South Africa’s digital economy is growing fast, and the demand for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills continues to rise. If you are currently studying Computer Science, Data Science, IT, Cybersecurity or related fields, the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) External Bursary Programme is one of the most valuable funding opportunities available right now.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
This bursary is designed to support second-year university and diploma students who are building careers in technology. It covers major study costs and helps prepare students for employment in the public-sector digital environment. Only 20 bursaries nationwide will be awarded.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: SITA External Bursary Programme
Organisation: State Information Technology Agency (SITA)
Closing Date: 01 April 2026
Number of Bursaries: 20 nationwide
Funding Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Study allowance
- Work Integrated Learning (where applicable)
Minimum Academic Level: Currently registered for Year 2
Minimum Average Required: 65%
Fields Covered: ICT-related qualifications
Application Method: Online form + email supporting documents
Fields Covered by the SITA Bursary Programme
SITA is supporting students studying:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Informatics (Artificial Intelligence)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science
- Diploma in ICT (Application Development)
- Diploma in ICT (Communication Networks)
- Bachelor of Science majoring in Cybersecurity
These programmes align directly with scarce-skill occupations in South Africa.
Who Should Apply for This Bursary?
You should apply if:
- You are currently studying ICT-related qualifications
- You are already in second year
- You achieved at least 65% average
- You need financial assistance
- You want a career in government digital services
Students pursuing careers in AI, cybersecurity and software development are especially encouraged to apply.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be registered for second year of study
- Must study at a recognised public tertiary institution
- Must be studying one of the approved ICT qualifications
- Must achieve an academic average of 65%
- Must not already have another bursary
- Must not previously have received a SITA bursary
Preference may be given according to Employment Equity considerations and students living with disabilities.
What the SITA Bursary Covers
This bursary supports students financially across several major study costs.
Funding includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Study materials
- Accommodation support
- Meal allowances
- Student allowance
- Work-integrated learning support where applicable
This makes it a high-value bursary, especially compared to partial funding opportunities.
Documents Required to Apply
Applicants must submit the following:
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified Matric results
- Proof of registration
- Acceptance letter from institution
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcript showing first-year results
Applications missing documents may be rejected.
Prepare these early before the deadline.
How to Apply for the SITA Bursary 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1
Access the official SITA bursary application form via the provided application link or QR code.
Step 2
Prepare all required supporting documents.
Step 3
Submit documents to: externalbursaries2026@sita.co.za
Step 4
Ensure submission before: 01 April 2026
Late applications are not accepted.
Important Selection Notes Applicants Must Understand
Applicants should know the following:
- Only 20 bursaries will be awarded nationwide
- Selection follows Employment Equity policy
- Committee decisions are final
- Only successful applicants will be contacted
- If no response within 3 months after closing date, application was unsuccessful
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Job Preparedness Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Because only 20 bursaries are available nationwide, competition will be strong.
To increase your chances:
- Submit certified documents early
- Ensure academic transcript is clear
- Keep CV updated with ICT skills
- Highlight programming languages you know
- Include any practical projects completed
- Apply before the closing date
Also consider applying for multiple ICT bursaries simultaneously. Never rely on a single funding opportunity.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Students funded through this programme position themselves strongly for careers such as:
- Software Developer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Systems Administrator
- Government ICT Specialist
- Network Engineer
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Possible long-term pathways include:
Graduate Programme → Junior Specialist → Senior ICT Analyst → Government Digital Transformation Leader
This is especially valuable if your goal is working in public-sector digital innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can first-year students apply?
No. Only second-year students qualify.
- Can TVET students apply?
Only those studying approved ICT diploma programmes at recognised public institutions.
- Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes.
Accommodation support is included.
- Can I apply if I already have another bursary?
No.
Dual sponsorship is not allowed.
- What average is required?
Minimum 65%.
- Is this bursary available nationwide?
Yes.
Students across South Africa may apply.
CLOSING DATE: 01 APRIL 2026
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Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
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Disclaimer
SITA bursaries are awarded according to organisational requirements and Employment Equity policy. Selection outcomes are final. Only successful candidates will be contacted. SITA reserves the right not to award bursaries.
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