Why Understanding the Difference Is Important

Many students in South Africa use the words bursary and scholarship as if they mean the same thing — but they don’t.

Knowing the difference helps you:

Apply for the right funding
Avoid rejection due to misunderstanding requirements
Plan your studies with confidence

Let’s explain it in a simple way.

What Is a Bursary?

A bursary is financial support given mainly to students who cannot afford to pay for their studies.

Key features of a bursary:

Based on financial need
Requires proof of household income
May include a work-back agreement (you work for the sponsor after graduating)
Covers tuition, accommodation, books, and sometimes food

Common bursary providers:

Government (e.g. NSFAS)
Companies
SETAs
NGOs and foundations

Example: A company pays for your studies and you work for them for 1–3 years after graduating.

What Is a Scholarship?

A scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, talent, or achievement.

Key features of a scholarship:

Based on merit, not financial need
Requires excellent grades or special skills (sports, leadership, arts)
Usually no work-back obligation
Highly competitive

Common scholarship providers:

Universities
Private foundations
International organisations

Example: A university offers free tuition to top-performing students.

Bursary vs Scholarship — Quick Comparison

Feature	Bursary	Scholarship
Based on financial need	✅ Yes	❌ No
Based on academic excellence	Sometimes	✅ Yes
Requires proof of income	✅ Yes	❌ No
Work-back obligation	Often	Rare
Competitive	Moderate	Very high

Which One Should You Apply For?

You can apply for both, depending on your situation.

Apply for a bursary if:
- Your family income is limited
- You need full financial support
Apply for a scholarship if:
- You have strong academic results
- You have leadership or special talents

Many students apply for both to increase their chances.

Take Your Next Step

Education is a powerful door — funding should never stop you from opening it.

Explore current bursaries → Find Bursaries
Discover scholarships → Education Opportunities
Get updates → Join NextStepZA

At NextStepZA, we’re here to help you choose the right path and move forward with confidence

Which is better: a bursary or a scholarship?

Neither is better — they serve different purposes. A bursary helps students who need financial support, while a scholarship rewards high achievers.

Can one student receive both?

In some cases, yes — but you must inform both providers. Some institutions do not allow double funding.

Do both bursaries and scholarships require good marks?

Scholarships usually require high marks, while bursaries may accept average marks if financial need is proven.

Do bursaries and scholarships have age limits?

Some do, especially government or corporate-funded programmes. Always check the eligibility criteria.

How do I choose which one to apply for?

Apply for:
Bursaries if you need financial help
Scholarships if you have strong results or special talent
Ideally, apply for both to increase your chances.