🚀 Jump to the List of Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for their studies. Unlike loans, they don’t need to be repaid, making them one of the best ways to fund education.
In South Africa, thousands of scholarships are available through universities, government programs, private companies, NGOs, and international organizations.
These scholarships cover almost everyone, we would advice you to find one after finishing your high school, looking go for university, or about to pursue postgraduate studies, there are scholarships designed to support you.
Types of Scholarships in South Africa
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
Awarded to students with strong academic results, leadership qualities, or special talents such as sports, arts, or science.
2. Need-Based Scholarships
Given to students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent them from studying.
3. Group-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships focus on particular groups, such as: Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), Students from rural areas, First-generation university students, and Children of employees (e.g., government workers, mining companies, or private firms)
4. International Scholarships
Many global organizations and foreign governments (such as the UK, USA, Germany, and China) offer scholarships for South African students to study abroad.
Scholarships may cover full tuition fees, living costs, accommodation, or just a portion of expenses. Even partial scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying.
How to Find Scholarships in South Africa
Finding the right scholarship requires research. Here are the best places to start:
- University Financial Aid Offices – Almost every South African university (like Wits, UCT, Stellenbosch, or UP) has its own bursary and scholarship opportunities.
- Government Programs – The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Department of Higher Education & Training offer funding options.
- Private Companies – Banks, mining companies, and multinational corporations often sponsor students, especially in fields like engineering, IT, finance, and healthcare.
- NGOs and Foundations – Many South African and international charities provide scholarships for underprivileged students.
- Online Scholarship Portals – Websites dedicated to scholarships in South Africa regularly update available opportunities.
⚠️ Important Tip: Be careful of scams. You never need to pay money to apply for a legitimate scholarship.
When to Apply for Scholarships
Scholarship deadlines vary, but most applications open 6–12 months before the academic year starts. For example, if you plan to study in 2026, you should start researching and applying by early 2025.
If you miss a deadline, don’t give up—many scholarships have rolling applications or mid-year intakes.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
Each scholarship has its own requirements, but the general process includes:
- Checking eligibility criteria (grades, financial background, field of study, etc.).
- Preparing documents such as transcripts, ID copies, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
- Completing the application form (online or paper).
- Submitting before the deadline.
👉 Always read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly. Missing a step could cost you the opportunity.
How Scholarships Are Paid
Depending on the scholarship, funds may:
- Be paid directly to your university to cover tuition and fees.
- Be sent to you as a living allowance (stipend).
- Cover additional costs like accommodation, books, or travel.
⚡️ Make sure you understand the funding structure before accepting the award.
Do Scholarships Affect Other Student Aid?
Yes. If you receive a scholarship, your total funding cannot exceed the official cost of attendance at your institution. For example, if you qualify for NSFAS or other bursaries, the financial aid office may adjust the amount after including your scholarship.
Always notify your university about any scholarships you receive.
Scholarships in South Africa are a powerful way to make education affordable and accessible. Whether you are aiming for undergraduate, postgraduate, or international studies, there are opportunities waiting for you. Start your search early, prepare your documents, and apply widely.
🎓 Remember: Every application you submit brings you one step closer to funding your education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To get a scholarship in South Africa, start by checking opportunities at universities, government programs like NSFAS, and private companies. Prepare strong academic results, write a clear personal statement, and apply before deadlines.
A scholarship is usually merit-based (based on academics, sports, or talent), while a bursary is often need-based (given to students from disadvantaged financial backgrounds). Both help cover tuition and study costs.
Yes. Many South African universities and government initiatives offer scholarships for international students, especially from other African countries. Likewise, South Africans can apply for scholarships abroad.
Scholarships are offered by:
- South African universities (UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, etc.)
- The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
- Private companies like banks and mining firms
- NGOs and community organizations
- International governments and foundations
Most scholarship applications open 6–12 months before the academic year begins. For example, if you plan to study in 2026, you should apply throughout 2025. Early applications have a higher chance of success.
Some scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, living allowances, and books. Others are partial scholarships, which may only cover tuition or a portion of costs.
NSFAS is not a traditional scholarship. It is a government-funded financial aid scheme that provides loans and bursaries to students from low-income households. However, in many cases, the loan is converted into a bursary if certain conditions are met.
Legitimate scholarships never ask you to pay money to apply. Always verify opportunities through official university websites, trusted scholarship portals, or government agencies.
