General Bursaries 2026

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

Requirements: South African citizen, combined household income below R350,000 p.a., registered at a public university/TVET college

Application Dates: September – November (for 2025 intake)

www.nsfas.org.za

Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Bursary

Requirements: Financial need, academic potential, field of study varies by provincial needs

Application Dates: Varies by province (usually August – October)

www.dhet.gov.za

Moshal Scholarship Program

Requirements: Strong academic record, financial need, leadership potential

Application Dates: April – June

www.moshalscholarship.com

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

Requirements: African citizenship, undergraduate degree completed, leadership and academic excellence

Application Dates: April – June

www.mandelarhodes.org

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship

Requirements: Entrepreneurial mindset, strong academic record (Grades 6/12 or university)

Application Dates: January – April

www.allangrayorbis.org

Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET)

Requirements: Financial need, community involvement, academic potential

Application Dates: September – November

www.cyrilramaphosa.org

South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR) Bursary

Requirements: Financial need, academic merit, all fields of study considered

Application Dates: July – September

www.irr.org.za

FirstRand Foundation Bursary

Requirements: Exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities

Application Dates: June – August

www.firstrand.co.za/careers

Old Mutual Bursary

Requirements: Financial need, strong academic record

Application Dates: July – September

www.oldmutual.co.za/careers

Nedbank External Bursary

Requirements: Minimum 65% average, financial need

Application Dates: June – August

www.nedbank.co.za/careers

Standard Bank Bursary

Requirements: Strong academic record, financial need

Application Dates: August – October

www.standardbank.com/careers

Investec Bursary

Requirements: Strong Maths marks, financial need

Application Dates: March – May

www.investec.com/bursaries

ABSA Bursary

Requirements: Minimum 65% average, financial need

Application Dates: July – September

www.absa.africa/careers

Vodacom Bursary

Requirements: Strong academic record, financial need

Application Dates: June – August

www.vodacom.co.za/careers

MTN Bursary

Requirements: Minimum 65% average, financial need

Application Dates: June – August

www.mtn.co.za/careers

South African Breweries (SAB) Bursary

Requirements: Strong academic record, financial need

Application Dates: July – September

www.sab.co.za/careers

Woolworths Bursary

Requirements: Financial need, academic merit

Application Dates: August – October

www.woolworths.co.za/careers

Shoprite Bursary

Requirements: Financial need, academic potential

Application Dates: July – September

www.shopriteholdings.co.za/careers

Tiger Brands Bursary

Requirements: Financial need, academic merit

Application Dates: June – August

www.tigerbrands.co.za/careers

Distell Bursary

Requirements: Financial need, academic merit

Application Dates: May – July

www.distell.co.za/careers