Bursaries in South Africa: Where to Find Funding for Your Studies

Paying for tertiary education can be one of the biggest challenges facing students and families in South Africa. University and TVET college costs can include tuition, registration, accommodation, transport, learning materials and other everyday expenses.

NSFAS is one of the best-known sources of student funding, but it is not the only option. Depending on your circumstances and what you want to study, you may be able to apply for a company bursary, government programme, SETA funding, university bursary or another form of financial assistance.

The key is knowing where to look and understanding the requirements before you apply.

What Is a Bursary?

A bursary is financial assistance provided to help a student pay for education or training.

A bursary may cover some or all of your study costs, depending on the programme. Some focus on tuition, while others may also contribute towards accommodation, books, meals, transport or other approved expenses.

Every bursary has its own rules. Never assume that because one bursary covers accommodation, another one will do the same.

Who Offers Bursaries in South Africa?

Bursaries can come from many different types of organisations, including:

• Government departments
• Public entities
• Companies
• Universities
• TVET colleges
• SETAs
• Professional organisations
• Charitable foundations
• Industry associations
• Other private organisations

This is why students should not search for funding in only one place.

Government Bursaries

Government departments and public institutions sometimes offer bursaries linked to particular fields of study or skills shortages.

These opportunities can be particularly useful if your intended career is connected to an area that government is actively trying to develop.

Requirements differ between programmes. Some may require a particular academic performance, qualification, field of study or agreement to work for the sponsoring organisation or sector after graduation.

Always read the conditions carefully before accepting funding.

SETAs and Bursaries

South Africa's Sector Education and Training Authorities, known as SETAs, operate across different economic sectors and play an important role in skills development.

SETA bursaries and other skills-development programmes can support students studying in fields relevant to particular industries.

Government has highlighted SETA bursaries as an additional funding route, including support for students who may not qualify for NSFAS and opportunities linked to scarce skills.

Because different SETAs focus on different sectors, the opportunities available can vary. Look for the SETA associated with the industry you want to enter and check its official announcements.

Company Bursaries

Many large companies offer bursaries as part of their skills-development and talent programmes.

A company bursary may target students studying subjects that are relevant to the organisation's industry. For example, companies in engineering, mining, finance, technology, energy or other sectors may support students studying relevant qualifications.

Some company bursaries may also include additional opportunities such as vacation work, mentorship or exposure to the organisation.

However, do not assume that receiving a company bursary guarantees a job. If the bursary includes a work-back or service obligation, it should be clearly explained in the agreement.

University Bursaries and Financial Aid

Universities may have their own bursaries, scholarships, awards and financial-aid programmes.

These can sometimes be based on financial need, academic performance, sporting achievement, leadership, a particular field of study or another criterion.

Once you know which university you want to attend, visit its official website and look for its financial-aid or funding information. You can also contact the institution's financial-aid office if you need clarification.

TVET College Funding

Students considering technical and vocational education should also investigate funding available for public TVET colleges.

NSFAS supports eligible students at public TVET colleges, subject to its applicable requirements. Individual colleges may also provide information about other funding opportunities.

Do not assume that university funding information automatically applies to TVET students. Check the requirements for your institution and qualification.

Funza Lushaka Bursary

Funza Lushaka is a specialised bursary programme aimed at encouraging students to enter the teaching profession in identified priority subject areas.

The programme can support eligible students completing teaching qualifications such as a Bachelor of Education or certain PGCE programmes.

There is an important condition attached to this funding. Recipients are required to teach in a public school for the required period based on the years for which they received the bursary.

The programme's official information also lists specific priority teaching areas and eligibility requirements, so students should check the current criteria before applying.

Funza Lushaka is therefore very different from a general bursary. It is specifically linked to the teaching profession and comes with service obligations.

What Are Scarce Skills?

You may see bursaries described as being for "scarce skills". This generally means fields where there is a particular need for people with specific skills or qualifications.

The fields identified as priorities can change as labour-market and economic needs change.

