How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applying for a bursary can feel overwhelming, but the process is straightforward once you understand what funders expect. This guide walks you through every step, from finding the right bursary to submitting a strong application.

Bursary vs loan vs scholarship — what's the difference?

Bursary — funding you do not repay, usually awarded based on financial need and academic merit. Most SA corporate and government bursaries fall into this category.

Scholarship — funding based primarily on academic excellence, sport, or leadership. Usually does not require repayment.

Student loan — funding that must be repaid after graduation, often with interest. NSFAS loans that are converted to bursaries based on academic performance are a hybrid.

If you qualify for a bursary, always apply before considering a loan. Free money first.

Where to find bursaries

Start with these sources:

1. NSFAS — the government's largest funding scheme, covering tuition, accommodation, meals and transport for students at public universities and TVET colleges.
2. Corporate bursary programmes — Sasol, Eskom, ABSA, Standard Bank, MTN and many others offer full bursaries with vacation work and graduate employment.
3. University financial aid offices — every university has its own bursary and scholarship pool. Visit your institution's financial aid page.
4. Provincial government bursaries — each province offers bursaries in priority fields like health, education and engineering.
5. NGO and foundation bursaries — organisations like the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP), and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

Use our free Bursary Finder to search 15+ SA bursaries filtered by field of study and category.

Application timeline

| Period | Action | |---|---| | January – March | Research bursaries for the following year | | April – June | Prepare documents (certified copies take time) | | July – September | Most corporate bursary applications open | | October – November | Government bursary deadlines (Funza Lushaka, Dept of Health) | | November – January | NSFAS applications open | | February – March | University registration with approved funding |

Start early. Many bursaries close months before the academic year begins.

Documents you need

Almost every bursary application requires:

• Certified copy of your ID (or birth certificate if under 16)
• Matric results or latest academic transcript
• Proof of household income — payslips, UIF letter, SASSA grant confirmation, or an affidavit if unemployed
• University acceptance or proof of registration
• Motivation letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
• Two references — a teacher, principal, or community leader

Get certified copies made early. Home Affairs and police stations can take weeks during peak periods.

How to write a strong motivation letter

Your motivation letter is often the deciding factor. Keep it professional and specific.

Structure:

1. Opening — state what you're applying for and who you are
2. Why this bursary — show you've researched the funder
3. Your strengths — academic record, leadership, community work
4. Financial need — be honest but not desperate
5. Career goals — show how the bursary supports your future

Avoid generic phrases like "I am a hard worker." Instead, give specific examples: "I achieved 85% in Mathematics while tutoring Grade 10 learners in my community."

Use our free Motivation Letter Generator to create a professional letter in minutes — no signup required.

Common mistakes that get applications rejected

1. Missing the deadline — late applications are automatically rejected
2. Incomplete documents — one missing certified copy can disqualify you
3. Generic motivation letters — funders can tell when you've copied a template without personalising it
4. Applying for the wrong field — if a bursary is for engineering and you're studying law, don't apply
5. Not following instructions — if they ask for a 500-word motivation letter, don't submit 1,500 words
6. Forgetting to sign — physical and sometimes digital applications require your signature

After you apply

• Keep copies of everything you submitted
• Note the reference number if one is provided
• Follow up politely after 4-6 weeks if you haven't heard back
• Check your email and phone regularly — some funders contact shortlisted candidates for interviews
• Apply to multiple bursaries — never rely on a single application

Need extra income while studying?

Odyssey Earn gives students mobile-friendly language tasks to complete between classes. Earn airtime and cash from your phone.

Join Odyssey Earn

FAQ

Can I hold more than one bursary at the same time?

Most bursaries have an exclusivity clause — you cannot hold two full bursaries simultaneously. However, you can hold a partial bursary alongside NSFAS or a scholarship. Always check the terms.

What if my household income is just above the NSFAS threshold?

Apply to corporate bursaries that don't have income thresholds. Companies like Sasol, MTN and ABSA fund based on academic merit, not household income.

Do I need to have already been accepted at a university?

Some bursaries require proof of acceptance, others accept applications from Matric learners who are still waiting for results. Read each bursary's requirements carefully.