External Bursaries

Other external bursaries

Please take note of closing dates!

Applications Open: National Health Research Enterprise (NHRE) Doctoral Programme

Applications are now open for the National Health Research Enterprise (NHRE) Doctoral Programme, an initiative of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) designed to strengthen health research capacity in South Africa by supporting outstanding PhD candidates conducting innovative research that addresses priority health challenges.

The programme is funded by the SAMRC, National Treasury through the National Department of Health, the Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. It aims to develop the next generation of health researchers and encourages multidisciplinary projects, including those incorporating digital health, artificial intelligence and genomics.

Scholarship Details

  • Level: PhD
  • Duration: 3 years (with the possibility of a fourth year based on demonstrated progress and approval)
  • Value: R250,000 per annum

Important Dates

  • Applications open: 28 July 2026
  • Applicant closing date: 22 September 2026 (23:59)
  • Supervisor submission deadline: 29 September 2026 (23:59)

Applicants must complete the online application, upload all required supporting documents by the closing date, and ensure their supervisor submits the required documentation by the supervisor deadline.

For full eligibility criteria, application guidelines and supporting documents, visit the SAMRC National Health Research Enterprise Doctoral Programme webpage.

Enquiries: Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla
Email: Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za | Tel: 021 938 0442

Motus Mobility Solutions Bursary Application Form

Motus Mobility Solutions invites students to apply for bursary funding for the 2027 academic year. 

Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies in the following:

  • BSC Software Engineering
  • BSC Computer Science 
  • BSC Computer Science and Informatics 
  • BSC Statistics and Data Science 
  • BSC Actuarial Science 
  • BSC in Mathematical Science 
  • BCom specialising in statistics and Data Science 
  • BEng in Industrial Engineering 
  • BEng in Electrical Engineering

MMS bursaries are merit-based and selected based on academic performance. 

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: 

  • Registration fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Prescribed textbooks
  • Residence/ or part residence fees (Cap on cost)

The bursary will not cover costs from any previous years of study. 

Closing Date: 30 September 2025

How to apply: 

Applications must be submitted to khanyisilem@motus.co.za

Submit the following (compulsory) documentation along with your application – if any item is missing, your application may be disqualified. 

  • Certified copy of ID
  • Full university academic record, including latest results on institutions letterhead
  • Proof of University registration for 2025/2026
  • Completed EEA 1 form (Doctors Letter relating to disability- if applicable)

Criteria: 

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying. 

Failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered. 

  • You must be a South African Citizen
  • You must be between the ages of 19 and 35
  • You must be currently studying towards an undergraduate degree
  • You must be registered for your 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study
  • You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70%
  • You must not currently receive any other bursary awards
  • Preference will be given to students of designated groups and students living with disabilities. 

Download the application form here.

Beefmaster Group Bursary 2027

Beefmaster Group invites applications for its 2027 bursary programme from outstanding final-year undergraduate students pursuing studies in the following fields:

  • BSc Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)
  • BSc Agriculture (Animal Science)
  • B Agriculture (Animal Production)

Minimum Requirements

  • South African citizen.
  • Final-year undergraduate student in one of the listed fields.
  • Strong academic record.

Required Documents

  • Brief CV.
  • Half-page motivational letter.
  • Certified copy of South African ID.
  • Certified copy of Grade 12/Matric certificate.
  • Latest full academic record.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Successful applicants will be required to sign a bursary agreement.

How to Apply:
Email all required documents and any enquiries to Blanche Mpiwa at blanche.mpiwa@beefmaster.co.za.

Closing Date: 31 August 2026.

2027 CSIR Bursary Programme Applications Now Open

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2027 CSIR Bursary Programmes are now open.

Application Deadline: 15 September 2026

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and application process for the following bursary programmes:

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online via the CSIR Bursary Connect portal

Please note that applications submitted via email will not be considered.

Bursary Opportunity Metallurgy 2027

Columbus Stainless, founded in 1964 and part of the Multinational Acerinox Group, is proud to be the only producer of stainless steel on the African Continent. Durable and 100% recyclable, stainless steel has boundless potential as the preferred metal for the future, and Columbus remains dedicated to playing a significant role in South Africa’s growth and development.

