Top 10 Bursaries for 2025 in South Africa: Unlock Your Future

As the new academic year approaches, many South African students seek financial support to pursue their higher education goals. Bursaries are a great way to alleviate the financial burden of tertiary education. Here, we present the top 10 bursaries available for 2025, covering various fields of study and providing opportunities for students across the country.

1. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

• NSFAS provides financial aid to eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.

Requirements :

• All South African citizens are eligible.
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding.
• Applicants with a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year qualify.
• For persons with disabilities, the combined household income must be R600,000 or less per year.
• Students who began their studies before 2018 qualify if their household income is R122,000 or less per year.
• Apply Here

2. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship

• This fellowship supports high-potential students with leadership and entrepreneurial skills, offering comprehensive financial assistance and development programs.

Requirements :

Grade 12

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• At least 60% in Pure Mathematics OR 80% in Mathematical Literacy in final Grade 11 results.
• Minimum average of 70% in final Grade 11 results (excluding Life Orientation).
• Age: Must be under 21 years old in the year of application.
• Study Intentions: Must plan to study at one of the following universities: WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, or UKZN.
• Field of Study: Must intend to pursue tertiary studies in Commerce, Health Science (excluding Veterinary Science and Dentistry), Engineering, Law, or Humanities at one of the partnered universities.

1st Year University

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• Must have a minimum average of 65% in your 2023 mid-year exams.
• Current Enrollment: Must currently be studying at one of the following universities: UCT, UWC, Tsiba, SU, RU, NMU, UKZN, UFS, WITS, UP, or UJ.
• Field of Study: Must intend to pursue tertiary studies in Commerce, Science (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry), Humanities, Engineering, or Law at one of the partnered universities.
• Age: Must be under 22 years old in the year of application.
• Apply Here

3. Sasol Bursary Scheme

•  Sasol offers bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students in engineering, science, and commerce fields, covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.

Requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• For undergraduates: Minimum of 70% in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English in Grade 12.
• For postgraduates: Relevant undergraduate degree with strong academic performance.
• Fields of Study: Engineering, science, and commerce fields.
• Other Requirements: Strong academic performance and leadership potential.

Apply Here

4. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

•  Aimed at students pursuing a teaching qualification, this bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, with a commitment to teach at a public school after graduation.

Requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• For first-time applicants: Minimum level 4 in the chosen teaching subject in Grade 12.
• For existing university students: Minimum average of 55% for all modules studied.
• Study Commitment: Must be committed to teaching in a public school after graduation.
• Fields of Study: Teaching qualification.

Apply Here

5. Vodacom Bursary Programme

•  Vodacom provides bursaries to students in ICT, engineering, and related fields, offering financial support and vacation work opportunities.

Requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• Minimum of 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science in Grade 12.
• For university students: Minimum average of 65%.
• Fields of Study: ICT, engineering, and related fields.
• Other Requirements: Strong academic performance and interest in the ICT sector.

Apply Here

6. Eskom Bursary Scheme

•  Eskom supports students in engineering, science, and technical fields with comprehensive financial assistance, including tuition, accommodation, and stipends.

Requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• Minimum of 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science in Grade 12.
• For university students: Minimum average of 65%.
• Fields of Study: Engineering, science, and technical fields.
• Other Requirements: Strong academic performance and interest in the energy sector.

Apply Here

7. Standard Bank Bursary Programme

•  Standard Bank offers bursaries to students in finance, business, and IT, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

Requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• Minimum of 70% in Mathematics in Grade 12.
• For university students: Minimum average of 65%.
• Fields of Study: Finance, business, and IT.
• Other Requirements: Strong academic performance and interest in the banking sector.

Apply Here

8. South African Reserve Bank Bursary

•  The SARB bursary supports students in economics, finance, and related fields, covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.

Requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• Minimum of 70% in Mathematics and Economics in Grade 12.
• For university students: Minimum average of 65%.
• Fields of Study: Economics, finance, and related fields.
• Other Requirements: Strong academic performance and interest in the financial sector.

Apply Here

9. ABSA Bursary Programme

•  ABSA offers bursaries to students in finance, IT, and business-related fields, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.

Requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• Minimum of 70% in Mathematics in Grade 12.
• For university students: Minimum average of 65%.
• Fields of Study: Finance, IT, and business-related fields.
• Other Requirements: Strong academic performance and interest in the banking sector.

Apply Here

10. Anglo-American Bursary Programme

•  Anglo-American provides bursaries for students in mining, engineering, and related fields, offering comprehensive financial support and vacation work opportunities.

Requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Requirements:
• Minimum of 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science in Grade 12.
• For university students: Minimum average of 65%.
• Fields of Study: Mining, engineering, and related fields.
• Other Requirements: Strong academic performance and interest in the mining sector.

Apply Here