One of the biggest concerns facing prospective university students is how to pay for their studies. Fortunately, South Africa offers a wide range of bursaries, scholarships, and financial aid programmes designed to help deserving students access higher education. These opportunities are provided by government departments, universities, state-owned entities, and private companies that invest in developing the country’s future workforce.
The key to securing funding is understanding which bursaries are available, who qualifies, and when applications open and close. In this guide, we explore some of the most popular bursary opportunities available to South African students and provide useful information to help you prepare successful applications.
Why Bursaries Matter
Bursaries provide financial support to students who may not otherwise be able to afford tertiary education. Depending on the bursary provider, funding may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Textbooks and study materials
- Meals
- Living allowances
- Laptop allowances
- Registration fees
Many bursaries also offer mentorship, vacation work opportunities, internships, and potential employment after graduation.
1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
NSFAS remains one of the largest student funding programmes in South Africa. It provides financial assistance to qualifying students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
Who Can Apply?
Students who:
- Are South African citizens
- Intend to study at a public university or TVET college
- Meet household income requirements
- Meet the academic requirements set by NSFAS
What NSFAS Covers
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Learning materials
- Living allowances
- Transport allowances (where applicable)
Important Note
NSFAS applications typically open annually before the start of the academic year. Students should monitor official NSFAS announcements and apply as early as possible. NSFAS has already concluded applications for the 2026 funding cycle.
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is one of South Africa’s most valuable funding opportunities for students who wish to pursue teaching qualifications.
Who Can Apply?
Students who:
- Are South African citizens
- Intend to study teaching at a recognised public university
- Meet academic requirements
- Are willing to teach in public schools after graduation
Priority Areas
Funding is often prioritised for students studying:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Technology
- African Languages
- Foundation Phase Education
- Life Sciences
What the Bursary Covers
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Books and learning materials
- Certain study-related expenses
Application Period
Applications for the most recent cycle opened in October and closed in January for new applicants. Similar timelines are expected in future application cycles.
3. Sasol Foundation Bursary
The Sasol Foundation Bursary is highly sought after by students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Who Can Apply?
Students who:
- Are South African citizens
- Intend to study full-time at a public university or university of technology
- Meet the academic requirements
- Are pursuing approved STEM qualifications
Popular Fields Supported
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Various Science-related qualifications
What the Bursary Covers
The programme offers comprehensive funding and student support throughout the study period.
Application Period
Recent application cycles have typically opened around April and closed during May. Students should always confirm dates directly with Sasol before applying.
4. ISFAP (Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme)
ISFAP was established to support students who fall within the “missing middle” category — students whose household income may be too high for NSFAS but who still struggle to afford university education.
Who Can Apply?
Students who:
- Meet ISFAP income requirements
- Gain admission to participating universities
- Demonstrate academic potential
What ISFAP Covers
Depending on the funding package, support may include:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Books
- Living allowances
- Student support services
ISFAP applications are managed through its online application portal.
5. Provincial Government Bursaries
Many provincial governments offer bursary schemes for students studying scarce and critical skills programmes.
Examples include:
- Gauteng bursaries
- Mpumalanga bursaries
- North West bursaries
- Northern Cape bursaries
- Eastern Cape bursaries
Common Fields Funded
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Accounting
- Agriculture
- Information Technology
Students should monitor announcements from their provincial government departments throughout the year.
How to Improve Your Chances of Securing a Bursary
Apply Early
Do not wait until the final week before submitting applications.
Meet All Requirements
Carefully review eligibility criteria before applying.
Submit Complete Documents
Most bursary providers require:
- Certified ID copy
- Academic results
- Proof of income
- Proof of admission (where applicable)
Apply for Multiple Opportunities
Never rely on a single funding source. Applying for several bursaries can increase your chances of success.
Keep Your Academic Performance Strong
Many bursary providers consider academic achievement when selecting candidates.
How StudyLink SA Can Help
Finding and applying for bursaries can be overwhelming, especially when deadlines, requirements, and application processes differ from one provider to another. StudyLink SA helps students identify relevant funding opportunities, prepare applications, understand eligibility requirements, and connect with bursary providers within our growing funding network.
Our goal is to ensure that talented learners are not prevented from pursuing higher education because of financial barriers.
Final Thoughts
Funding should never stand between a learner and their dreams. South Africa offers numerous bursary opportunities for students across various fields of study, but securing funding requires preparation, research, and timely applications.
Start early, stay organised, and apply for as many suitable opportunities as possible. The investment you make in your education today can open doors to a brighter future tomorrow.