Standard Bank CSI Bursary South Africa For 2026. If you’re a talented young South African student with strong academic and leadership potential but face financial challenges, the Standard Bank CSI Bursary South Africa for 2026 could open doors to your dreams. As one of the most prestigious bursary programmes in the country, it fully funds studies in high-demand fields like commerce, engineering, law, and science, empowering the next generation of professionals.
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Standard Bank CSI Bursary, including fields of study covered, eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, and frequently asked questions.
About Standard Bank and Its Commitment to Education
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, founded as far back as 1862, stands today as one of Africa’s leading financial services groups. While its roots trace back over 160 years, the bank in its current structure The Standard Bank of South Africa was officially established in 1962 as a subsidiary of the British-based Standard Bank. Headquartered in Johannesburg, the bank operates not just in South Africa but across 20 other African nations, solidifying its status as the largest lender in Africa by assets.
Beyond business and commercial banking solutions, Standard Bank is deeply invested in community development. Through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, it funds educational programmes that equip young South Africans with critical skills for the future.
Fields of Study Covered by the Standard Bank CSI Bursary
The Standard Bank CSI Bursary South Africa for 2026 is administered by StudyTrust and is tailored to support students who have not only shown academic excellence but also leadership promise.
Fields Covered Under Commerce
- Actuarial Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Financial Mathematics
- Business Mathematics and Informatics
- Business Science
- Econometrics
- Economics
- Finance (B Com)
- Accounting (CA and Non-CA)
- Information Technology
- Information Systems (B Com)
- Investment Management
- Law (B Com / LLB)
- Quantitative Finance
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Risk Management
- Software Development
- Statistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Taxation
- Compliance
- Forensics
Fields Covered Under Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Quantity Surveying
- Architecture
- Construction
- Economics and Management
Fields Covered Under Science
- Agricultural Science
- Computational and Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics (BSc)
What Does the Standard Bank CSI Bursary Cover?
One of the biggest draws of this bursary is that it is comprehensive and fully funded. The Standard Bank CSI Bursary provides coverage for:
| Expense Type | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full tuition for the approved course |
| Prescribed Books & Materials | All required academic resources |
| Accommodation & Meals | Full cost of living on or near campus |
| Transport | Transport expenses for getting to campus |
| Laptop | A new laptop to support your studies |
| Monthly Stipend | For additional living expenses |
This level of support ensures that selected students can focus completely on their studies without financial distractions.
Eligibility Criteria for the Standard Bank CSI Bursary
To qualify for the Standard Bank CSI Bursary South Africa for 2026, applicants must meet strict minimum requirements. Here’s what you need:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen
- Academic Level:
- Currently in Matric (Grade 12) OR
- Your first year of university in one of the listed fields.
Academic Performance:
- Minimum of 60% for English Home Language (HL) OR 70% for English First Additional Language (FAL).
- At least 70% for Physical Science.
- A minimum of 75% for Mathematics.
- An overall Matric average of 70% or above.
Institutions Preference: Preferably enrolled or planning to enrol at:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Rhodes University (RU)
Financial Need:
- Proven inability of parents or guardians to pay university fees.
- Not eligible for private student loans (other than NSFAS).
Other:
- Strong leadership qualities demonstrated through school or community involvement.
- Preference is given to students from rural or township areas.
How to Apply for the Standard Bank CSI Bursary
You can apply for this life-changing opportunity in two main ways:
Online Application
Complete the application directly on the StudyTrust portal:
Apply Online Here
Download and Submit
Alternatively, download the Standard Bank CSI StudyTrust Bursary Application Form (PDF), fill it in, and submit via one of the following:
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 086 538 1537
- Post: sqlCopyEdit
The National Director StudyTrust Private Bag X16 Braamfontein 2017
Required Supporting Documents
Make sure you prepare and submit certified copies of these documents. Missing even one item may result in your application being rejected.
- ID Document
- Matric June & Grade 11 final results (if still in Matric)
- Matric certificate / final results (if completed Matric)
- Full tertiary academic record (if already at university)
- Proof of admission / provisional admission letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal essay (completed on application form)
- Two testimonials (one from a teacher, one from a community or spiritual leader)
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income:
- Latest payslips (if employed)
- Sworn affidavit (if unemployed)
- Latest audited financials or affidavit (if self-employed)
- Death certificates (if deceased)
- Divorce certificates or separation affidavits (if applicable)
Closing Date for Applications
Be sure to apply before September 30, 2025.
Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted, so gather your documents early and submit ahead of the deadline to avoid disappointment.
FAQs About the Standard Bank CSI Bursary South Africa for 2026
Who administers the Standard Bank CSI Bursary?
The bursary is administered by StudyTrust, a respected educational trust that manages multiple corporate bursary programmes across South Africa.
Does the bursary cover students already studying at university?
Yes. While preference is often given to Matric learners, first-year students enrolled in one of the qualifying fields may also apply, provided they meet the academic and financial need criteria.
Is the bursary only for studies in South Africa?
Yes. The bursary is specifically aimed at South African citizens studying at approved South African universities.
Conclusion
The Standard Bank CSI Bursary South Africa for 2026 stands out not just for its generous financial coverage but also for its vision to nurture future leaders in key sectors of the economy. If you’re passionate about excelling in commerce, engineering, law, or science, and need financial support, don’t miss this opportunity to apply.
