Bursaries Open in South Africa – November 2026 | 2027 Bursaries and Scholarships (Monthly Updated List)

Looking for funding to study in South Africa in 2027? You’re in the right place!

Every month, NextStepZA updates this page with bursaries, scholarships and student funding opportunities to help South African students find financial assistance for university, TVET college and other recognised study programmes.

Whether you are completing Matric, planning to study at university or TVET college, or already pursuing a qualification, there may be funding opportunities available in your field.

This November 2026 update highlights bursaries with November closing dates, ongoing applications and important funding deadlines for the 2027 academic year.

Last updated: 1 November 2026

Bursaries Open Right Now – November 2026

November is an important month for students preparing for the 2027 academic year. Several bursary programmes have application deadlines during the month, while other programmes remain open for new or returning applicants.

Below are opportunities to explore. Always read the full requirements before applying.

1. Free State Office of the Premier Bursary 2027

Closing Date: 13 November 2026

Fields of study:

• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Mathematics

• Psychology-related studies

• Social Sciences

• Other approved fields

The Free State Office of the Premier is inviting eligible students to apply for its 2027 bursary programme.

The bursary may cover tuition fees, prescribed textbooks and learning devices, meals, accommodation, transport and a monthly living allowance, where applicable.

How to apply:

Download and complete the application form or collect one from the designated offices. Applications must be hand-delivered to:

FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301

Enquiries: 065 742 5935 / 060 533 4702
Email: bursariesfs@fspremier.gov.za

View the bursary details and application form

2. Xylem SA Trust Bursary 2027

Closing Date: 27 November 2026

Fields of study may include:

• Automation and Instrumentation

• GIS and Infrastructure Technology

• Civil Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Environmental Health

• Water Quality and Applied Sciences

• Water Science and Hydrology

• Sanitation and Water Resource Management

• Relevant TVET qualifications

The Xylem SA Trust is offering bursary support for eligible students pursuing qualifications related to engineering, science, water management and infrastructure.

The opportunity also includes relevant TVET qualifications.

The NSTF listing states that bursaries will be awarded to Black students. Applicants should check the full application requirements before submitting.

How to apply: Submit your application online using the application link provided in the bursary notice.

Enquiries: bursaries@growza.co.za

View the Xylem SA Trust Bursary 2027 and application link

3. Silulumanzi Bursary 2027

Closing Date: 30 November 2026

Fields of study include:

• Biology

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Environmental Science

• Mechanical Engineering

• Quantity Surveying

• Water Care

• Fitter and Turner

• Millwright

• Instrumentation and related technical qualifications

Silulumanzi is inviting applications for its 2027 bursary programme.

The bursary may cover registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed books and study materials, as well as accommodation.

How to apply:

Application forms can be collected from Silulumanzi Customer Care Offices in:

• KaNyamazane

• Matsulu

• Mbombela/Nelspruit

Completed applications can be posted or hand-delivered to the addresses listed in the official bursary notice.

Enquiries: 013 752 6839

View the Silulumanzi Bursary 2027 application details

4. City of Ekurhuleni Community Bursary Programme 2027

Closing Date: 30 November 2026

Fields of study include:

Built Environment

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Property Studies

• Building and Construction Management

• Geomatics/GIS

Information and Communication Technology

• Information Technology

• Computer Science and Informatics

• Artificial Intelligence

• Internet of Things

Finance

• Accounting

• Finance

• Logistics

• Supply Chain Management

Environmental Health Sciences

• Environmental Health

• Occupational Health and Safety

• Water Quality

• Waste Management

The City of Ekurhuleni invites academically deserving and financially needy students to apply for its 2027 Community Bursary Programme.

Important eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants must be South African citizens.

• Applicants must permanently reside within the City of Ekurhuleni.

• Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

• Applicants must have completed Grade 12.

• Applicants must have an acceptance letter or proof of registration for the 2027 academic year.

• Household income documentation is required.

The bursary is renewable annually, subject to academic performance and the programme’s conditions.

How to apply:

Visit the official online bursary portal, register a profile and submit your application under the Community Bursary section.

Apply through the City of Ekurhuleni Bursary Portal

Enquiries:

• 011 999 3516

• 011 999 7772

• 011 999 8231

• 011 999 0547

Important: This opportunity is specifically for eligible Ekurhuleni residents. Living elsewhere in Gauteng does not automatically qualify an applicant.

5. BradshawLeRoux Bursary 2027

Closing Date: 25 November 2026

For: Eligible students with disabilities pursuing selected tertiary qualifications.

The BradshawLeRoux bursary supports students with disabilities who are planning to further their studies in 2027.

Fields mentioned in the bursary announcement include:

• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Mathematics and Statistics

• Supply Chain

• Information Technology

• Artificial Intelligence

• Entrepreneurship

• Multimedia and Marketing

• Law

• Psychology

• Compliance and Fraud

Applicants are asked to provide:

• A CV outlining their study plans.

• A medical certificate.

• Matric results or relevant tertiary academic results.

• Proof of registration or acceptance for 2027.