If you are choosing a course, do not choose a qualification purely because someone says it is a scarce skill. Consider your interests, ability, career plans and the actual opportunities available in that field.

Can You Apply for More Than One Bursary?

There is nothing wrong with researching and applying for multiple bursaries that you are genuinely eligible for.

In fact, applying for several suitable opportunities can make sense because bursaries are competitive and you may not receive every offer.

However, if you receive more than one offer, read the terms of each agreement before accepting funding. Some programmes may have rules about receiving funding from another source at the same time.

What Do Bursaries Usually Pay For?

The coverage varies significantly.

Depending on the bursary, funding may contribute towards:

• Tuition fees
• Registration fees
• Accommodation
• Learning materials
• Books
• Transport
• Meals or living expenses
• Other approved study-related costs

Some bursaries cover only tuition, while others may provide a broader funding package.

Always read the bursary's funding breakdown before accepting it so that you know which expenses you will still need to cover yourself.

What Documents Do You Need?

Requirements vary, but a bursary application may ask for documents such as:

• South African ID
• Matric certificate or latest results
• Proof of registration or admission
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of household income
• Parent or guardian information
• Proof of residence
• Motivation letter
• CV
• Other documents relevant to the bursary

Do not submit documents simply because another bursary required them. Follow the specific instructions for each application.

How to Find Legitimate Bursaries

One of the safest ways to find bursaries is to start with the organisation offering the funding.

If you see a bursary advertised on social media or a third-party website, search for the organisation independently and look for the opportunity on its official website.

For example, if a company is supposedly offering a bursary, visit the company's official website and check its careers, bursaries or graduate opportunities section.

This extra step can help you distinguish a genuine opportunity from a copied or fraudulent advertisement.

Be Careful With Bursary Scams

Students looking for funding can be attractive targets for scammers because they are actively searching for financial assistance.

Be suspicious of anyone who:

• Guarantees that you will receive a bursary.
• Requests payment to submit your application.
• Asks for your banking PIN or account password.
• Requests one-time passwords or other security codes.
• Uses a suspicious website or email address.
• Pressures you to act immediately.
• Promises funding without checking your eligibility.

South African government departments have repeatedly warned the public about fraudulent funding messages and fake programmes. The Department of Employment and Labour has also warned about fake learnership advertisements and advised job seekers to be wary of requests for payment.

Build a Bursary Application Calendar

One of the easiest ways to miss funding opportunities is to discover them after the closing date.

Create a simple list of bursaries that interest you and record:

• The organisation
• The field of study
• The eligibility requirements
• The opening date
• The closing date
• The documents required
• The application website
• The status of your application

Check the list regularly because application dates differ between organisations.

Do Not Apply for a Bursary Just Because It Is Available

A bursary is not automatically a good opportunity simply because it offers funding.

Before applying, ask yourself whether the qualification, institution and career path make sense for you.

For example, receiving funding for a qualification that you have no interest in completing can create a difficult situation later. Some bursaries may also have academic, employment or service obligations that you need to understand before accepting them.

A Smart Bursary Search Strategy

If you are looking for funding, use several approaches at the same time.

• Check NSFAS if you are considering an eligible public university or TVET college.
• Check your university or TVET college's financial-aid opportunities.
• Search for bursaries offered by companies in your intended industry.
• Check relevant SETA opportunities.
• Look for government and public-sector bursaries.
• Search for professional and industry-specific funding.
• Check specialised programmes such as Funza Lushaka if teaching interests you.
• Keep a record of closing dates and application requirements.

Final Thoughts

South African students have more funding options than they may realise, but finding the right bursary requires research.

Start with your intended qualification and career path, then look for organisations that fund students in that area. Read the requirements carefully, prepare your documents early and verify every opportunity through an official source.

Most importantly, do not give up after one unsuccessful application. Bursaries can be highly competitive, so applying for several legitimate opportunities can give you more options.

Education funding should help you move towards a realistic career goal, not simply provide money for any course. Choose carefully and understand the conditions before accepting an offer.