List of Bursaries and Financial Aid Opportunities Available in South Africa for 2026
July 20, 2026 | 6 Min Read
List of Bursaries and Financial Aid Opportunities Available for 2026 in South Africa
Higher education can be expensive, but financial aid makes it possible for thousands of South African students to achieve their academic goals every year. Whether you’re a matric learner planning your future or a university student looking for assistance, there are many financial aid opportunities available across different fields of study.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular financial aid opportunities available in South Africa for 2026.
Bursaries play a crucial role in supporting students financially, making education more accessible.
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
NSFAS provides financial assistance to qualifying South African students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
What it covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Learning materials
- Meals
- Transport (where applicable)
Who can apply?
- South African citizens
- Students from households meeting the NSFAS income requirements
- Students studying or planning to study at a public university or TVET college
Funza Lushaka Financial Aid
Fields Covered:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
Priority is given to students studying subjects where there is a shortage of teachers, including:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- African Languages
- Technology
- Foundation Phase Teaching
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Bursaries
The Department of Higher Education and Training supports students through various financial aid programmes, especially those enrolled at TVET Colleges.
These bursaries help cover:
- Tuition
- Accommodation (where applicable)
- Study materials
SASSETA Bursaries
The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) provides bursaries for students pursuing careers within the safety and security sector.
Examples include:
- Policing
- Law
- Criminology
- Security Management
Mining Company Bursaries
South Africa’s mining sector offers numerous bursaries every year.
Some well-known companies include:
- Anglo American
- Exxaro
- Harmony Gold
- Sibanye-Stillwater
- South32
Common fields funded:
- Mining Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Geology
- Environmental Science
Eskom Bursary Programme
Eskom offers financial aid for students studying critical and scarce skills.
Fields often include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Accounting
- Finance
Recipients may also receive vacation work opportunities during their studies.
Transnet Bursary Programme
Transnet supports students pursuing careers that contribute to South Africa’s transport and logistics sectors.
Popular study areas include:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Information Technology
SASOL Bursary Programme
Sasol remains one of South Africa’s leading financial aid providers.
Fields funded include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Accounting
- Data Science
- Computer Science
Many bursary recipients also receive workplace experience after completing their studies.
Nedbank External Bursary
Nedbank assists academically deserving students who demonstrate financial need.
Common study fields include:
- Commerce
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Science
- Mathematics
Vodacom Bursary Programme
Vodacom offers bursaries aimed at developing future leaders in technology and innovation.
Fields often supported:
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Standard Bank Bursary
Standard Bank offers bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying scarce and critical skills.
Fields may include:
- Finance
- Actuarial Science
- Economics
- Data Science
- Information Technology
- Engineering
Investec Bursary
Investec supports high-performing students with strong academic records.
Popular fields:
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Actuarial Science
Provincial Government Bursaries
Many provincial governments offer bursaries to students studying in priority sectors.
These often include:
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Agriculture
- Social Work
- Education
- Engineering
Check with your provincial government department for available opportunities.
SETA Bursaries
Several Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) offer bursaries depending on your chosen career.
Examples include:
- CETA
- ETDP SETA
- LGSETA
- BANKSETA
- MICT SETA
- merSETA
- HWSETA
These bursaries support studies linked to their respective industries.
Tips Before Applying for Financial Aid
To improve your chances of receiving a bursary:
- Apply before the closing date.
- Read all the application requirements carefully.
- Prepare certified copies of your documents.
- Keep your academic results up to date.
- Submit a well-written motivation letter if required.
- Apply for multiple bursaries to increase your chances.
Important Documents You May Need
Most bursary applications require:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest academic results
- Proof of household income
- Proof of residence
- Acceptance letter (if applicable)
- Parent or guardian ID copies
- Completed application form
Always check the specific requirements for each bursary before applying.
Final Thoughts
A bursary can make the difference between putting your dreams on hold and earning the qualification you’ve worked so hard for. Every year, government departments, universities, SETAs, and private companies invest millions of rand to help deserving South African students access quality education. Financial aid can be a crucial factor in achieving these goals.
Start preparing your documents early, apply before the closing dates, and don’t limit yourself to just one opportunity. The more bursaries you apply for, the better your chances of securing funding.
At Remmogo, we’re committed to helping South Africans access the latest bursaries, learnerships, internships, and job opportunities. Keep checking our website for new opportunities throughout the year your future could be just one application away.
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Visit Remmogo regularly for updated bursary opportunities, application deadlines, and career advice to help you take the next step towards your future. Your opportunity starts here.