Main Channels for Bursaries. Finding the right bursary in South Africa can make higher education much more affordable. However, students often struggle to know where to search, which funding programme they qualify for, what documents they need, and when applications open or close.
For the 2026/2027 academic cycle, the main bursary opportunities can generally be divided into four categories: NSFAS, SETA funding, university-administered financial aid, and corporate or foundation bursaries.
This guide explains where to look, who may qualify, what documents to prepare, how to submit applications, and how to avoid common bursary scams.
Where to Find Bursaries in South Africa
South Africa’s bursary landscape has several major funding channels.
1. NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial support to eligible students attending public universities and TVET colleges.
Applicants generally use the myNSFAS system to apply, upload supporting documents, and track their application status.
2. SETA Funding
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) provide funding linked to specific industries, scarce skills, and sector priorities. Depending on the SETA, opportunities may include bursaries or Discretionary Grant funding.
Each SETA has its own application process, eligibility rules, deadlines, and submission platform.
3. University Financial Aid
Many South African universities offer their own bursaries, scholarships, loans, and financial aid programmes separately from NSFAS.
Students should check their university’s official website and student portal for available opportunities.
4. Corporate and Foundation Bursaries
Companies, trusts, and foundations also provide bursaries, particularly for students studying fields connected to their industries.
Some corporate bursaries are administered through StudyTrust, where one application may be considered for multiple participating sponsor programmes when applications are open.
When Should You Apply for Bursaries in 2026 and 2027?
Application dates differ significantly between funding providers, so students should always check the official website of the programme they are targeting.
NSFAS 2026
For the 2026 academic year, the NSFAS application period has closed. Students who already applied should use their myNSFAS profile to monitor their application status and respond to requests for additional information.
NSFAS 2027
Students planning to study in 2027 should monitor the official NSFAS application information for the next application window.
Do not rely on social media posts or unofficial websites for opening and closing dates. NSFAS may update its requirements and application procedures from one cycle to another.
StudyTrust
StudyTrust applications are typically aimed at funding for the following academic year. Applications generally open around 1 May and, in most cases, close on 30 September, although individual programmes can have different requirements or dates.
Always check the specific programme page before submitting an application.
University Funding
University-administered bursaries and financial aid can have completely different deadlines. Some are linked to admission applications, while others open during specific funding periods.
Students should therefore check their institution’s financial aid office and student portal regularly.
SETA Funding
SETA application windows vary according to the SETA and funding cycle. Some opportunities can have relatively short application periods.
If you want SETA funding for 2027, start monitoring the relevant SETA’s official website and notices during 2026.
1. NSFAS Bursaries and Student Funding
NSFAS is one of the most important funding channels for students who want to study at public universities or TVET colleges.
What Is NSFAS?
NSFAS provides financial aid to eligible students. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable rules, support may be provided through the bursary scheme or the NSFAS Student Loan option.
A bursary is generally non-repayable when the applicable conditions are met.
Who Can Qualify for NSFAS?
Eligibility depends on the rules applicable to the relevant academic cycle. At a high level, applicants may need to meet requirements such as:
- Being a South African citizen, subject to NSFAS rules.
- Meeting the applicable household-income requirements.
- Being accepted or registered for an approved programme at a public university or TVET college.
- Meeting the academic and funding requirements applicable to the programme.
- Providing the required supporting documents.
Certain applicants, including eligible SASSA grant recipients and students living with disabilities, may be assessed under specific NSFAS provisions.
Because rules can change, applicants should always check the latest official NSFAS policies and guidelines before applying.
NSFAS Student Loan for the Missing Middle
Students whose household income is above the bursary threshold but falls within the applicable loan range may be considered for the NSFAS Student Loan.
The loan programme has its own eligibility and application requirements. Applicants should review the latest official information before deciding which funding route applies to them.
Where to Apply for NSFAS
The main online channel for NSFAS applications and application tracking is myNSFAS.
Students can generally use the portal to:
- Create or verify their profile.
- Submit an application.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Check their application status.
- Respond to requests for information.
- Submit an appeal where permitted.
Quick NSFAS Application Process
Step 1: Create or Verify Your Profile
Make sure your email address and cellphone number are correct and accessible.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Fill in the required information carefully during the official application period.
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload the documents requested for your particular circumstances. Documents should be clear and readable.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Review your information before submitting and save your application reference number.
Step 5: Track Your Status
Log in to your myNSFAS profile regularly to check for updates or requests for additional documents.
Step 6: Appeal if Applicable
If your application is rejected and you meet the requirements for an appeal, submit the appeal through the official process before the applicable deadline.
