The Sage External Bursary is aimed at empowering previously disadvantaged South African youth through access to higher education. As part of its commitment to skills development and inclusion, Sage supports students pursuing careers in technology, finance, and related fields.

This bursary places a strong emphasis on students living with disabilities, helping create equal opportunities in education and employment.

Bursary Overview

Bursary Provider: Sage South Africa
Administered by: StudyTrust
Study Level: Undergraduate (with disability inclusion for postgraduate)
Fields Covered: IT, Accounting, Computer Science
Application Period: 1 June – 30 September
Location: Public universities in South Africa

Fields of Study

Technology

Information Technology
Computer Science
Engineering (IT-related)

Commerce

Accounting
Finance (BCom)

Students with Disabilities

Eligible for all study fields (undergraduate & postgraduate)

What the Bursary Covers

The Sage bursary covers (capped):

Tuition fees
Accommodation (residence/private)
Books and study materials
Historical study debt (if applicable)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a South African citizen
Be a Previously Disadvantaged Individual (PDI)
Be accepted into a public university
Have a household income between R350 000 – R500 000 per year
Achieve a minimum 65% academic average
Study in an approved field (exceptions apply for students with disabilities)

Selection Criteria

Undergraduate Students

First-year to final-year students
Must study IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or Commerce

Students with Disabilities

Eligible for all programmes (undergrad & postgrad)
Academic flexibility may apply

Academic Performance

Grade 12 learners: 75%+ in Maths & Physical Science
University students: 65%+ average required

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the StudyTrust online platform.

Visit www.nextstepza.co.za for more bursary opportunities

Closing Date

30 September 2026

Important Notes

Only South African citizens will be considered
Incomplete applications will be disqualified
Students below NSFAS threshold may still apply if not funded