Varsity College Scholarship and Bursary South Africa For 2026. If you’re planning to pursue higher education in South Africa in 2026, the Varsity College Scholarship Programme and a wide range of South African bursaries for 2026 are valuable opportunities that can ease your financial burden. This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about the Varsity College Scholarship, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and additional bursary opportunities for South African students.
About Varsity College
Varsity College is a reputable brand of IIE (Independent Institute of Education), South Africa’s largest accredited private provider of higher education. The institution offers full-time, part-time, and short learning programmes across six major schools:
- School of Management
- School of Finance and Accounting
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Information Technology
- School of Education
- School of Law
The college operates across eight campuses located in:
| Campus Location |
|---|
| Cape Town |
| Sandton |
| Waterfall (Midrand) |
| Pretoria |
| Pietermaritzburg |
| Durban North |
| Durban Westville |
| Nelson Mandela Bay |
Varsity College also offers online distance learning for students who prefer flexible study options.
Varsity College Scholarship Programme 2026
The Varsity College Scholarship and Academic Bursary Programme supports academically deserving and financially needy students. Applications are open for the 2026 academic year under the following three categories:
1. Undergraduate Scholarships
- Excellence Scholarship: Based on academic merit and financial need.
- Achiever Scholarship: Specifically for full-time undergraduate contact learning.
2. Postgraduate Academic Bursaries
- For students pursuing postgraduate qualifications at Varsity College.
3. Distance Learning Bursaries
- Distance Undergraduate Academic Bursaries
- Distance Postgraduate Academic Bursaries
These bursaries are aimed at making private higher education accessible to students who otherwise could not afford it.
Scholarship Coverage and Value
| Scholarship Type | Value (per annum) | Duration |
| Excellence Scholarship | R55 000 | 3-4 years |
| Achiever Scholarship | R35 000 – R50 000 | 3-4 years |
Scholarships cover full-time contact learning. Renewal is subject to academic performance and completion within the minimum duration.
Eligibility Criteria
Excellence Scholarship
- Matric in progress or completed.
- Minimum 75% average in Grade 11 or Matric.
- 80%+ in 4 subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
- Studying full-time for an undergraduate qualification.
- First-year student in 2026.
- Preference: Household income below R400,000/year.
Achiever Scholarship
- South African citizen.
- Minimum 60% average in Grade 11 or Matric.
- Household income under R400,000/year.
- Must meet Varsity College entry requirements.
Postgraduate Academic Bursary
- Final year undergraduate or completed degree.
- 75%+ average in undergrad studies.
Distance Learning Bursaries
- Must meet Varsity College academic requirements.
How to Apply
Follow these five steps to apply for the Varsity College Scholarship 2026:
- Apply for Admission to IIE Varsity College.
- Motivational Letter (required only for Achiever Scholarship).
- Apply Online via the official Varsity College website.
- Choose mode: Contact Learning or Distance Learning.
- Select your preferred campus location.
Required Supporting Documents
| Document Type | Requirement |
| Matric Results (current or completed) | Certified copy |
| Household Income Proof | Bank statements, payslip, SASSA slip |
| Achiever Motivation Letter (600 words max) | Required for Achiever applicants |
Upload formats allowed: PDF, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, PNG.
Important Notes
- Campus Consultation is advised.
- Only 1 application is required; students are considered for applicable categories.
- Final selection depends on academic performance and motivation.
- Students may apply for up to 3 qualifications.
- Final notification: By 4 October 2025.
- Acceptance confirmation due: By 1 November 2025.
Closing Dates
| Event | Date |
| Closing Date for Full-Time Contact Study Applications | 31 October 2025 |
| Late Application Period Begins | 1 November 2025 |
| Distance/Postgraduate Applications | Open until full |
Apply before deadlines to avoid missing out!
What is a Bursary in South Africa?
A bursary is financial assistance provided to deserving students who lack the funds to cover their education. Unlike student loans, bursaries usually do not require repayment, although some may include a “work-back” clause.
Typical coverage includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Textbooks
- Meals
- Monthly stipend
- Transport
- Laptops
- Mentorship programmes
Who Can Apply for Bursaries in 2026?
You may qualify for 2026 South African bursaries if you are:
- A Matric student applying for 2026
- A current university/TVET college student
- A postgraduate student (Honours, Masters, PhD)
Preferred applicants often include:
- Students with strong academic performance
- Students from disadvantaged or rural areas
- Female students in STEM fields
- Students with disabilities
Popular Fields Funded by Bursaries
| Field of Study |
| Engineering |
| Information Technology |
| Nursing & Medicine |
| Accounting & Finance |
| Law |
| Environmental Science |
| Education |
| Social Work |
| Agriculture |
| Arts and Media |
Tips for a Successful Bursary Application
- Apply as early as April 2025.
- Don’t apply for only one bursary – apply for multiple.
- Tailor your motivational letter to each bursary.
- Keep documents updated and certified (not older than 3 months).
- Save both digital and hard copies of all applications.
Bursaries Currently Open for 2026
| Bursary Programme | Application Deadline | Notes |
| TTI Bursary | No Closing Date | Apply Online |
| Career Wise Bursary | No Closing Date | Apply Online |
| BBD Bursary | No Closing Date | Apply Online |
| MINDS Scholarship | No Closing Date | Apply Online |
2026 Online Bursary Application Guide
- Personal Info: Name, ID, contact details.
- Academic History: Subjects, marks, achievements.
- Course Info: Name, institution, duration.
- Financial Need: Household income, living status.
- Motivation Letter: Your personal story and goals.
FAQs About Varsity College Scholarship and Bursary
Do I need to repay Varsity College Scholarships?
No, scholarships and bursaries awarded by Varsity College generally do not need to be repaid, but you must maintain good academic standing.
Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Yes, it’s recommended to apply for multiple bursaries to increase your chances of funding.
What happens if I miss the Varsity College scholarship deadline?
You may be eligible for late applications (with additional fees) or other available bursaries. Always check alternative options.
Conclusion
Whether you are pursuing your first undergraduate qualification or continuing your postgraduate journey, the Varsity College Scholarship 2026 and numerous other South African bursaries are here to support your dreams. Apply early, stay organized, and make your education count. This is your chance to get ahead without the stress of financial strain. Good luck!