Important NSFAS Tips
NSFAS requirements can change between academic cycles. Always use the latest policies, guidelines, forms, and official announcements.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked for documents or declarations such as:
- Consent forms
- Declaration forms
- Disability-related annexures
- Orphan or vulnerable-child declarations
- Proof of income
- Identity documents
Never give your NSFAS password or OTP to another person. Anyone asking for your login credentials should be treated with caution.
2. SETA Sector Funding
SETA funding is another important route for students interested in industry-related study opportunities.
South Africa has different SETAs that focus on particular economic sectors. Funding priorities can therefore differ from one SETA to another.
Opportunities may be linked to:
- Scarce skills
- Sector priorities
- Bursaries
- Learnerships
- Training programmes
- Discretionary Grants
How to Find SETA Bursaries
Start with the official website of the SETA relevant to your field of study.
Look for sections or announcements containing terms such as:
- Discretionary Grants
- Bursaries
- Funding Windows
- Funding Opportunities
- Notices
- Adverts
- Applications
Read the complete advert before applying.
The advert should explain the eligible fields, applicant requirements, supporting documents, application method, and opening and closing dates.
Examples of SETA Funding Channels
CHIETA
The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) publishes information about its funding and Discretionary Grant opportunities through its official channels.
merSETA
The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) publishes funding adverts and guidelines and may use specific systems or portals for submissions.
CETA
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) publishes funding notices and has also operated an online bursary application channel for its bursary programmes.
EWSETA
The Energy & Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) publishes information about funding opportunities and Discretionary Grant windows through its official channels.
Why SETA Deadlines Matter
SETA funding windows are not necessarily open throughout the year. An opportunity may open and close within a limited period.
Students targeting SETA funding for 2027 should monitor official announcements during 2026 rather than waiting until the beginning of the academic year.
3. University-Administered Bursaries and Financial Aid
Students should not assume that NSFAS is their only funding option.
Many universities have their own financial aid departments and funding programmes. These may include university bursaries, scholarships, loans, merit awards, or other forms of student support.
Where to Search
Visit your university’s official website and search for:
- Financial Aid
- Student Funding
- Scholarships
- Bursaries
- Student Loans
- Financial Support
You should also check your student portal or self-service platform.
In many cases, you may need an admission offer or student number before you can access certain internal funding applications.
University Deadlines
University funding deadlines vary considerably.
Some applications may be connected to admission cycles, while others may have separate deadlines. Internal funding can sometimes close earlier than students expect, so checking the funding office regularly is important.
Examples of university funding channels include:
- Stellenbosch University bursaries and loans
- University of Pretoria student funding
- Wits Financial Aid and Scholarships Administration
Always use the university’s official website for current requirements and application instructions.
4. Corporate and Foundation Bursaries
Corporate and foundation bursaries can provide another valuable source of financial assistance.
Many companies prefer students who are studying fields related to their industries. Depending on the sponsor, a bursary may include financial support as well as additional opportunities such as workplace exposure, vacation work, mentoring, or employment-related obligations.
Some programmes may also include work-back requirements.
StudyTrust Bursaries
StudyTrust is an important starting point for students searching for multiple sponsor programmes.
When applications are open, a single StudyTrust application may allow an applicant to be considered for several participating bursary programmes.
However, students should understand that submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
StudyTrust Application Period
Applications generally open around 1 May and commonly close on 30 September, but students must check each programme’s individual requirements and closing date.
Applicants should also be cautious of anyone asking for money to submit a StudyTrust application. Legitimate applications should be completed through the recognised official channels.
Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying
Preparing your documents in advance can make the bursary application process much easier.
Commonly requested documents include:
- South African ID
- Parent or guardian ID documents where required
- Spouse ID where applicable
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 academic results
- Current academic transcript for tertiary students
- Proof of household income
- Payslips or IRP5 documents where applicable
- Bank statements where required
- Affidavit where accepted as proof of income
- Proof of university or TVET admission
- Proof of registration where applicable
- Proof of residence where required
- Disability-related documentation where applicable
- Orphan or vulnerable-child declarations where applicable
- Sponsor-specific forms
Not every bursary requires every document. Always follow the document list provided by the specific funder.
Tips for Uploading Documents
Poor-quality documents can cause unnecessary delays.
Before uploading:
- Scan documents clearly.
- Make sure all four corners are visible where necessary.
- Avoid blurry photographs.
- Check that names and ID numbers can be read.
- Follow the portal’s file-format requirements.
