trust Bursary
Volkswagen Community Trust Bursary

bursaries

MATERIALS SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Materials Scientists are responsible for researching, studying and analysing the chemical properties and structures of composite, natural and man-made materials such as rubber, glass, metals, ceramics, polymers, alloys and semiconductors.

Oasis Bursary
SEIFSA Bursary

bursaries

MICROBIOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Microbiologists study microbes or microorganisms to determine how they affect the lives of humans and how to best exploit them. Microbiologists focus on the biology of microorganisms at the cellular and molecular level, as well as their ecology, bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, algae and protozoa.
Microbiologist earns around R174 000 per annum on average.

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
Citrus Academy Bursary
Department of Environmental Affairs Bursary
FoodBev SETA Bursary
HORTGRO Bursary
PPS Bursary

bursaries

NATURAL SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Natural sciences managers are responsible for directing research and development projects – they supervise the work of biologists, chemists and physicists. Natural sciences managers coordinate production, testing and quality control, as well as directing activities relating to research and development.

bursaries

PHYSICS BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Physicists study tiny atomic particles to the Universe as a whole and everything in between. They observe natural phenomena and make use of mathematics to create theories to explain why natural phenomena occur.
The average salary for a Physicist is about R355 000 per annum.

bursaries

SOIL SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Soil scientists evaluate and interpret the soil and soil-related data to understand soil resources as they that affect the quality of the environment and are managed to protect the health of humans and the environment.

bursaries

STATISTICS | STATISTICAL SCIENCE BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Statisticians are responsible for collecting, processing and analysing quantitative data to make informed decisions. Statisticians produce reliable data, analysing the data to form a clear meaning and thereafter compiling practical conclusions from the data.
The average annual salary for a statistician is around R300 000.

ABSA Bank Bursary
Armscor Bursary
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
Capitec Bank Bursary
Coronation Fund Managers Bursary Programme
Dept of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC) Bursary
Department of Tourism Bursary
FNB Fund Bursary
ISFAP Bursary
Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
Oasis Bursary
PPS Bursary
Standard Bank CSI Bursary
Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary

bursaries

TECHNOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Technicians work with complex systems and perform highly mechanical/ technical/ diagnostic tests.
The average annual salary of a technician differs according to the branch, here are a few salaries of different technician jobs:
Support Technician (Information Technology): R121 000 per annum.
Field Service Technician: R169 000 per annum.
Electronics Technician: R171 000 per annum.
Maintenance Technician: R178 000 per annum.
Electrical Technician: R202 000 per annum.
Engineering Technician: R218 000 per annum.
Mechanical Technician: R239 000 per annum.

bursaries

VETERINARY SCIENCE | RELATED STUDIES BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Veterinarians are experts who diagnose, prevent and treat numerous diseases and illnesses in a variety of animals. Veterinarians undertake tests, observe conditions and perform surgery on animals, they also prescribe medicine and therapy.
The average salary for a Veterinarian is around R464 000 per annum.

bursaries

WATER, WASTE | SANITATION BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

-Water treatment plant operators are responsible for tasks such as adding chemicals to water, regularly inspecting equipment and monitoring the operating conditions.
-Waste management officers are responsible for organising and managing waste disposal, as well as collecting and recycling items.
-Sanitation workers are those who clean or hygienically dispose of waste. They may also collect trash or work in wastewater treatment plants.

bursaries

WEATHER | CLIMATE RELATED BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

Meteorologists are responsible for predicting the weather and studying the causes of certain weather conditions. Meteorologists make use of mathematical and computerised models to forecasts climate and weather patterns.
Climatologists study the Earth’s climate by collecting and analysing data from various sources such as air, soil, ice cores, water and plant life – this allows them to find weather patterns and determine how these patterns affect the earth and its beings.
Metrologist earns an average annual salary of R270 000.

SANSA Bursary
SMIT Amandla Marine Bursary
South African Weather Service Bursary

bursaries

ZOOLOGY, ENTOMOLOGY | NEMATOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025 – 2026

-Zoologists study wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystem. Zoologists study animal behaviour, animal physical characteristics and the impact of humans on wildlife and natural habitats.
-Entomologists study the life cycle, classification, behaviour, distribution, ecology, population and physiology of insects.
– Nematologists study nematodes or roundworms. These scientific experts usually research nematodes in their environment, collect samples and then take it to the laboratory for testing.