If you’re a high-achieving South African learner or university student looking for financial support to further your studies in 2027, the VKB Bursary Programme for 2027 could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Applications are now officially open, giving ambitious students the chance to receive financial assistance while building a potential long-term career with one of South Africa’s most respected agricultural businesses.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply
Whether you’re planning to study Chartered Accountancy, Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Agricultural Economics, International Trade, or Marketing, VKB is investing in students who are passionate about making a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s agricultural and business sectors.
The bursary intake is for the 2027 academic year, with applications closing on 31 August 2026.
Quick Overview
| Programme | VKB Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Organisation | VKB Group |
| Programme Type | Bursary |
| Intake | January 2027 |
| Opening Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Closing Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Location | South Africa |
| Study Level | Grade 12 learners and current university students |
| Fields | Chartered Accountancy, Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Agricultural Economics, International Trade, Marketing |
| Work Experience | Vacation work during studies |
| Employment Opportunity | Possible work-back obligation after graduation |
Fields of Study Supported
The VKB Group is offering bursaries for students pursuing the following qualifications for the 2027 academic year.
Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Accountancy
Ideal for students interested in becoming:
- Chartered Accountants
- Auditors
- Financial Managers
- Tax Specialists
- Corporate Finance Professionals
Accounting professionals remain in high demand across South Africa, making this one of the most valuable qualifications available.
Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
This bursary supports students pursuing careers in:
- Quantity Surveying
- Construction Cost Management
- Infrastructure Development
- Commercial Construction
Quantity Surveyors play a critical role in managing construction costs and ensuring projects remain financially viable.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical) or Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
Mechanical Engineering graduates may eventually work in areas such as:
- Agricultural machinery
- Manufacturing
- Plant maintenance
- Industrial engineering
- Production systems
- Equipment design
Mechanical Engineers continue to be among South Africa’s most sought-after technical professionals.
BCom Economic Sciences (International Trade or Marketing)
Students specialising in:
- International Trade
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Commercial Strategy
- Export Management
will have opportunities to contribute to the growing agricultural export sector.
BCom Agricultural Economics with Risk Management or BSc Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Economics combines business, economics and agriculture.
Graduates often work in:
- Agricultural finance
- Commodity markets
- Farm management
- Risk management
- Food economics
- Agribusiness consulting
With agriculture remaining one of South Africa’s strategic industries, Agricultural Economists are increasingly valuable.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is open to both:
- Current Grade 12 learners
- Students already studying at university
This provides flexibility for students entering university in 2027 as well as those already pursuing one of the approved qualifications.
Minimum Requirements for Grade 12 Learners
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must:
- Be South African citizens
- Have a valid South African ID
- Obtain a National Senior Certificate
- Achieve a minimum overall average of 70%
- Upload latest Grade 11 results
- Upload current Grade 12 results
Strong academic performance is one of the primary selection criteria.
Minimum Requirements for University Students
Current tertiary students must:
- Be enrolled at an accredited South African tertiary institution
- Be studying one of the approved qualifications
- Achieve at least 60% average in major subjects
- Submit a complete academic record including 2026 results
Students with consistently strong academic performance will have a competitive advantage.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants should also be willing to:
- Complete vacation work at one of VKB’s regional head offices
- Relocate after completing their studies if employment opportunities arise
- Meet any work-back obligations associated with the bursary
- Communicate effectively in both English and Afrikaans (spoken and written)
These requirements help prepare students for long-term careers within the VKB Group.
What Does the Bursary Offer?
Although the exact financial package may vary depending on individual circumstances, bursaries typically assist with study-related costs.
Successful candidates can also benefit from:
- Financial support towards approved studies
- Industry exposure
- Vacation work opportunities
- Professional mentoring
- Workplace experience
- Career development
- Possible permanent employment after graduation
This combination of financial support and career development makes the programme particularly attractive.
