Looking for funding to study in South Africa? You’re in the right place.
Every month, NextStepZA updates this page with bursaries that are currently open, helping students, learners and prospective applicants find funding opportunities before the deadlines pass.
Whether you’re in high school, planning to attend university or TVET college, or already studying, there are bursaries and scholarships available across fields such as Engineering, Science, IT, Finance, Agriculture, Education, Health Sciences and more.
Bursaries Open Right Now – September 2026
Here are some of the bursaries and scholarships with September 2026 closing dates.
1. CSIR Bursary Programme 2027
- Closing Date: 15 September 2026
- Fields: Science, Engineering, Technology and related fields
- For: Eligible South African students
- Study level: Undergraduate and selected postgraduate opportunities
The CSIR bursary programme is aimed at developing South Africa’s future scientists, engineers and technologists. Applications for the 2027 academic year are currently open.
2. CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary 2027
- Closing Date: 15 September 2026
- Fields: Science, Engineering and Technology
- For: Eligible South African students
- Study level: Undergraduate
This programme supports the development of future scientists, engineers and technologists and is offered through a partnership between CSIR and the Sasol Foundation.
3. South African Reserve Bank Bursary 2027
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Fields: Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Mathematical Statistics, Economic Science
- For: Students entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027
The SARB External Bursary Scheme supports students entering relevant economics-related degrees and aims to help address critical skills shortages in South Africa.
4. SANRAL Bursary 2027
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Fields: Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management and selected fields
- For: Eligible South African students
- Study level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
SANRAL’s 2027 external bursary programme is currently open. Undergraduate applicants entering their first year generally need strong academic results, while postgraduate applicants must meet the programme’s requirements.
5. Tomorrow Trust Bursary 2027
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Fields: Science, Engineering, IT, Computer Science, Property Sciences and STEM-related fields
- For: Eligible students
- Study level: Undergraduate
The Tomorrow Trust bursary can provide support toward expenses including tuition, textbooks, equipment, accommodation and living costs.
6. Amazon Recruitment Bursary 2027
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Fields: Computer Science, Software Development and related technology fields
- For: Eligible South African undergraduate students
This opportunity is aimed at students pursuing technology-related studies and is particularly relevant for learners interested in software development and technology careers.
7. Santam Bursary Programme 2027
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Fields: Selected fields related to the insurance and financial-services sector
- For: Eligible South African students
Santam is among the organisations with bursary applications closing during September 2026.
8. Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary 2027
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Fields: Engineering, Commerce and other selected fields
- For: Eligible South African students
Toyota South Africa is another major employer offering funding opportunities for students planning their 2027 studies.
9. Standard Bank Bursary 2027
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Fields: Finance, Commerce, IT, Engineering and other selected fields
- For: Eligible South African students
Standard Bank is among the major corporate bursary programmes with a September 2026 closing date.
10. Sappi Bursary 2027
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Fields: Engineering, Science and related fields
- For: Eligible South African students
Sappi’s bursary programme is another opportunity students should check before the September deadline.
September Bursaries Closing Soon
September is an important month for 2027 funding applications. Other opportunities reported with September deadlines include:
- KAS-SAIIA Scholarship – 1 September
- MMEG South Africa Programme – 14 September
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship – 15 September
- Citrus Academy Bursary – 15 September
- IMESA Bursary – 15 September
- TETA Bursary – 24 September
- Amazon Bursary – 30 September
- AGSA Bursary – 30 September
- IDC Bursary – 30 September
- Investec Bursary – 30 September
- Implats Bursary – 30 September
- SANSA Bursary – 30 September
- SANRAL Bursary – 30 September
- SARB Bursary – 30 September
- Standard Bank Bursary – 30 September
- Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary – 30 September
- Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary – 30 September
Important: Always verify the closing date and eligibility requirements on the official bursary provider’s application page before submitting your application. Deadlines can change.
Important Bursary Application Tips
Don’t wait until the final day to apply.
✔️ Apply as early as possible
✔️ Check whether the bursary is for 2026 or 2027
✔️ Prepare your South African ID
✔️ Have your latest academic results ready
✔️ Prepare proof of household income if required
✔️ Get your proof of university/college application or acceptance where required
✔️ Make sure your documents are certified if requested
✔️ Apply for multiple bursaries that match your qualifications
✔️ Never pay someone to apply for a legitimate bursary on your behalf
Popular Bursary Fields in South Africa
Many bursaries target careers where South Africa needs additional skilled graduates.
Popular fields include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Finance & Accounting
- Economics
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Education
- Agriculture
- Science
- Mining
- Construction
- Transport & Logistics
- Environmental Science
Where Can I Find More Bursaries?
There are hundreds of bursary and scholarship opportunities available to South African students across different fields and study levels.
New opportunities open throughout the year, while others close quickly.
NextStepZA makes the search easier by bringing bursaries, scholarships, learnerships, internships and jobs together in one place.
Find the latest bursaries on NextStepZA
Final Thoughts
September is an important month for students looking for 2027 funding.
If you find a bursary that matches your field of study, don’t wait until the closing date. Prepare your documents, check the eligibility requirements and submit your application as early as possible.
A bursary can help reduce the financial pressure of university or college and give you the opportunity to focus on building your career.
Stay Updated with NextStepZA
Want to stay informed about new bursaries, jobs, learnerships and internships?
Follow NextStepZA and check back regularly for new opportunities.
Bookmark this page — we update it every month with new bursaries and funding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who qualifies for bursaries in South Africa?
Most bursaries are for South African citizens with good academic results and financial need. Some also target specific fields or provinces.
2. Can I apply for multiple bursaries at once?
Yes! You are encouraged to apply for as many bursaries as possible to increase your chances of getting funded.
3. What documents do I need to apply?
You typically need:
Certified ID copy
Latest academic results
Proof of income (parent/guardian)
Proof of residence4. Do bursaries need to be paid back?
Most bursaries do NOT need to be repaid, but some require you to work for the company after graduation.
5. When should I apply for bursaries?
Applications usually open between May and July and close between August and October each year.
6. What is the difference between a bursary and NSFAS?
NSFAS is government funding for public institutions, while bursaries are offered by companies, organisations, or private institutions.
7. Can TVET college students apply for bursaries?
Yes, many bursaries and funding options are available for TVET students, depending on the field of study.