The 2025 academic year is fast approaching, and with it comes a fresh opportunity to secure a bursary that could shape your future. If you’re a South African student planning to pursue higher education, there are several excellent bursary opportunities available. But time is running out – the closing dates for many of these bursaries are just around the corner. Below are 7 must-apply bursaries that South African students should consider before 22 November 2024.
1. Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursaries 2025
Who Can Apply:
- Children of sugarcane farm workers.
- Open to students pursuing any field of study at a University, University of Technology, or College of Agriculture.
Closing Date: 18 November 2024
Full details here
2. Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) Bursaries 2025
Fields of Study Supported:
- BCom (1 bursary)
- Environmental Management (2 bursaries)
- Mechanical Engineering (1 bursary)
- Mining & Engineering (1 bursary)
Eligibility Criteria:
- South African citizen.
- Studying or intending to study in one of the fields mentioned.
- Must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence (65% minimum).
Closing Date: 18 November 2024
Full details here
3. Eskom Bursaries 2025
Fields of Study Supported:
- University (BEng / BSc): Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Mechatronics, and Metallurgy Engineering.
- University of Technology (Diplomas): Same fields as above, including Surveying Engineering.
Eligibility Criteria:
- South African citizen.
- Must be studying or planning to study in one of the listed engineering fields.
- Strong academic record (minimum 65% average).
Closing Date: 19 November 2024
Full details here
4. Kropz Bursaries 2025
Fields of Study Supported:
- Accounting
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Health and Safety Management
- Mechanical / Electrical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining
Eligibility Criteria:
- South African citizen.
- Strong academic performance.
- Intending to study in the listed fields in 2025.
Closing Date: 20 November 2024
Full details here
5. Emalahleni Local Municipality Bursaries 2025
Fields of Study Supported:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Developmental Studies
- Disaster Management
- Horticulture
- Law
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Water and Sanitation
Eligibility Criteria:
- South African citizen.
- Reside in Emalahleni Local Municipality.
- Preference for historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Household income not exceeding R350,000 annually.
Closing Date: 22 November 2024
Full details here
6. Nestlé Future Talent Bursaries 2025
Fields of Study Supported:
- Agriculture
- Brand Management
- Computer Science
- Data Analysis
- Digital / E-commerce
- Engineering
- Food Science & Technology
- Information Technology
- Innovation
- Media Communications
- Social Media Marketing
Eligibility Criteria:
- South African citizen.
- Must be between 17-25 years old.
- Must have completed Matric with at least 65% overall average.
Closing Date: 22 November 2024
Full details here
7. Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM) Bursaries 2025
Eligibility Criteria:
- South African citizen.
- Must reside within the Thembisile Local Municipality (Mpumalanga).
- Must have a total household income of not more than R350,000.
- Open to Matric students and current university students.
- Minimum academic requirement of 60% in recent studies (Matric 3rd term or 2nd semester results).
Closing Date: 22 November 2024
Full details here
Why You Should Apply
These bursaries offer significant financial support for students in various fields of study. Whether you’re pursuing a career in engineering, environmental management, agriculture, or even digital marketing, there’s a bursary suited to your field. Many of these bursaries are designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds, making education more accessible to those who need it the most.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait until the last minute – apply now to secure your place for 2025! The closing dates for these bursaries are approaching fast, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, this could be your chance to achieve your academic and career goals. Remember, the application process can be competitive, so make sure your application is complete and submitted on time.
For more information on the bursaries and to submit your applications, click the links provided above and take the first step towards your future.