What expenses or fees does a Bursary cover?
When applying for bursary opportunities it is important to know exactly what will be covered by your the funder and what expenses you will need funding for.
While some bursaries and scholarships provide full cover for study-related expenses, some only provide partial cover. When applying for partial bursaries, it is important to remember that you will need to secure additional funding to make up for the expenses not covered (this can be in the form of an additional bursary, student loan or other award).
Tuition fees:
Most bursaries will cover the cost of tuition fees, as a most basic cover.
While some organisations will fund full tuition fees, others may only fund a percentage (this may be determined by the students financial position or the funders availability of funds). This award is usually paid directly to the institution where the student is studying.
Prescribed books:
Secondly, most bursary providers cover the cost of prescribed books, as these are essential study materials.
Funding may be paid into the students account or directly to the institution where the student is studying. Bursary providers will usually request an invoice for proof of required books and the relevant expenses.
Study devices (such as laptops):
Few bursaries also provide students with laptops (and sometimes even cellphones, airtime and data). Laptops are sometimes a requirement of a course as students may need to submit assignments online. Cellphones may also be provided along with data to allow you to keep in contact with your loved ones and your bursary funder.
If a bursary funds you with these additional devices and items, be sure to respect, use them appropriately, and look after them. This will put you in good stead as the funder will see you as responsible and trustworthy.
Accommodation:
Not all bursaries fund accommodation. If the bursary provider does cover accommodation, they will usually cap the accommodation cover to a certain amount, which is equal to the rate of a room or room share in university residence. Students living in private accommodation may receive partial cover, up to a capped amount.
Students who still live at home may receive a small accommodation stipend, at the discretion of the bursary provider.
As a recipient of a bursary award, it is your responsibility to verify this with the funder so that if you need to make prior living arrangements, you can prepare well in advance.
Food allowance:
Students on full cover bursaries, usually receive a meal allowance.
Depending on the bursary terms, meal allowances may be issued in cash form or in vouchers.
Travel allowance:
Funders usually provide this to students who live far from their chosen institution so that their travel expenses to and from university can be covered. If you are staying in a university residence, you may not need this allowance.
General allowance:
This is a monthly allowance that your funder may provide for general living expenses. General allowances are often received every month to ensure that you can entertain yourself as well as buy necessities such as toiletries and clothes.
It is important that you use this allowance wisely and are financially savvy. Should you have the privilege of receiving a general allowance, try to adopt good financial tactics such as saving and budgeting. Avoid using this money carelessly through too much partying and unnecessary social endeavours.
See which bursaries are open for application here
Read our other tips and articles here:
Read our top tips on submitting your bursary application for the best chance of success.
Read our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter here.
Read about how to prepare for a bursary interview here here.
Read about the various ways to get free education in South Africa.
Read about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance.
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This post was last updated on 25 March 2026.
SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.