30 South African Bursaries Every Student Should Know About
Bursary Description
Studying in South Africa can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re in matric, already at university, or planning to start next year, there are numerous bursaries available to cover everything from tuition and textbooks to meals and accommodation.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of 30 South African bursaries that every student should know about in 2025. These bursaries span a wide range of fields, including engineering, health, education, law, commerce, media, and many more.
Top South African Bursaries to Explore
Here are some of the leading bursary opportunities, detailing who they’re for and where to find more information:
1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
The most well-known bursary, available to students from low-income households attending public universities and TVET colleges.
For students in engineering, accounting, and IT, Eskom offers full bursaries with potential job opportunities post-graduation.
Funds students in engineering, maritime studies, logistics, and finance, with job placement opportunities in the transport sector.
Full-cost bursaries for students in STEM fields, with extra support in academic development and mentorship.
Offered by the Department of Education for students studying teaching. Covers all costs in exchange for public school service.
6. Department of Health Bursaries
Available for those studying medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, and other health-related degrees — often with return service agreements.
🌐 https://www.health.gov.za/bursary/
7. KPMG Bursary
Supports students studying toward a chartered accounting (CA) designation. Includes tuition and internship opportunities.
🌐 https://kpmg.com/za/en/home/careers/bursary-requirements.html
8. Standard Bank Bursary Programme
Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for students in finance, commerce, data science, and IT.
9. Department of Justice Bursary
For students pursuing degrees in law, legal studies, or criminology, especially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Focused on students in economics, computer science, actuarial science, and data-driven fields.
Ideal for students in agriculture, chemistry, and engineering, with strong industry exposure and internship support.
12. Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET)
More than a bursary, this programme includes mentorship, personal development, and career guidance.
🌐 www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org
13. Momentum Metropolitan Bursary
Covers tuition and accommodation for students in finance, actuarial science, IT, and health sciences.
🌐 www.momentummetropolitan.co.za
For students studying civil engineering, transportation, and infrastructure-related courses.
A transformation-focused bursary for African and Coloured students aiming to become Chartered Accountants [CA(SA)].
For students in engineering, with vacation work and graduate employment options.
17. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
For high-potential students with entrepreneurial ambition. Offers full funding plus a leadership development programme.
18. MultiChoice Bursary Scheme
For students in film, digital media, software engineering, and creative industries. Ideal for tech-savvy storytellers.
Supports law students passionate about justice, fairness, and helping others through legal work.
20. Shoprite Bursary
Funds students in pharmacy, logistics, retail, IT, and more — often leads to job placement after graduation.
Aimed at students pursuing banking, IT, actuarial science, data science, and analytics.
22. Telkom Bursary
Funds students in electrical engineering, computer science, and IT, especially those interested in telecommunications.
23. Gibela Rail Transport Bursary
Open to students in mechanical, electrical, industrial engineering, and metallurgy, supporting South Africa’s rail industry.
Mining giant Harmony supports students in geology, mining engineering, and metallurgy, with great post-study job potential.
25. StudyTrust Bursary (in partnership with multiple sponsors)
Acts as a bridge between students and funders. Offers full bursaries and holistic support.
26. NRF Bursary (National Research Foundation)
Perfect for postgraduate students in science, technology, and innovation research.
27. MQA Bursary (Mining Qualifications Authority)
Supports students in mining-related fields like geology, engineering, metallurgy, and environmental science.
Focuses on orphaned and vulnerable youth, supporting their studies and personal development with academic and psychosocial support.
29. JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF)
Supports students studying finance, commerce, law, and IT. A great opportunity for young professionals aiming to work in financial markets.
30. GCRA Bursaries (Gauteng City Region Academy)
To close off 30 South African Bursaries Every Student Should Know About we have GCRA Bursaries (Gauteng City Region Academy) that is Open to Gauteng residents pursuing diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications — even those already studying.
While securing a bursary can seem challenging, remember there are many available in South Africa. They’re not just for straight-A students — some focus on financial need, leadership potential, passion for a field, or community involvement.