Mukuru Bursary South Africa For 2026. If you’re a young South African dreaming of a career in Information Technology, Software Development, or Business Analysis, the Mukuru Bursary South Africa could be your golden opportunity. This prestigious bursary not only covers essential study costs but also opens doors to invaluable career prospects within one of Africa’s leading financial technology companies.
In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about the Mukuru Bursary South Africa for the 2026 academic year, including eligibility criteria, covered fields of study, application procedures, and critical dates. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to maximise your chances of securing this sought-after financial aid.
About Mukuru: Empowering Africa Through Financial Innovation
Founded in 2004 in the United Kingdom, Mukuru has rapidly grown into one of Africa’s most trusted money transfer and remittance services. With a robust presence across more than 20 countries in Africa including Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as well as expanding into Bangladesh, China, India, and Pakistan, Mukuru enables secure, affordable, and convenient cross-border money transfers for millions.
The company’s mission to facilitate financial inclusion aligns seamlessly with its education initiatives like the Mukuru Bursary South Africa, reflecting a strong commitment to nurturing the continent’s next generation of innovators and professionals.
What is the Mukuru Bursary South Africa?
The Mukuru Bursary South Africa is an initiative under the Mukuru Education Fund. This programme supports academically strong yet financially constrained students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in fields critical to Mukuru’s operations.
For 2026, Mukuru will award 14 bursaries, each with a maximum value of R80,000. These funds are strictly allocated for tuition fees and textbooks, significantly reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
Fields of Study Covered by the Mukuru Bursary
Mukuru is specifically targeting students enrolled in programmes that align with its core business. The following fields of study qualify for the 2026 bursary awards:
| Eligible Fields of Study |
|---|
| Business Analysis |
| Information Technology Engineers |
| Software Architecture |
| Software Development |
| Software Development Management |
| Software Quality Assurance |
These disciplines directly feed into Mukuru’s high-tech ecosystem, ensuring that successful applicants not only receive financial support but also position themselves as ideal candidates for future employment in the fast-growing fintech industry.
Eligibility Requirements for the Mukuru Bursary South Africa
To be considered for the Mukuru Bursary South Africa, applicants must meet strict minimum requirements. This ensures that the bursary supports students who demonstrate both academic excellence and genuine financial need.
Here are the detailed eligibility criteria:
- You must have completed Matric with a Bachelor’s Pass.
- You must have achieved at least 70% average in Matric.
- You must be studying full-time toward an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields.
- You should be in your 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of study at university.
- At tertiary level, you must maintain a minimum 65% overall average.
- You must be enrolled at a recognised and accredited South African university or university of technology.
- You must demonstrate financial need.
- You must not be an employee of Mukuru.
- You must read and agree to the Mukuru Education Fund Bursary Terms & Conditions.
Value of the Mukuru Bursary & Important Dates
The Mukuru Bursary South Africa is designed to substantially cover academic expenses. Each of the 14 bursaries awarded will be up to R80,000, dedicated solely to tuition and textbooks.
Key dates to note for the 2026 intake include:
| Important Activity | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting and Interview Calls | 19 December 2025 – 3 January 2026 |
| Interview Period | 9 January – 14 January 2026 |
| Bursary Winners Announced | 25 January 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 31 August 2025 |
Be sure to submit your application well before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
How to Apply for the Mukuru Bursary South Africa
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Applications for the Mukuru Bursary South Africa must be completed online. Visit the official application page and ensure you enter “Zabusaries.com” in the field asking where you heard about the bursary.
Step 2: Prepare and Upload Required Documents
The following certified documents are mandatory for your application:
- South African ID or Passport
- Proof of legal status in South Africa (if applicable)
- Matric certificate or A-level equivalent
- Most recent tertiary academic transcript
- Detailed CV
- Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary and how it will benefit your future.
- Reference letter from a teacher, coach, or mentor.
- Proof of household income (parents’ payslips or affidavit).
Ensure all documents are certified and legible to prevent delays.
Tips for a Winning Application
Applying for competitive bursaries like the Mukuru Bursary South Africa requires careful preparation. Here are expert tips to enhance your chances:
- Craft a compelling motivational letter: Clearly explain your academic goals, financial situation, and how the bursary will transform your future. Use authentic, personal examples.
- Maintain excellent academic performance: A strong track record reassures the panel of your commitment.
- Choose the right referee: Get a reference letter from someone who knows you well and can vouch for your academic potential and character.
- Double-check documents: Make sure every document is clear, certified, and up to date.
Why Choose the Mukuru Bursary South Africa?
Unlike many generic funding options, the Mukuru Bursary South Africa focuses on fields critical to the tech-driven future of Africa. By aligning your studies with Mukuru’s specialisations, you stand to gain more than just financial ai you enter a talent pipeline connected to one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech companies.
Moreover, Mukuru’s extensive footprint across Africa and Asia means potential exposure to international operations and cutting-edge financial technology systems.
Contact Details for Bursary Queries
If you have questions about your application or need clarity on any requirement, you can contact Mukuru directly:
- Tel: 086 001 8555 (Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 19:00)
- Live Chat: Available on the application page (Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 19:00)
Their friendly team will guide you through the process and ensure your concerns are addressed.
FAQs About Mukuru Bursary
Can I apply for the Mukuru Bursary South Africa if I am studying part-time?
No. The bursary is exclusively for full-time undergraduate students enrolled at accredited universities or universities of technology in South Africa.
Does the Mukuru Bursary cover living expenses or accommodation?
Unfortunately, no. The bursary is strictly for tuition fees and textbooks up to a maximum of R80,000 per student.
When will I know if my application is successful?
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted between 19 December 2025 and 3 January 2026, with interviews scheduled from 9 to 14 January 2026. The final list of bursary recipients will be announced on 25 January 2026.
Conclusion
In a country where the cost of higher education continues to be a barrier, the Mukuru Bursary South Africa stands out as a beacon of hope for ambitious, high-achieving students. Whether you dream of building the next big fintech platform or ensuring software quality in mission-critical systems, this bursary can help you get there.
