Other external bursaries
Please take note of closing dates!
Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary Programme 2027
The Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary Programme supports talented and financially needy South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa.
The programme aims to remove financial barriers to higher education while providing beneficiaries with the academic, personal and professional support they need to succeed.
What the bursary provides
The Tiso Foundation bursary is designed to provide comprehensive study support, which may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books and study materials
- A monthly living allowance
- Academic support
- Life-skills and leadership development
- Mentorship and personal development
- Access to career and employment opportunities through the Foundation's network
Fields of study
The bursary is available for undergraduate studies across a broad range of fields, at recognised universities and universities of technology in South Africa. Students are considered primarily on the basis of academic merit and financial need.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Come from a previously disadvantaged background
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Have achieved a minimum overall Matric average of 70%
- If already studying at tertiary level, have achieved a minimum average of 65% in their latest results
- Be studying or intending to study full-time at a recognised and accredited university or university of technology in South Africa
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be unemployed
- Demonstrate commitment to their studies and a positive attitude
- Be willing to contribute to their community and participate in upliftment programmes
Supporting documents
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest Matric results or Matric certificate
- Latest tertiary academic results, where applicable
- Proof of registration, acceptance or provisional acceptance at a tertiary institution
- Proof of household income
- Academic references or testimonials
- Other supporting information requested as part of the application
Application deadline
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications and supporting documents before the closing date.
More than financial support
The Tiso Foundation bursary goes beyond funding. Beneficiaries receive academic and life-skills support and may gain access to leadership development, mentorship and career opportunities through the Foundation's network of corporate and institutional partners.
Apply for the Tiso Foundation Tertiary Bursary Programme and take the next step towards achieving your academic and career goals.
Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme 2027
The Tomorrow Trust Bursary Programme provides comprehensive financial and developmental support to South African students pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in 2027.
What the bursary covers
Successful beneficiaries may receive support for:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and academic equipment
- Accommodation
- Living allowances
- Psychosocial support
- Mentorship and career coaching
- Masterclasses and future-ready skills development
- Career networking and opportunities
Fields of study
The bursary supports undergraduate studies in:
- Engineering
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- BSc Sciences
- Property Sciences
- Other STEM-related fields
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be studying or intending to study full-time towards an undergraduate degree in 2027
- Be studying or planning to study at a recognised public university in South Africa
Applicants should prepare supporting documents such as a certified ID, academic results or records, proof of university acceptance or registration, and a motivation letter.
Closing date
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
The programme goes beyond financial assistance, helping students develop academically, personally and professionally through ongoing mentorship, support and career development.
For enquiries, contact info@tomorrow.org.za.
Potatoes South Africa Bursary 2027
Potatoes South Africa is inviting eligible students to apply for funding for the 2027 academic year.
Who can apply:
- South African citizens
- Undergraduates from 2nd year onwards
- Postgraduate students (BTech, Honours, Master’s and PhD)
- Students working on potato-related projects
Fields of study:
- Agronomy
- Plant/Crop Production
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Economics
- Other potato-relevant studies
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Only four bursaries will be awarded. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process. Applicants who have not received communication by 31 December 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful.
Beefmaster Group Bursary 2027
Beefmaster Group is offering bursaries to South African final-year students with outstanding academic records.
Fields of study:
- BSc Agriculture – Agricultural Economics
- BSc Agriculture – Animal Science
- B Agriculture – Animal Production
Requirements:
- Final-year student with a strong academic record
- South African citizen
- Studying in one of the listed fields
- Bursary applies to the 2027 academic year
Application: Submit a brief CV, half-page motivation letter, certified ID, certified Grade 12/Matric certificate, and full academic record.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and successful applicants will be required to sign a bursary agreement.
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Email applications and enquiries to: blance.mpiwa@beefmaster.co.za
Energy Mobility Education Trust Scholarship 2027
The Energy Mobility Education Trust (EMET) is accepting applications for its 2027 Scholarship Programme, supporting students in fields related to South Africa’s green and digital economy.
Applications: 3 August – 30 October 2026
Eligible applicants: Final-year undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours/Master’s) students aged 32 or younger, studying at selected South African universities, with a household income of R600,000 or less per year. Applicants must be Black South Africans as defined by the B-BBEE Act.
Fields: Science, Engineering, Technology, Accounting, Actuarial Science, and Computer, Mathematical, Statistical & Information Sciences.
Support includes: Tuition, accommodation, meals, stipend, laptop, textbooks, learning resources, mentorship and psychosocial support.
HCLTech Internship Opportunity
HCLTech is inviting students living with disabilities to apply for a 12-month internship opportunity in the IT industry.
Eligibility:
- Students with any qualification in Information Technology
- Open to male and female candidates
- African, Indian and Coloured candidates
- Candidates with hidden disabilities are encouraged to apply; candidates with physical disabilities will also be considered
- Applicants must be willing and able to relocate to Johannesburg
Internship Package:
- 12-month contract
- R10,000 monthly stipend
- R120,000 total contract package
Interested candidates should submit their proof of disability, ID copy and CV as soon as possible to Ntobeko Phili via nntobekomanqoba.phili@hcltech.com
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.
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:
- CSIR Bursary Programme
- CSIR–Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme
- CSIR–DSTI Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme (IBS)
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.