If you want to study but don’t have the money — a bursary can change your entire future. South Africa has hundreds of organisations offering bursaries every year for matriculants, university students, and even TVET learners.
This 2025 guide shows you where to look, how to apply, and what documents you need.
1. Government Bursaries
These are the most reliable and largest funding opportunities in SA.
• NSFAS
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Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, books
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For: University & TVET students
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Apply: Usually opens late November
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Website: nsfas.org.za
• Funza Lushaka Bursary (Teaching)
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Covers full teaching degree
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Requires service contract (teach after graduating)
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Apply through: funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
• Health Department Bursaries
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For medical, nursing, pharmacy, and health sciences
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Apply through provincial health departments
2. Private Company Bursaries
Top SA companies sponsor thousands of students each year.
• Sasol Bursary
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Fields: Engineering, Science, Accounting
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Very competitive
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Known for excellent benefits
• Eskom Bursary
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Engineering, IT, Finance
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Covers most student costs
• Shoprite Bursary
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Retail management, Accounting, IT
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Offers guaranteed job placement after graduation
• Nedbank / Capitec / FNB Bursaries
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Finance, IT, Data Science, Business
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Great for tech-driven careers
3. University Bursaries (Internal Funding)
Most universities offer their own bursaries for academic merit or financial need.
Examples:
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Wits: “Entrance Scholarships” for first-years
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UP: Financial Aid & Merit Awards
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UCT: GAP Funding + Donor Bursaries
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TUT: Council Bursaries
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UNISA: DHET + Donor bursaries
Tip: Always check your university’s “Financial Aid” page — many have hidden bursaries that students miss.
Before applying, read How to Apply for NSFAS (2025 Edition) for step-by-step help when using government funding.
4. NGO & Foundation Bursaries
These organisations support underprivileged or high-performing students.
Common 2025 bursaries:
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Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (entrepreneurship)
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Motsepe Foundation
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Old Mutual Foundation
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Vodacom Foundation
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Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation
Most require:
✔ Good grades
✔ Strong motivation letter
✔ Proof of household income
5. Provincial Bursaries
Your province often funds local residents.
Examples:
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Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA)
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Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
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KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education Bursary
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Western Cape Government Bursary
Check your province’s official website under “Education” or “Youth Development”.
6. Websites That List Updated Bursaries
These platforms post verified bursaries daily:
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Careers Portal
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SA Bursaries
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Jobreaders SA
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EduFunding
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NextStepZA
Documents You’ll Need for Most Bursary Applications
Prepare these early:
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Certified copy of ID
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Certified copy of latest results
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Proof of household income
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Motivation/cover letter
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Proof of residence
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CV (simple but professional)
If you’re deciding where to study, our Top 10 Colleges in South Africa guide lists great options — many accept NSFAS or bursaries.
Final Advice
Bursaries are competitive — but consistent applying wins.
Apply for:
- 10 bursaries → good chance
- 20 bursaries → very good chance
- 30+ bursaries → almost guaranteed you’ll get at least one
Don’t give up. You only need ONE yes.
Your future is worth the effort.
1. Bursary Cover Letter Template
[Your Full Name]
[Your ID Number]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Home Address]
[Date]
[Bursary Provider Name]
[Organisation Name]
[Address if available]
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Application for the [Name of Bursary]
I am writing to apply for the [Name of Bursary] offered by your organisation. I am currently a [grade/year of study OR “youth seeking to further my education”] who wishes to pursue studies in [Your course/field].
I come from a hardworking family, but we are unable to afford the full cost of my studies. Receiving this bursary would help me continue my education and work towards my career goals.
I am a dedicated and disciplined individual. Throughout my school career, I have shown commitment to my studies and personal growth. I am confident that I will represent your organisation well and use this opportunity to make a positive impact in my community.
I have attached all required documents, including:
• Certified ID
• Latest academic results
• Proof of residence
• Motivation letter
• Parent/guardian proof of income
• Completed bursary application form (if required)
Thank you for considering my application. I would appreciate the opportunity to be awarded this bursary and further my education.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
2. Bursary Motivation Letter Template
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Motivation Letter for the [Name of Bursary]
My name is [Your Name], and I am applying for the [Name of Bursary] to help me further my studies in [Course Name] at [Institution Name if known].
I am passionate about [explain your field — e.g., education, engineering, health, IT, business], and I believe that gaining a qualification in this field will allow me to contribute meaningfully to my community and the South African economy.
My Background
I come from [brief family background], and although my family supports my dreams, we do not have the financial means to fund my tertiary education. This is why this bursary is important to me — it is my only opportunity to study and break the cycle of financial struggle.
My Strengths & Achievements
• Hardworking and disciplined
• Strong academic performance in [key subjects]
• Responsible and motivated
• Community involvement in [church/youth/school activities]
• Passion for personal growth and learning
My Goals
My long-term goal is to become a [your career goal] and use my skills to [mention how you will help your community/country].
This bursary will not only help me pay for my studies but will also open doors to opportunities I would not be able to access otherwise.
I am committed to working hard, staying focused, and using this opportunity wisely.
Thank you for considering my motivation letter.
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
3. Bursary Application Checklist (PDF-Ready Text)
✔ Bursary Application Checklist (South Africa – 2025)
Before submitting your bursary application, make sure you have the following documents:
📌 PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
✔ Certified ID copy
✔ Proof of residence
✔ Parent/guardian certified ID copies
✔ Your CV
📌 FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
✔ Parent/guardian proof of income
• Pay slips OR
• Affidavit if unemployed
✔ SASSA letter (if applicable)
📌 ACADEMIC DOCUMENTS
✔ Latest school results
✔ Matric certificate or report
✔ Acceptance letter (if available)
✔ Academic transcript (if already studying)
📌 APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
✔ Completed bursary application form
✔ Motivation letter
✔ Cover letter
✔ Reference letter (if requested)
✔ Certified documents (within last 3 months)
📌 FINAL CHECK
✔ All documents are clear and readable
✔ File format matches requirements (PDF recommended)
✔ No missing pages
✔ File names are professional (e.g., “Name_Surname_ID.pdf”)