Closing Date: 28 August 2026

Register your comprehensive CV and full academic record on:

“Bursary Opportunity Metallurgy 2027” at - https://columbus.mcidirecthire.com/external/currentopportunities

 

IDC EXTERNAL BURSARY ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

The Industrial Development Corporation is inviting students to apply for the IDC External Bursary Scheme for the 2027 academic year. Applications have opened on Monday, 1 June 2026 and will close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. The IDC Bursary is open to unemployed eligible South African citizens with financial needs. Applicants should be studying or intend to study full-time.

kindly click here for more information

THE OLD MUTUAL EDUCATION TRUST

CRITICAL QUALIFYING CRITERIA

Candidates must be either a union member, staff member of a union, spouse of a union member or child dependant of a union member that is part of the Trust

WHAT THE SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS

  • Partial scholarship of R77,000 per academic year
  • A dedicated Student Support programme to ensure students’ success and well-being
  • Access to tutoring support Access to counselling services
  • Provision of a laptop when joining
  • A World of Work programme to prepare for life post-graduation

Applications open from 1 July- 31 August 2026

Click here for more information.

Nedbank External Bursary Programme

The Nedbank External Bursary Programme supports full-time undergraduate and Honours students studying towards qualifications in the financial sector, with a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and green economy skills at South African public universities and universities of technology. If you have the drive to study full-time but not the means to fund it, and you meet the criteria below, this is your opportunity to step up with Team Green.

Criteria

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a South African citizen with a proven financial need based on your household income.
  • Have a minimum academic average of 65% in the year you apply for the bursary.
  • Have a minimum academic average of 65% in the subjects required for your intended qualification.
  • Not have completed Grade 12 or your senior certificate with mathematics literacy.
  • Have secured admission to study full-time at a South African public university or university of technology

Application process

All bursary applications are assessed against the Nedbank External Bursary Programme selection criteria. Bursaries are awarded through the Nedbank Educational Trust at the sole discretion of the trust.

Screening process

  • Only applications submitted online via the official link will be considered.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • All complete applications will be screened and shortlisted in line with the qualifying criteria

If you are shortlisted, we will ask you to:

  • Submit the relevant supporting documents for a financial assessment.
  • Complete psychometric and other assessments
  • Attend an interview

You will be notified of the outcome of your application once the recruitment and selection process is complete.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Department of Agriculture Bursary Awards For 2027

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) intends to award comprehensive bursaries to qualifying applicants who are pursuing or planning to further their studies in identified agricultural fields for the 2027 academic year. The bursary will cover tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, meals and a monthly allowance. These bursaries are aimed at previously disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly those from rural and underprivileged communities. 
Persons with disability are encouraged to apply. 

Visit www.nda.gov.za for more information (Click on vacancies).


Closing date for all applications: 30 September 2026 

Clicks Foundation Bursary advert 2026

  • The Clicks Foundation will allocate 100 bursaries annually to students completing academic studies at tertiary institutions in South Africa.
    • 80 bursaries to be allocated to BPharm. students
    • 20 bursaries to be allocated to Commercial students in study fields related to Data/Computer Science, Information Technology, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Analytics and Digital Marketing.
    • A R5000 allowance to be allocated to each recipient for prescribed books.
  • Bursaries to be allocated to students at 2nd and 3rd year of study. 
  • Bursary allocation will cover cost for tuition, examination and prescribed books. The bursary will not cover any courses which the student has failed or study year which they have to repeat.
  • New students must meet the average minimum requirement of above 65%.
  • Preference to be given to the following tertiary institutions: ▪ University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Western Cape (UWC), University of Stellenbosch (US), Rhodes, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Limpopo (UL) and Sefako Makgatho University (SMU)

Click here for the application form. Submit your application to theclicksfoundation@clicksgroup.co.za

 

Standard Bank Student Loan Offers

Set your dreams in motion with a Standard Bank Student Loan Without Surety

Standard Bank is offering students an opportunity to get a Student Loan Without Surety – meaning you do not require a guardian or parent to be able to take up this loan. We understand that it may be stressful looking for funding, and that is why you need a bank that backs you.

Minimum Criteria

  • You must be a South African citizen.
  • Your Gross Household Income must be less than R600 000 per annum.
  • 3rd Year students and upwards within Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematic, Commerce, Health Sciences and 5th Year students in Medicine.
  • Open to existing Standard Bank Transactional Account holders. You may apply for one using our digital and other banking channels if you don’t have one
  • Study at one of our participating universities

How does it work?

  • The loan maximum is R120 000 per annum, which can be used to cover tuition, accommodation, books and study equipment.
  • There is no expectation of repayment on the loan while you are studying. However, you will be expected to start repaying the loan six months after completing your studies or as soon as you secure employment. Of course, it will be to your advantage to reduce your balance by making some payments while studying.
  • Monthly interest and service fees will be charged from the loan’s inception and will be added to the outstanding balance.
  • This loan can cover your existing university student debt up to R80 000 for each previous year that may be preventing you from completing your studies
  • Competitive interest rates apply.