How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa: Step-by-Step Guide

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Looking for a bursary to fund your studies? Applying for a bursary can seem complicated, especially if you are not sure where to find opportunities, which documents you need or whether you qualify.

The good news is that there are hundreds of bursaries available to South African students, covering a wide range of fields of study and qualifications. Bursaries are offered by companies, government departments, universities, trusts, foundations, SETAs and other organisations.

This guide explains how to apply for a bursary in South Africa, what documents you may need, how to write a strong application and what to do after submitting your application.

What is a Bursary?

A bursary is a form of financial assistance provided to students to help pay for their education.

Depending on the bursary programme, funding may cover some or all of your study-related costs, including:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation
  • Books and study materials
  • Meals
  • Transport
  • Other educational expenses

The amount and type of funding varies between bursaries, so always check exactly what costs are covered before applying.

Some bursaries may also include additional benefits such as vacation work, mentoring, internships or employment opportunities after graduation.

Who Can Apply for a Bursary?

There is no single set of requirements for every bursary.

Eligibility depends on the organisation offering the funding and may include criteria such as:

  • South African citizenship or permanent residency
  • A specific academic average
  • Being in Matric or already studying at a tertiary institution
  • Studying or intending to study a particular qualification
  • Studying at a recognised university, university of technology or TVET college
  • Financial need
  • Living in a specific province, municipality or community
  • Being from a particular school or institution
  • Meeting specific demographic or socioeconomic requirements

Some bursaries are aimed at school learners, while others are specifically for undergraduate, postgraduate, Honours, Master’s or PhD students.

The most important rule is to check every eligibility requirement before applying.

How to apply for a Bursary

Step 1: Find Bursaries You Qualify For

The first step is to find bursaries that match your circumstances.

You can search for bursaries according to your field of study, academic level, location and other eligibility requirements.

For example, you can look for:

  • Accounting bursaries
  • Engineering bursaries
  • Medicine and healthcare bursaries
  • Law bursaries
  • Teaching bursaries
  • IT and Computer Science bursaries
  • Science bursaries
  • Agriculture bursaries
  • Construction bursaries
  • Finance bursaries
  • Bursaries for Matric students
  • Postgraduate bursaries
  • TVET college bursaries

SA Bursaries regularly updates its listings with bursaries currently open for applications and provides information such as eligibility requirements, supporting documents, closing dates and application instructions.

Tip: Don’t apply for a bursary simply because it is available. Concentrate on opportunities where you meet the requirements.

Step 2: Read the Bursary Requirements Carefully

Once you find a bursary that interests you, read the entire bursary listing before starting your application.

Pay particular attention to:

Academic requirements

  • Check whether the bursary requires a minimum average, specific subjects or particular Matric results.
  • For example, a bursary may require applicants to have achieved a certain percentage in Mathematics or a minimum overall academic average.

Field of study

  • Some bursaries are open to students across multiple fields, while others only fund specific qualifications.

Institution requirements

  • Certain bursaries may only be available to students studying at particular universities, universities of technology or TVET colleges.

Financial need

  • Some bursaries may only target students in financial need, whose family has a household income below a certain threshold.

Other requirements

  • Many bursaries require students to demonstrate financial need. The provider may request information about household income and supporting financial documents.
  • There may also be requirements relating to your province, municipality, school, year of study, employment status or community involvement.

Only proceed with an application once you have confirmed that you meet the stated criteria.

Step 3: Gather Your Supporting Documents

One of the most important parts of a bursary application is submitting the correct supporting documents.

Commonly requested documents include:

  • Certified copy of your South African ID
  • Certified copy of your Matric certificate or latest Matric results
  • Latest academic transcript, if you are already studying
  • Proof of application, registration or acceptance at a tertiary institution
  • Proof of household income
  • Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income, where applicable
  • Proof of residence, where required
  • Motivational letter
  • Other documents specifically requested by the bursary provider

SA Bursaries notes that supporting documentation is commonly required and that the exact documents differ between bursary programmes.

For example, some applications may require payslips or an affidavit confirming household income, while others may request additional documents such as a research proposal for postgraduate study.