Important Application Dates
Applicants should note these important dates:
- Applications Open: 1 July 2026
- Closing Date: 31 August 2026
- Academic Intake: January 2027
Late applications are unlikely to be considered.
Supporting Documents Required
Applicants should prepare:
For Grade 12 applicants:
- South African ID
- Latest Grade 11 results
- Current Grade 12 results
For university students:
- South African ID
- Complete academic record
- Latest 2026 university results
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
Important Application Instructions
Before applying, remember:
- Use Google Chrome when accessing the application portal.
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF format.
- Ensure academic records are complete and legible.
- Double-check all information before submitting.
- Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
VKB also reserves the right not to award any bursaries if suitable candidates are not identified.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE BACHELOR OF COMMERCE IN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY BURSARY HERE
APPLY FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN QUANTITY SURVEYING BURSARY HERE
APPLY FOR THE BCOM ECONOMIC SCIENCES (INTERNATIONAL TRADE OR MARKETING) BURSARY HERE
Why You Should Apply
The VKB Bursary Programme is more than financial assistance.
It represents an opportunity to:
- Graduate with less financial stress
- Gain practical workplace experience
- Build professional networks
- Develop industry skills
- Improve employability
- Potentially begin your career with one of South Africa’s leading agribusinesses
For students passionate about business, agriculture, engineering or commerce, this programme provides an excellent platform for long-term career growth.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for bursaries is often high.
To improve your chances:
- Apply as early as possible.
- Ensure all documents are certified where required.
- Upload clear, readable PDF documents.
- Check that your academic averages meet the minimum requirements.
- Carefully complete every section of the online application.
- Avoid submitting incomplete applications.
Related Articles:
Bursary Application Calendar for South African Students: When to Apply and Never Miss a Deadline
How to Prepare for Bursary Interviews: A Complete Guide for South African Students
What Happens After You Apply for a Bursary? Understanding the Selection Process
How to Find Fully Funded Bursaries in South Africa: A Complete Guide for Students
Common Reasons South African Bursary Applications Get Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)
NSFAS vs Bursaries vs Scholarships: What Is the Difference?
How to Write a Professional Student CV for Bursary Applications
How to Write a Winning Bursary Motivational Letter (With Examples)
How to Appeal an NSFAS Application Rejection (Step-by-Step Guide) 2026
How to Create a myNSFAS Account for 2026 Applications
How to Check NSFAS Application Status: A Detailed Guide
How to Apply for NSFAS: A Step-by-Step Application Process
Edupstairs Advice
Do not wait until the final week before the closing date to apply.
Take time to prepare all supporting documents, ensure your academic records are complete, and carefully review your application before submitting it.
If you meet the academic requirements and have an interest in building a career within one of South Africa’s leading agricultural businesses, this bursary is well worth pursuing. Beyond financial assistance, the programme offers valuable workplace exposure and the possibility of long-term employment, making it an excellent investment in your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
South African Grade 12 learners and university students studying approved qualifications.
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 31 August 2026.
Which qualifications qualify?
Eligible qualifications include:
- BCom Chartered Accountancy
- BSc Quantity Surveying
- BSc/BEng Mechanical Engineering
- BCom Economic Sciences (International Trade or Marketing)
- BCom Agricultural Economics with Risk Management
- BSc Agricultural Economics
Is vacation work compulsory?
Yes. Successful bursary recipients must be willing to complete vacation work at VKB regional offices.
Is relocation required?
Applicants must be willing to relocate after graduation if required for employment or work-back obligations.
What academic average is required?
- Grade 12 learners: Minimum 70% overall average
- University students: Minimum 60% average in major subjects
Can first-year university students apply?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and are enrolled in one of the approved qualifications.
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Disclaimer
This article is intended to provide an overview of the VKB Bursary Programme for 2027 based on the information available at the time of publication. Applicants should always consult the official VKB bursary application portal for the latest requirements, terms and conditions before submitting an application.
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