Hey future innovators! Ready to kickstart your career in STEM without the financial stress? Let’s dive into one of South Africa’s most sought-after opportunities: the Vodacom Bursary Programme for 2026! This isn’t just about getting funded; it’s about joining a community that powers your future in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. If you’re a bright, deserving South African student, Vodacom wants to help you turn your academic dreams into reality. Imagine studying for free, getting work experience, and launching into a high-demand career. Sounds good? Let’s get into the details!
The Vodacom Bursary Programme is an incredible initiative designed to support South Africa’s top-performing students pursuing full-time undergraduate degrees in critical STEM fields. Vodacom (Pty) Ltd, through its Vodacom Foundation, aims to bridge the skills gap in the country by investing in brilliant minds from modest backgrounds. This merit-based bursary is a comprehensive support system that includes full financial coverage for the entire duration of your undergraduate degree (subject to academic performance), practical work experience, career development, and even wellness services to ensure you thrive throughout your academic journey and beyond. It’s available for study at recognized tertiary institutions across South Africa.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Vodacom Bursary Programme, you’ll need to meet a specific set of requirements. Make sure you tick all these boxes:
- Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen by birth.
- Academic Year: You should be currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and be entering your first, second, or third year of full-time undergraduate study in 2026.
- Institution: You must be studying or planning to study at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution.
- Field of Study: Your undergraduate degree must be in a STEM field. This includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Actuarial Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering (Light Current)
- Electronics/Electronic Engineering
- Information Systems
- Academic Performance:
- For Matric Applicants: You need an exemption pass in Matric with at least 70% in each subject. For Engineering and Science degrees, you’ll need at least Level 6 in both Science and Mathematics.
- For Tertiary Students: You must maintain a minimum overall tertiary average of 65%.
- Financial Need: You’ll need to demonstrate a proven financial need.
What Does It Cover?
The Vodacom Bursary is seriously generous, offering one of the most extensive benefit packages in South Africa. This means you can focus on your studies without worrying about the money stuff:
- Full Financial Coverage: This bursary pays for your full tuition and registration costs, prescribed books, and even a meal subsidy.
- Accommodation: Your university accommodation will be covered in full, or you’ll receive a capped fee if you opt for private accommodation.
- Technology: You’ll get a laptop and a cellphone to help you with your studies and stay connected.
- Work Experience: Gain valuable, real-world experience through a formal Vacation Work programme.
- Career Development: Final-year students receive work-readiness skills training, equipping them for the corporate environment.
- Wellness Support: You’ll have full access to Vodacom’s comprehensive Wellness Programme services.
How to Apply?
Applying for the Vodacom Bursary Programme is straightforward and done entirely online. Follow these steps carefully:
- Access the Portal: Head over to the official Vodacom bursary portal at externalbursary.vodacom.co.za.
- Register: Create your profile on the portal to begin your application.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the online application form with all your personal, contact, and academic information accurately.
- Gather Documents: Prepare clear, certified copies of the following documents to upload:
- Your South African ID document.
- Your latest results (Grade 11 results and current Matric results if you’re in Matric, or your Matric certificate if you’ve already completed it).
- Your full academic record/transcripts if you’re already a tertiary student.
- Proof of provisional acceptance or acceptance into a South African tertiary institution.
- Evidence of your household income to demonstrate financial need.
- A parental consent form if you are under 18 years old.
- Submit Application: Upload all the required documents and submit your completed application. Applications for the 2026 intake opened in October 2025. While an official closing date isn’t explicitly stated, these bursaries usually close around November/December. Make sure to apply as soon as possible and keep an eye on the official portal for any updates! Successful applicants will typically be informed of the result by mid-December 2025.
If this sounds like the perfect launchpad for your STEM career, don’t hesitate! Head over to the official Vodacom bursary portal and submit your application today. Your future self will thank you! And remember, Bursaries Room is always here to help you find more amazing opportunities like this one. Good luck!