Make sure your documents are clear

Before uploading or sending your documents, check that:

  • Every page is included
  • Information is easy to read
  • Documents have been certified if required
  • Certifications meet the bursary provider’s requirements
  • Files are in the requested format
  • File sizes are within the stated limits

Some bursary providers may reject applications where compulsory documents are missing.

Step 4: Write a Bursary Motivational Letter

A motivational letter is required for many bursary applications.

This is your opportunity to explain why you deserve the bursary and how the funding will help you achieve your educational and career goals.

Your motivation letter can discuss:

  • Your academic achievements
  • Your chosen field of study
  • Your career ambitions
  • Why you selected your particular qualification
  • Your financial circumstances
  • Leadership or extracurricular activities
  • Community involvement
  • Achievements outside the classroom
  • Why you are applying for that particular bursary

Avoid simply listing your achievements.

Instead, explain how your experiences have influenced your goals and why receiving financial assistance would make a difference.

Read more: How to Write a Bursary Motivational Letter

Step 5: Complete the Bursary Application

Bursaries can have different application methods.

The two most common methods are online applications and downloadable application forms. SA Bursaries listings provide the specific application instructions for each programme.

Applying online

For an online application, you will generally need to:

  1. Open the official application link.
  2. Create an account if required.
  3. Complete your personal information.
  4. Enter your academic details.
  5. Provide your tertiary institution information.
  6. Upload the required documents.
  7. Review your application.
  8. Submit it.

Applying by email, post or hand delivery

Some bursaries require applicants to download an application form.

You may then need to submit the completed form and supporting documents by:

  • Email
  • Post
  • Hand delivery

Follow the instructions exactly as provided by the bursary organisation.

For example, some providers specify a particular email subject line or submission address.

Step 6: Check the Closing Date

Never leave your bursary application until the last minute.

Every bursary has its own closing date, and applications submitted after the deadline are generally not accepted.

SA Bursaries publishes lists of bursaries closing each month to help students identify upcoming deadlines.

When checking a closing date, remember that the date refers to the deadline specified by the bursary provider.

Ideally, submit your application several days before the closing date. This gives you time to fix any problems with your application or documents.

Step 7: Check Your Application Before Submitting

Before submitting, go through your application carefully.

Use this checklist:

☐ I meet all the eligibility requirements
☐ I have completed every required section
☐ My personal details are correct
☐ My academic information is correct
☐ I have included all required supporting documents
☐ My documents are clear and readable
☐ My documents have been certified where required
☐ I have included my motivational letter, if required
☐ I have followed the correct application method
☐ I have checked the closing date
☐ I have saved a copy of my application

A few extra minutes checking your application can help you avoid preventable mistakes.

Step 8: Keep Proof of Your Application

Once you have submitted your application, keep a record of it.

Save:

  • A copy of the completed application
  • Copies of your supporting documents
  • Confirmation emails
  • Application or reference numbers
  • The bursary provider’s contact details

If you apply for several bursaries, create a simple spreadsheet or list showing the bursary name, closing date, application date and current status.

This will help you keep track of your applications throughout the year.

Step 9: Check Your Email and Phone

After applying, keep checking the contact details you provided.

The bursary provider may contact you if:

  • You have been shortlisted
  • Additional documents are required
  • Your information needs to be verified
  • You have been invited to an interview
  • You have been selected for funding

Don’t ignore emails from bursary providers simply because you don’t recognise the sender immediately. If you receive a message relating to your application, verify that it comes from the organisation’s official contact details.

Step 10: Prepare for a Bursary Interview

Some bursary programmes include an interview or selection process.

If you are invited to an interview, prepare to discuss:

  • Your academic performance
  • Your chosen qualification
  • Your career goals
  • Why you selected your field of study
  • Your achievements
  • Your strengths and weaknesses
  • Your financial circumstances
  • Why you should receive the bursary
  • What you hope to achieve after graduating

Research the organisation before the interview and understand what the bursary programme is designed to achieve.

Read more: Preparing for a Bursary Interview

How Many Bursaries Can I Apply For?

There is generally no need to limit yourself to one application.

You can apply for as many bursaries as you qualify for, provided you meet the requirements of each programme. SA Bursaries specifically advises students to apply for multiple suitable opportunities.

Applying for several bursaries can improve your chances of securing funding, but make sure every application is completed correctly.