Successful bursars may also participate in the Potentia career-readiness programme.

How to apply:

Email the requested documents to:

admin@bradshawleroux.co.za

Visit BradshawLeRoux

Applicants should confirm the complete requirements and funding arrangements directly with the organisation.

Other Important 2027 Funding Opportunities

Some major funding programmes have different application deadlines depending on whether you are a new applicant or a returning student.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

New applications close: 31 January 2027

Returning bursars: 30 November 2026

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme supports eligible students pursuing teaching qualifications in priority subject areas.

The bursary may cover:

• Tuition fees

• Accommodation or transport

• Meals

• Learning materials

• Teaching practice support

• Other approved essential costs

Who may apply?

Eligible applicants may include:

• Grade 12 learners who meet the academic requirements.

• Graduates below 30 who want to complete a teaching qualification.

• Students pursuing an eligible teaching qualification.

• Eligible returning bursary recipients applying for continued funding.

First-time applicants must be 30 years or younger.

Important: Funza Lushaka recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received bursary funding. Applicants should understand this service obligation before accepting an award.

How to apply: Applications are submitted through the official e-Gov system.

Apply for Funza Lushaka 2027

NSFAS 2027 – Important Closing Date Notice

2027 applications closed: 31 October 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) opened its 2027 application cycle on 18 September 2026.

The application period closed on 31 October 2026. Students who submitted applications should continue checking their myNSFAS accounts for updates.

NSFAS supports eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.

Important: Do not rely on claims that the 2027 application period remains open in November. Check the official NSFAS website for any announcements or further instructions.

Visit the official NSFAS website

November 2026 Bursary Deadline Calendar

Keep track of these important November dates:

Please note: New Funza Lushaka applicants have until 31 January 2027. The 30 November deadline applies to returning bursars.

Closing dates can change. Always confirm the latest information with the bursary provider before applying.

Bursaries and Scholarships by Field of Study

Different funding programmes support different qualifications and career paths.

Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

Information Technology

• Computer Science

• Software Development

• Information Systems

• Information Technology

• Data Science

• Cybersecurity

• Artificial Intelligence

Finance and Accounting

• Accounting

• Chartered Accountancy

• Finance

• Economics

• Actuarial Science

• Risk Management

• Supply Chain Management

Health Sciences

• Medicine

• Pharmacy

• Nursing

• Environmental Health

• Occupational Health and Safety

• Medical Research

Science

• Environmental Science

• Food Science

• Biotechnology

• Microbiology

• Mathematics

• Physical Science

• Water Science

Education

• Teaching

• Foundation Phase Education

• Intermediate Phase Education

• Senior Phase and FET Education

Other Fields

• Agriculture

• Forestry

• Fisheries

• Tourism

• Logistics

• Property Studies

• Construction Management

• Creative Industries

Important Bursary Application Tips

Applying for bursaries requires preparation. Do not wait until the final day to start collecting your documents.

Before applying:

• Check whether the opportunity is for 2026 or 2027.

• Read the full eligibility requirements.

• Prepare a certified copy of your South African ID.

• Have your latest academic results ready.

• Prepare proof of household income if required.

• Keep your university or TVET college acceptance documents ready.

• Make sure documents are certified where required.

• Prepare a motivation letter if requested.

• Check whether a CV is required.

• Apply for more than one bursary if you meet the requirements.

• Save copies of your application and reference numbers.

• Check your email and phone regularly for updates.

Beware of Bursary Scams

Students should be careful when applying for bursaries online.

Unfortunately, fake bursary advertisements and fraudulent application websites target people looking for financial assistance.

Before submitting an application:

• Check the organisation offering the bursary.

• Use the official application website or authorised application platform.

• Never share your banking PIN or online banking password.

• Be cautious of people demanding unexplained application fees.

• Never pay someone who promises guaranteed bursary approval.

• Do not rely only on WhatsApp or Facebook posts to verify an opportunity.

Remember: legitimate bursary applications should be verified directly with the funding provider.

NextStepZA shares opportunities to help students find funding, but applicants are responsible for checking the final requirements and submitting applications through the official provider.

Where Can I Find More Bursaries?

New bursaries and scholarships become available throughout the year. Some opportunities are available to Matric learners, while others are specifically for university students, TVET students, graduates or postgraduate candidates.

You can explore more funding opportunities through NextStepZA.

👉 Find the latest bursaries and scholarships on NextStepZA

You can also explore our other opportunity categories:

• Jobs

• Learnerships

• Internships

• Study opportunities

• Career guidance

Final Thoughts

November is an important month for students preparing for the 2027 academic year.

Several bursary opportunities have deadlines during November, so eligible applicants should prepare their documents and submit applications as early as possible.

Remember that every bursary has its own eligibility criteria. Applying does not guarantee funding, and applicants should always follow the official application instructions.

Do not allow a lack of information to stop you from exploring opportunities to further your education.

Your future matters, and the right opportunity could help you take the next step.

Stay Updated with NextStepZA

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• Scholarships

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• Learnerships

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• Study opportunities

• Funding opportunities

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