Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027

South African students looking for financial assistance to study scarce and future-focused qualifications now have an opportunity to apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027. This bursary programme is designed to support academically deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue undergraduate or honours qualifications at public universities and universities of technology across South Africa.

Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply

The programme specifically focuses on developing skills in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and the rapidly growing green economy sector, helping to address critical skills shortages while contributing to the country’s future economic development.

Applications for the 2027 academic year are officially open and will close on 31 August 2026.

Quick Overview

About the Nedbank External Bursary Programme

The Nedbank External Bursary Programme forms part of Nedbank’s commitment to investing in education and creating opportunities for talented young South Africans who may not have the financial means to pursue higher education.

The bursary aims to remove financial barriers that prevent deserving students from obtaining qualifications in sectors that are critical to South Africa’s growth and development.

Through this initiative, Nedbank seeks to support students who demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance
• Financial need
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to completing their studies
• Interest in scarce and future-focused skills sectors

The bursary provides funding for full-time studies at recognised South African public higher education institutions.

What is the Green Economy?

One of the unique aspects of the Nedbank External Bursary Programme is its focus on supporting qualifications linked to the green economy.

The green economy promotes sustainable development by balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social well-being.

Green economy qualifications generally focus on:

• Renewable energy
• Environmental management
• Climate change adaptation
• Sustainable agriculture
• Green engineering
• Water resource management
• Energy efficiency
• Conservation science
• Sustainable urban development
• Environmental technology

These sectors are expected to create significant employment opportunities in South Africa over the coming decades as the country transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable economic practices.

Who Can Apply?

You may apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 if you meet the following requirements:

Citizenship Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Possess a valid South African Identity Document

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Obtained an average of at least 65%
• Achieved strong results in subjects relevant to their intended qualification
• Demonstrated consistent academic performance

Study Requirements

Applicants must intend to pursue:

• A full-time undergraduate qualification; or
• A full-time honours qualification

at a:

• South African public university; or
• South African university of technology

Financial Need Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate financial need based on household income and supporting financial documentation submitted during the application process.

Important Exclusion

Students who completed Grade 12 using Mathematics Literacy instead of Mathematics will not qualify for the bursary.

Fields of Study Supported

The bursary primarily supports qualifications within STEM and green economy sectors.

Examples include:

Science

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Biological Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences

Technology

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Software Development
• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence

Engineering

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering

Mathematics

• Actuarial Science
• Statistics
• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Sciences

Green Economy Qualifications

• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Environmental Management
• Climate Science
• Sustainable Development
• Conservation Management
• Water Resource Engineering
• Energy Management
• Sustainable Agriculture

Students should ensure their chosen qualification aligns with Nedbank’s identified scarce-skills and green economy focus areas.

Academic Requirements by Applicant Category

The bursary caters for various study levels.

Grade 12 Learners

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must submit:

• Grade 11 final results
• Current Grade 12 mid-year results

First-Year University Students

Applicants currently in their first year of study must provide:

• Grade 12 final results
• Current university mid-year results

Second-Year and Third-Year Students

Applicants must submit:

• Previous academic year’s final results
• Current academic year’s mid-year results

All applicants must maintain a minimum average of 65%.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying.

Personal Documents

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Proof of admission or acceptance at a public university or university of technology
• Academic results as applicable

Academic Documents

Grade 12 Learners

• Grade 11 final results
• Grade 12 mid-year results

First-Year Students

• Grade 12 final results
• Current university mid-year results

Second-Year and Third-Year Students

• Previous year’s final results
• Current year’s mid-year results

Financial Documents Required

Applicants must submit evidence demonstrating financial need.

Financial Check Affidavit

Applicants must provide:

• A completed financial check affidavit
• Signed by the applicant
• Signed by parents or legal guardians

Bank Statements

Submit:

• Applicant’s latest three months’ bank statements
• Parents’ or guardians’ latest three months’ bank statements
• Bank statements of all income-earning household members

Supporting Financial Documentation

Depending on the household’s source of income, applicants may need to provide additional supporting documents.

Salaried Employees

Provide:

• Certified copy of ID
• Latest payslip
• Employment confirmation letter not older than three months

Informal Traders or Hawkers

Provide:

• Proof of income
• Home loan account statement
• Municipal rates and taxes statement not older than three months

Commission-Based Earners

Provide:

• IRP5 forms
• IT3 forms
• IT12 forms
• Documents covering the previous two years

Pensioners or Grant Recipients

Provide:

• Official pension slip; or
• Bank statement reflecting income

This applies to income received through:

• Pension payments
• Grants
• Maintenance
• Rental income
• Investment income

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE NEDBANK EXTERNAL BURSARY PROGRAMME 2027 HERE

How to Improve Your Chances of Being Selected

Competition for bursaries is often extremely high. To strengthen your application:

• Focus on Academic Performance

Aim for marks well above the minimum 65% requirement.

• Submit Complete Documentation

Missing documents can result in disqualification.

• Apply Early

Avoid waiting until the final days before the closing date.

• Choose an Eligible Qualification

Ensure your selected qualification falls within the STEM or green economy categories.

• Demonstrate Genuine Financial Need

Provide accurate and complete financial information.

• Ensure Information is Accurate

Double-check all forms and supporting documents before submission.

Edupstairs Advice

The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 is one of the most valuable funding opportunities available to South African students pursuing scarce and future-focused skills. If you meet the academic requirements and can demonstrate financial need, it is advisable to begin preparing your documents as early as possible.

Gather all financial records, ensure your academic results are up to date, and verify that your chosen qualification aligns with the STEM or green economy focus areas. Submitting a complete and accurate application before the closing date can significantly improve your chances of being considered.

Students should also apply for multiple bursary opportunities simultaneously rather than relying on a single funding source.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• When do applications close?

Applications for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 close on 31 August 2026.

• Can TVET College students apply?

The bursary specifically supports studies at South African public universities and universities of technology.

• Is financial need considered?

Yes. Financial need is a key selection criterion.

• Can honours students apply?

Yes. The programme supports both undergraduate and honours qualifications.

• Can students studying non-STEM qualifications apply?

The bursary primarily focuses on STEM and green economy-related qualifications.

• Is Mathematics Literacy accepted?

No. Applicants who completed Grade 12 with Mathematics Literacy do not qualify.

• Where can I ask questions about the bursary?

Applicants can contact the Nedbank Bursary Team via: Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za

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• Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only. Applicants should verify all bursary requirements, deadlines and application procedures directly with Nedbank before submitting an application.

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