Don’t submit applications simply for the sake of increasing your application count. Focus on bursaries where you genuinely meet the criteria.

Can I Apply for a Bursary Before Being Accepted at University?

This depends on the bursary.

Some bursaries accept applications from Matric students who intend to study at university or college the following year. Others require proof of application, acceptance or registration at a tertiary institution.

Always check the individual bursary requirements before applying.

If proof of university acceptance is required and you don’t have it yet, check whether the bursary allows proof of application instead.

Do Bursaries Only Fund University Students?

No.

Although many bursaries are aimed at university students, funding opportunities may also be available for students studying at:

  • Universities of technology
  • TVET colleges
  • Other recognised tertiary institutions

There are also scholarships and funding opportunities for high school learners, depending on the programme.

How Do I Know if a Bursary Is Legitimate?

Unfortunately, bursary scams do exist, so students should be cautious when applying for funding.

One major warning sign is being asked to pay money simply to submit a bursary application.

SA Bursaries also warns students to be cautious when application documents are requested through generic free email accounts rather than an organisation’s official email address.

Before submitting personal information:

  1. Check the organisation offering the bursary.
  2. Look for an official website.
  3. Verify the application instructions.
  4. Check the email address being used.
  5. Never pay someone simply to submit a bursary application unless the official provider specifically confirms a legitimate fee.

When in doubt, contact the organisation directly using contact details from its official website.

Bursary Application Checklist

Before submitting your next bursary application, make sure you have:

Eligibility

  • Checked all requirements
  • Confirmed that your qualification is covered
  • Checked the academic requirements
  • Confirmed any financial or location requirements

Documents

  • ID
  • Matric results/certificate
  • Academic transcript
  • Proof of university/college application or registration
  • Proof of household income
  • Proof of residence, if required
  • Motivational letter
  • Any additional documents requested

Application

  • Completed every section
  • Checked all information
  • Uploaded the correct documents
  • Followed the required submission method
  • Checked the closing date
  • Saved proof of submission

Final Tips for Getting a Bursary

There is no guaranteed way to secure a bursary, but you can improve your chances by making sure your applications are complete, accurate and submitted on time.

Our top tips are:

Apply for multiple bursaries

Don’t rely on a single application. Look for several bursaries that match your qualifications and circumstances.

Start early

Many bursaries open months before the academic year begins, so start searching well before you need funding.

Keep your documents ready

Having your ID, academic records and other frequently requested documents organised can make the application process much easier.

Pay attention to the requirements

Don’t assume that all bursaries have the same criteria. Read each listing carefully.

Don’t miss deadlines

A strong application submitted after the closing date may not be considered.

Make your motivation personal

Explain your own goals, achievements and circumstances instead of submitting a generic letter.

Check the application before sending it

Missing documents and incomplete forms are avoidable mistakes.

Find Bursaries in South Africa

Searching for bursary funding can take time, but finding the right opportunities becomes much easier when you know what to look for.

SA Bursaries provides a regularly updated list of bursaries for South African students, including information on eligibility requirements, fields of study, supporting documents, application instructions and closing dates.

Browse the latest Bursaries Open for Application

You can also search for bursaries according to your field of study:

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to apply for a bursary?

Common documents include your ID, Matric certificate or latest results, academic records, proof of tertiary application or registration, proof of household income and a motivational letter. However, requirements vary, so check the specific bursary before applying.

Can I apply for more than one bursary?

Yes. You can apply for multiple bursaries as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each one.

When should I apply for a bursary?

Apply as early as possible. Bursary closing dates vary, and some programmes close months before the start of the academic year.

What happens after I apply for a bursary?

The provider may review your application and supporting documents before contacting shortlisted applicants. You may be asked for additional information or invited to an interview.

Can I apply for a bursary if I am already studying?

Yes. Many bursaries are available to current tertiary students, although the requirements vary between programmes.

Do bursaries cover all my study costs?

Not necessarily. Some bursaries cover tuition and additional expenses, while others may only cover certain costs. Always check the benefits provided by the specific bursary.

What should I do if my bursary application is unsuccessful?

Don’t give up. Continue searching for other bursaries that match your field of study and circumstances. You can also investigate other funding options available through your university, TVET college or relevant government programmes.