Are you considering studying in South Africa but are not sure how to raise enough funds for tuition? Some bursaries exist to help eligible students fund their studies and achieve their dream career.
Bursaries can be a useful financial support option for students, but they often have specific requirements, application procedures and closing dates. To maximise your chances of success, ensure that you fully understand the bursary’s requirements and apply correctly.
In this article, Job Opportunities SA guides you on how to apply for bursaries in South Africa.
1. Find a bursary that supports your studies
First, it is vital that you determine which bursaries are relevant to your case. Some bursaries have strict requirements about the field of study that you are pursuing.
Note that certain bursaries only fund specific qualifications, such as a degree, diploma or certificate at a university, college or university of technology, or a bursary with a specialisation in a field such as teaching or engineering.
Some documents to consider are:
• The qualification or course it applies to
• The institutions it is available at
• The required school results
• Citizenship/ residency requirements
• Income requirements (applicable in some cases)
• The closing date for applications
Ensure that you qualify before applying for a bursary to help you avoid disappointment later on.
2. Check the eligibility requirements
Each bursary will have its own set of requirements. It is essential that you go through each guideline before submitting an application.
Depending on the bursary, you might need to meet one or more of the following standards:
• South African citizenship or residency
• Minimum school results (matric or current school results)
• Acceptance/ registration at an approved institution
• Studying an approved qualification at an approved institution
• Financial needs assessment (applicable in some cases)
Make sure that you qualify before applying!
It is worth noting that there is no guarantee that any application will be successful since each bursary programme operates a highly competitive selection process.
3. Prepare your documents
It is advisable to start preparing your documents as early as possible to make the application process seamless.
Although the type of documents varies from one bursary to another, the following are some of the most common ones:
• Identity document
• Matric qualification or current school results
• Acceptance letter/proof of registration (if applicable)
• Proof of income(household or otherwise) if applicable
• Proof of address or proof of residency (usually a certified copy)
• Motivation letter or CV (if applicable)
• Other documents that may be requested by the particular bursary
Each program will usually provide a list of documents that it requires, so make sure you have all the necessary documents ready before submitting your application. You should also ensure that you only include certified documents if certification is required.
4. Fill out the online application form
Most bursaries offer an online application process through an official website. The following steps generally apply when filling out an application:
1. Go to the website of the bursary scheme that you are applying at.
2. Study the application guidelines carefully
3. If applicable, register an account
4. Complete your personal information
5. Fill in information regarding your household or finances, if applicable
6. Upload all the necessary documents
7. Carefully check your application to make sure there are no errors
8. Submit your application before the closing date
Keep your login credentials secure, and never provide or share your password or temporary pin with anyone.
Depending on the bursary program, you should follow the instructions provided on the relevant website when submitting your application.
5. Apply for NSFAS Funding
The NSFAS provides financial aid to eligible students, who study at public universities, and TVET Colleges, according to the NSFAS Funding Regulations.
For students who would like to apply for NSFAS Funding 2027, the official website indicates that the application window for the 2027 academic year opens on 18 September 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026.
For more information on how to apply for NSFAS Funding, you can go through the following link. Students should make sure to create an account or log in to their myNSFAS portal and complete all the necessary personal details on the electronic form, upload the documents that have been requested, and submit their applications according to the application guidelines.
Remember that NSFAS applications are absolutely free of charge, so make sure that you are never required to pay any fees before submitting your NSFAS application form.
NSFAS Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/how-to-apply.html
6. Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is designed for qualifying students who are studying towards a teaching qualification, at an approved South African higher education institution. According to the bursary’s official website the new applications for the bursary close on 31 January 2027, whereas returning bursars have to apply by 30 November 2026.
Applicants can visit the following link and complete all the necessary details online by following the on-screen instructions to apply for the bursary.
Website Address: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/Home/
Make sure that you qualify before applying!
7. Explore ISFAP Bursary Opportunities
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme offers financial assistance to eligible students who are studying approved courses. Depending on the program’s current offerings, students can pursue degrees at certain South African universities.
For more information on the courses that the ISFAP currently funds, make sure to visit their website or go directly to their application portal:
ISFAP Students’ Website: https://www.isfap.org.za/students
ISFAP Application Portal: https://applyonline.isfap.org.za/
On the portal, make sure that you go through the courses funded by ISFAP, eligibility regulations, supporting documents, and the current closing date. Always read through the application instructions carefully to make sure that you submit your application correctly.
8. Submit your application before the closing date
When applying for bursaries always make sure that you submit your application before the specified closing date.
Before submitting your application, make sure that you double-check all the personal information that you provided during the application process.
In addition, it is advisable to go through the requirements of your chosen program one more time to ensure that:
• All sections that needed to be filled have been completed
• All details that had to be included in your application have been correctly provided
• You have attached all the necessary supporting documents
• Your documents are legible
• If applicable, you have attached the documents that were requested
• That you submitted your application before the closing date
Make sure that you save your confirmation message or application number, as proof that you submitted your application successfully.
9. Track your application
After submitting your application, it is essential that you track its progress throughout the evaluation process. You can do so by going to the official application page for the bursary that you applied for and using the tracking option.
As you wait for the outcome of your application make sure to read any instructions that come with your application carefully and provide all the additional information, well within the specified time frame. If you need any assistance, you can always contact the bursary program directly using the contact details that you find at their official website.
Never provide your passwords or PINs to someone claiming to assist you with your bursary application.
10. Protect yourself from bursary scams
Students should also be wary of bursary scams that usually occur through message boards or social media.
Protect yourself from bursary fraud by remembering the following tips:
• Always double-check the bursary that you find using their website before applying.
• Be cautious of bursaries that guarantee funding
• Make sure you are aware of possible application fees (applying for NSFAS is completely free!)
• Never share your PIN with anyone
• Always make sure that you are using an official, physical or internet banking channel when uploading banking details and documents online
• Before applying, always make sure that the bursary still exists and that you have not applied using outdated information, such as incorrect application dates.
If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a bursary program, always cross-reference it with the official website of that organization to double-check its authenticity. Do not provide any personal information or apply for a bursary program that you are unsure of.
FAQs
Can I complete more than one application?
Depending on the bursary application guidelines, students can sometimes apply for more than one bursary scheme, but are sometimes restricted from receiving multiple bursaries simultaneously. Always make sure that you read each bursary’s guidelines to make sure you do not breach any rules or ethical guidelines, and disclose any other bursaries or funding grants when instructed to do so.
Do I need a university acceptance letter before I apply?
Depending on the bursary program, students can either apply before they get accepted into a university or need to provide proof of acceptance or registration.
Will I automatically get my application approved?
Unfortunately, no. Students still have to go through the selection process of each bursary scheme to which they apply.
Is it free to apply for a bursary?
Although there might be some application costs for certain bursary programs, the NSFAS application, for example, is free of charge. Always make sure to double-check the application process before submitting any personal or financial information.
What should I do if I submitted my application?
After submitting your application, always make sure to save a copy of your confirmation message or the reference number that you can use to track your application. It is also vital to keep track of your application according to your bursary program’s application guidelines and provide any additional information if you are requested to do so.
Conclusion
Applying for a bursary in South Africa can sometimes be a tricky process. To avoid any complications, always make sure that you have the appropriate funds to invest in your future and start your bursary search well in advance, so that you can apply early.
Job SA strives to assist South African students in finding valuable resources and guidance for their future.
As you go through this process always make sure to refer to the right websites for the latest bursary opportunities.
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