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The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation bursaries for Grade 12 South African Students
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Overview: The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation offers bursaries to first-year students in a variety of degree programmes at traditional public universities. The degree programmes funded are informed by the critical skills needs of the country, FirstRand and social investing focus areas. The selection criteria are proven academic potential and belonging to a family with a combined gross annual income of not higher than R700 000. Current Grade 12 learners are invited to apply for this prestigious opportunity. Applicants who completed Grade 12 not more than 3 years ago will also be considered.
Apply NowInvestec bursary for Grade 12 and first year of university South African Students
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Overview: Investec offers full-cost bursaries to students who are currently in Gr 12 or their first year of tertiary study aiming to study full-time towards an undergraduate degree in Commerce, Business Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or a Commercial LLB, as well as Medicine (MBCHB). These degrees represent fields of relevance to the financial services sector. Bursaries are awarded based on merit and financial need for studies at select South African universities.
Apply NowDAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Overview: Postgraduate training in a field with strong relevance for national development, aiming at university staff development and public sector demand of academically trained personnel.
Apply NowProMaths Bursary Fund for Young South Africans
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Overview: Promaths is a programme delivered by Kutlwanong Maths, Science and Technology Centre. The programme, funded by Investec, provides extra Maths and Science classes to high school learners to boost their performance in these subjects. With a 17+ year record of accomplishment, Promaths produces learners who are proficient in Maths and Science as well as driven, ambitious students. Many of these students however are unable to secure bursaries to study further. The Promaths Bursary Fund is specifically designed for Promaths alumni who lack the funding to pursue a tertiary education.
Apply NowOld Mutual Investment Group Imfundo Trust Scholarship for South Africans
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Overview: The Imfundo Trust Scholarships provide funding to study on a full-time basis for undergraduate and selected postgraduate degree programmes at selected universities in South Africa.
Apply NowLeigh Day LLB scholarship at University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape.
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: Citizens from Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Deadline: 02 September 2025 3:00 pm GMT
Overview: Canon Collins Trust invites applications from current 2nd and 3rd year students (going into their 3rd and 4th year in 2026) studying for an LLB at the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape. We will provide funding for maximum of two years.
Apply NowJoel Joffe LLB scholarships at the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape.
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans Only
Deadline: 02 September 2025 3:00 pm GMT
Overview: Canon Collins Trust invites applications from current 3rd year students (going into their 4th year in 2026) studying for an LLB at the University of the Western Cape or the University of Fort Hare. We will provide funding of R40,000 towards the last year of your LLB studies, an opportunity to enhance your academic and leadership skills through organised events and a paid internship at a public interest law firm for approximately five months after your graduation.
Apply NowCanon Collins Scholarships for the postgraduate studies in South Africa 2026
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: Citizens from Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia
Deadline: 02 September 2025 3:00 pm
Overview: Canon Collins Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies in South Africa is co-funded by the RMTF scholarship fund. Canon Collins will provide funding for up to a maximum of two years for Masters and PhD with the ability to reapply for a third year. Continued funding depends upon satisfactory progress and academic reports.
Apply NowTom Queba and Pegasys Scholarships for Honours and Masters study at South African universities in 2026
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans Only
Deadline: 2 September 2025 at 17:00
Overview: Canon Collins Trust in partnership with Tom Queba Memorial Fund and Pegasys invites applications for scholarships for Honours and Masters study at South African universities in 2026. We will provide funding for up to a maximum of two years and an opportunity to enhance your academic and leadership skills through organised events.
Apply NowComputer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Information Technology Bursary Oppotunities at The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa.
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans Only
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Overview: As an organisation committed to developing the skills of South Africa’s youth, as well as aligning to our country’s transformation efforts, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust has started a bursary programme aimed at furthering IT education opportunities for South African beneficiaries. Successful applicants must be able to show good academic results, as well as financial need.
Apply NowThe National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2026 for young South African Students.
Location: South Africa
Eligibility: South Africans Only
Deadline: August 22nd, 2025
Overview: National Treasury is committed to youth and skills development in the country. The Bursary scheme is directed at providing financial support to South African students studying in the fields deemed critical and scarce for the National Treasury.
Apply Now2026 UP Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral studies
Study Location: University of Pretoria, SA
Overview: The University of Pretoria, a leading research-intensive institution, is dedicated to attracting exceptional doctoral candidates who can contribute meaningfully to its research mission. To support South Africa’s participation in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the University has made funding available for up to two doctoral scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South African citizens). These awards, known as the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships, are highly competitive and will be granted on merit.
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