- Stay within the specified file-size limit.
- Use clear file names such as
ID.pdf,Transcript.pdf, orProof-of-Income.pdf. - Keep copies of everything you submit.
If a portal accepts PDF or JPG files, make sure your documents are saved in one of the accepted formats.
Generic Step-by-Step Bursary Application Process
Although every funder has different requirements, the overall process is usually similar.
Step 1: Identify Your Funding Channels
Create a list of opportunities under:
- NSFAS
- SETA funding
- University bursaries
- Corporate bursaries
- Foundation bursaries
- StudyTrust programmes
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Read the official requirements carefully.
Check factors such as:
- Citizenship
- Household income
- Academic performance
- Age requirements where applicable
- Field of study
- Institution
- Year of study
- Geographic requirements
- Sector or career priorities
Step 3: Check the Closing Date
Never assume that an application is still open.
Confirm the opening and closing dates on the official programme page or advert.
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Collect your identification, academic records, income evidence, admission or registration proof, and any special forms.
Step 5: Apply Through the Correct Channel
Use the correct official platform:
NSFAS: myNSFAS
University funding: university portal or official financial aid system
Corporate/Foundation: sponsor’s official portal or StudyTrust where applicable
SETA: the submission method stated in the official SETA advert
Step 6: Save Your Reference Number
After submitting, save the application reference number and confirmation email or screenshot.
Step 7: Track Your Application
Check your portal and email regularly.
If the funder requests additional documents, respond as soon as possible.
Step 8: Appeal or Reapply When Allowed
If you are unsuccessful but the programme provides an appeal process, follow the official instructions and submit before the deadline.
How to Write a Strong Bursary Motivation
Some bursaries require applicants to submit a motivation letter or personal statement.
A strong motivation should be specific rather than generic.
Explain:
- What you are studying.
- Why you selected your field.
- What career you want to pursue.
- Why you need financial support.
- Why you are a suitable candidate.
- How your studies relate to the funder’s priorities.
- Your academic achievements.
- Relevant projects or practical experience.
- Leadership or community involvement.
- Your resilience and commitment.
- What you hope to learn from workplace exposure if the bursary provides it.
Avoid copying the same generic motivation for every application. Adapt your motivation to the funder’s sector and objectives.
How to Search for Bursaries Safely
Unfortunately, bursary seekers can be targeted by scams.
The safest approach is to start with official sources.
Check:
- NSFAS official channels
- Your university’s official website
- The relevant SETA’s official website
- The company’s official website
- Recognised bursary platforms such as StudyTrust
Never Pay to Apply
A legitimate bursary application should not require you to pay a random person to submit an application on your behalf.
Be especially careful if someone claims they can guarantee funding in exchange for money.
Protect Your Login Details
Never share:
- Passwords
- OTPs
- Banking PINs
- Portal login details
If someone asks for these details while claiming to represent a bursary provider, verify their identity through the organisation’s official contact channels.
2026/2027 Bursary Application Strategy
Students can improve their chances by starting early.
Instead of waiting for one bursary application to open, identify opportunities across all four major channels.
For example, a student could monitor:
- Government: NSFAS
- Sector funding: Relevant SETAs
- Institutional funding: University financial aid and scholarships
- Private funding: Corporate, foundation, and StudyTrust bursaries
Keep a simple record of each opportunity, including its eligibility requirements, opening date, closing date, documents, and application status.
This makes it easier to avoid missing deadlines.
Final Bursary Application Checklist
Before submitting any bursary application, make sure you have checked the following:
- I meet the eligibility requirements.
- The application is still open.
- I have checked the closing date on the official source.
- My ID document is clear and readable.
- My academic results or transcript are ready.
- My household-income documents are available.
- My admission or registration proof is ready if required.
- I have completed any special forms required for my circumstances.
- My motivation matches the bursary’s field or sector priorities.
- All uploaded documents meet the portal’s format and size requirements.
- I have submitted the application through the correct official channel.
- I have saved my application reference number.
- I know where to check my application status.
- I have not paid an unofficial person to submit my application.
- I have not shared my password or OTP.
Conclusion
South African students looking for bursary funding for 2026 and 2027 have several major channels to explore. NSFAS, SETAs, university-administered funding, and corporate or foundation bursaries can all provide opportunities depending on a student’s circumstances, qualification, institution, academic performance, and financial needs.
The most important strategy is to start with official sources, check eligibility carefully, prepare your documents early, and monitor application deadlines. Students should also remember that bursary rules and dates can change from one funding cycle to another.
