15 Alternative Bursaries for South African Students 2026

While NSFAS is the most well-known source of funding for South African students, it is not your only option. Whether you do not qualify for NSFAS, your application was rejected, or you want to supplement your existing funding, there are many excellent bursaries available from government departments, corporations, and NGOs. This guide covers 15 of the best alternative bursaries for 2026, including what they cover, who qualifies, and how to apply.

If you have been rejected by NSFAS, read our guide on how to appeal a NSFAS rejection before exploring alternatives.

1. Funza Lushaka Bursary

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government initiative by the Department of Basic Education to fund students studying towards a teaching qualification (B.Ed or PGCE).

What it covers: Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and a living allowance.
Who qualifies: South African citizens enrolled in or accepted for a teaching qualification at a public university. Priority given to students willing to teach in rural schools and in scarce-skill subjects (Mathematics, Physical Science, Technology, and African languages).
Obligation: You must teach at a public school for the same number of years you received the bursary.
How to apply: Apply online at funzalushaka.doe.gov.za. Applications usually open in August/September each year.

2. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation provides scholarships for students with an entrepreneurial mindset who want to study commerce, science, or engineering.

What it covers: Full tuition, accommodation, books, meals, personal allowance, leadership development programmes, and mentorship.
Who qualifies: South African citizens in Grade 12 or first-year students with excellent academic results and demonstrated entrepreneurial potential.
Selection process: Highly competitive with interviews, group activities, and psychometric assessments.
How to apply: Apply online at allangrayorbis.org. Applications typically open in January each year.

3. Sasol Bursary Programme

Sasol offers bursaries for students studying in fields aligned with their business operations, including engineering, science, IT, and commerce.

What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and a monthly living allowance.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Accounting at a public university.
Obligation: You may be required to work for Sasol for a period equal to the duration of your bursary after graduating.
How to apply: Apply online at sasol.com under the bursary section.

4. Eskom Bursary Scheme

Eskom provides bursaries in engineering and technical fields to build the skills pipeline for South Africa's energy sector.

What it covers: Full tuition, accommodation, books, and a monthly stipend.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical Engineering, as well as IT and Finance.
Obligation: Work-back agreement — you must work for Eskom after graduation for a period matching the bursary duration.
How to apply: Apply through the Eskom website during the application window (usually March–September).

5. Anglo American Bursary

Anglo American funds students in mining, engineering, geology, environmental science, and related fields.

What it covers: Tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and a monthly allowance.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, or Mechanical Engineering.
How to apply: Visit angloamerican.com for bursary opportunities and application details.

6. Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary

The Department of Water and Sanitation offers bursaries for students studying in water-related fields.

What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and a living allowance.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying Hydrology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or Water Resource Management.
Obligation: Work for the Department for a period matching the bursary duration.
How to apply: Applications are advertised on the department's website and in national newspapers, usually between August and October.

7. Transnet Bursary Programme

Transnet funds students in engineering, logistics, supply chain, and IT fields.

What it covers: Full tuition, accommodation, books, and a monthly living allowance.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, IT, Supply Chain Management, or Maritime Studies.
How to apply: Visit transnet.net for current bursary opportunities.

8. Nedbank Bursary Programme

Nedbank offers bursaries for students studying commerce, finance, IT, and data science.

What it covers: Tuition fees and a book allowance. Some positions include accommodation support.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying BCom Accounting, Finance, Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Data Science.
How to apply: Apply through the Nedbank careers portal at nedbank.co.za.

9. Old Mutual Bursary

Old Mutual funds students in actuarial science, accounting, finance, IT, and data analytics.

What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, books, and a monthly allowance.
Who qualifies: South African citizens with strong academic records studying in finance-related or IT fields.
How to apply: Apply online at oldmutual.co.za under their graduate programmes section.

10. Investec Bursary Programme

Investec provides bursaries to academically excellent students studying commerce, finance, and IT.

What it covers: Full tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and mentorship.
Who qualifies: South African citizens with outstanding academic results studying BCom, BSc Finance, Actuarial Science, or Computer Science. Preference for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
How to apply: Apply through investec.com.

11. MTN Foundation Bursary

MTN offers bursaries focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, books, and a living allowance.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Mathematics, or related STEM fields.
How to apply: Visit the MTN Foundation website for application details and deadlines.

12. DHET Teacher Education Bursary

The Department of Higher Education and Training provides bursaries specifically for teacher education in critical-need subjects.

What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying B.Ed or PGCE, particularly in Mathematics, Science, Technology, and African languages.
How to apply: Through participating universities. Check with your institution's education faculty.

13. Services SETA Bursary

Services SETA is one of several Sector Education and Training Authorities that offer bursaries aligned with industry skills needs.

What it covers: Tuition and in some cases accommodation and a stipend.
Who qualifies: South African citizens studying in fields related to the services sector including management, tourism, hospitality, and HR.
How to apply: Visit servicesseta.org.za for current bursary opportunities.

14. Ithala Development Finance Bursary

Ithala, a KZN-based development finance institution, provides bursaries to KwaZulu-Natal students.

What it covers: Tuition fees and a book allowance.
Who qualifies: KZN residents studying accounting, finance, economics, IT, or engineering at a South African public university.
How to apply: Applications are advertised on the Ithala website and in KZN newspapers.

15. National Research Foundation (NRF) Bursary

The NRF primarily funds honours and postgraduate students, but also offers some undergraduate scholarships in science fields.

What it covers: Tuition and a living allowance for research-focused students.
Who qualifies: South African citizens in their final year of undergraduate studies or entering honours/postgraduate programmes in science, engineering, or social sciences.
How to apply: Apply through nrf.ac.za.

Comparison of Major Bursaries

Bursary	Fields	Tuition	Accommodation	Living Allowance	Work-Back?
Funza Lushaka	Teaching	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Allan Gray	Commerce, Science, Eng.	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Sasol	Engineering, Science, IT	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Eskom	Engineering, IT, Finance	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Anglo American	Mining, Eng., Geology	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Transnet	Eng., Logistics, IT	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nedbank	Finance, IT, Data	Yes	Some	Limited	No
Old Mutual	Finance, IT, Actuarial	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Tips for Successful Bursary Applications

Apply early: Most bursaries have strict deadlines. Set calendar reminders for opening and closing dates.
Apply to multiple bursaries: Do not rely on one application. Apply to as many as you qualify for.
Prepare strong motivation letters: Explain why you deserve the bursary and how it aligns with your career goals. Read our guide on writing a motivation letter.
Keep certified copies ready: Many bursaries require certified copies of your ID, matric certificate, and academic record.
Maintain good grades: Most bursaries require minimum academic performance to retain funding each year.
Check for NSFAS compatibility: Some bursaries cannot be held simultaneously with NSFAS. Verify before accepting.
Understand work-back obligations: Some bursaries require you to work for the funder after graduation. Make sure you are comfortable with this commitment.

Next Steps

Funding should never be the reason you do not attend university. Start exploring your options today:

15 Alternative Bursaries for South African Students 2026