Every year, thousands of South African students dream of studying at universities, TVET colleges, and other higher education institutions. Unfortunately, the cost of tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and transport prevents many young people from pursuing their academic goals.
The good news is that hundreds of fully funded bursaries are available across South Africa. These bursaries are offered by government departments, SETAs, municipalities, state-owned entities, private companies, and charitable foundations to help deserving students access education without financial stress.
The challenge is not that bursaries do not exist—it is knowing where to find them and how to apply successfully.
This guide explains exactly how South African students can find fully funded bursaries and increase their chances of securing financial assistance for their studies.
Quick Overview
| Topic | Details |
| What is a fully funded bursary? | A bursary that covers most or all study-related costs |
| Who offers bursaries? | Government, companies, SETAs, municipalities, foundations |
| When do applications open? | Usually between May and November each year |
| Who can apply? | Matric learners, current students, and postgraduate students |
| Where can bursaries be found? | Official websites, universities, career portals, and Edupstairs |
| Do bursaries require repayment? | Usually no, unless specific conditions are breached |
What Is a Fully Funded Bursary?
A fully funded bursary is financial support awarded to students to help pay for their education.
Depending on the sponsor, a bursary may cover:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Textbooks
- Study materials
- Meals
- Monthly stipend
- Laptop allowance
- Transport costs
Some bursaries cover only tuition fees, while others provide comprehensive funding that supports students throughout their academic journey.
Why Companies and Government Offer Bursaries
Many organisations invest in bursaries to develop future professionals and address skills shortages.
South Africa currently needs more:
- Engineers
- Teachers
- Accountants
- Nurses
- Artisans
- IT Specialists
- Scientists
- Healthcare Professionals
As a result, organisations fund students who are studying in these critical fields.
In many cases, bursary recipients are offered internships, graduate programmes, or employment opportunities after completing their studies.
Where to Find Fully Funded Bursaries in South Africa
Search Edupstairs Regularly
One of the easiest ways to find bursary opportunities is by visiting Edupstairs regularly.
Edupstairs publishes information about:
- Government bursaries
- Corporate bursaries
- SETA bursaries
- University funding opportunities
- TVET College funding opportunities
- Postgraduate bursaries
- Specialised industry bursaries
Many students miss bursary opportunities simply because they do not know when applications open.
By checking Edupstairs frequently, you can stay informed about:
- New bursary openings
- Closing dates
- Eligibility requirements
- Required documents
- Application procedures
Students are encouraged to bookmark Edupstairs and monitor new opportunities throughout the year.
Visit Company Career Websites
Many large South African companies operate bursary programmes.
Examples include:
- Sasol
- Eskom
- Transnet
- Exxaro
- Nedbank
- Standard Bank
Most companies advertise bursaries annually on their careers pages.
Check SETA Websites
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play a major role in skills development.
Many SETAs provide bursaries and educational funding.
Popular SETAs include:
SETA-funded bursaries are often targeted at scarce and critical skills programmes.
Monitor Government Department Opportunities
Various government departments fund students each year.
Examples include:
- Department of Health
- Department of Education
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Water and Sanitation
These bursaries often focus on professions where government requires skilled employees.
Check Municipal Bursary Programmes
Many municipalities offer bursaries to residents within their jurisdictions.
Examples include:
- Metropolitan municipalities
- District municipalities
- Local municipalities
Municipal bursaries often prioritise students studying:
- Engineering
- Finance
- Town Planning
- Environmental Management
- Public Administration
Explore University Funding Offices
Most universities maintain financial aid offices that advertise bursaries available to registered students.
These offices can assist with:
- Internal bursaries
- Faculty-specific funding
- Donor-funded scholarships
- Merit awards
Students should regularly check university websites and student portals.
When Should You Start Looking for Bursaries?
The biggest mistake many students make is waiting until they receive acceptance letters.
Ideally, bursary research should begin:
- During Grade 11
- Early in Grade 12
- Before university applications open
Many bursaries close months before academic registration begins.
Starting early gives you enough time to gather documents and submit quality applications.
Documents Needed for Most Bursary Applications
Although requirements differ, most bursaries request:
- South African ID copy
- Certified ID copy
- Latest academic results
- Matric certificate (if completed)
- Proof of household income
- Parent or guardian ID copies
- Proof of residence
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Keep digital copies ready to avoid last-minute stress.
How to Identify Genuine Bursaries
Unfortunately, scammers often target students looking for funding.
Warning signs include:
- Requests for application fees
- Requests for banking details upfront
- Poorly written advertisements
- Suspicious social media accounts
- Unverified websites
Legitimate bursaries generally do not charge application fees.
Always verify information through official websites or trusted opportunity platforms such as Edupstairs.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Bursary
Apply for Multiple Bursaries
Do not rely on one application.
Successful students often submit:
- 10 applications
- 20 applications
- Sometimes even more
The more quality applications you submit, the greater your chances of receiving funding.
Focus on Scarce Skills
Students studying scarce skills fields often have more funding opportunities available.
Examples include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Teaching
- Healthcare
- Accounting
- Science
- Mathematics
Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should explain:
- Your educational goals
- Financial circumstances
- Career ambitions
- Why you deserve funding
A compelling motivation letter can significantly strengthen your application.
Maintain Good Academic Performance
Most bursary providers use academic performance as a key selection criterion.
Students should:
- Attend classes regularly
- Complete assignments
- Improve Mathematics and Science marks
- Seek academic support when necessary
Strong results often open the door to better funding opportunities.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
Avoid these common errors:
- Missing closing dates
- Incomplete applications
- Missing supporting documents
- Incorrect contact details
- Poorly written motivation letters
- Applying for programmes you do not qualify for
Always double-check applications before submission.
Edupstairs Advice
Many students believe there are only a few bursaries available in South Africa. In reality, hundreds of bursary opportunities become available every year across different sectors and industries.
The key is consistency.
Start searching early, apply broadly, prepare your documents in advance, and check trusted platforms such as Edupstairs regularly for new opportunities.
Remember: one successful bursary application could completely change your educational journey and future career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Grade 12 learners apply for bursaries?
Yes. Many bursaries specifically target Grade 12 learners planning to study the following year.
- Do bursaries cover accommodation?
Some bursaries do. Coverage depends on the sponsor and funding package.
- Can NSFAS beneficiaries also apply for bursaries?
In some cases, yes. However, funding rules differ between providers, so applicants should review bursary conditions carefully.
- Are bursaries only for university students?
No. Many bursaries support students studying at TVET colleges and other accredited institutions.
- Where can I find new bursaries throughout the year?
Students can monitor official organisation websites and regularly visit Edupstairs for updates on bursaries, scholarships, internships, learnerships, and other educational opportunities.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
Bursary requirements, funding benefits, eligibility criteria, and closing dates may change without notice. Always verify information directly with the bursary provider before submitting an application.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY