How to Win Bursaries in South Africa: Complete 2025 Application Guide
Securing a bursary can transform your educational journey and open doors to career opportunities. In South Africa, thousands of bursaries worth billions of rands go unclaimed each year simply because students don't know where to find them or how to apply effectively. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to find, apply for, and win bursaries in 2025.
Did You Know?
Over R3 billion in bursary funding is available from South African companies and organizations annually. The key is knowing where to look and how to stand out.
What is a Bursary vs. a Student Loan?
Bursary (FREE MONEY)
- ✓ No repayment required
- ✓ Covers tuition, books, accommodation
- ✓ May include monthly stipend
- ✓ Often includes vacation work
- ✓ Job offer after graduation (most cases)
- ✓ Work-back agreement (1-3 years typical)
Student Loan (DEBT)
- ✗ Must be repaid with interest
- ✗ Starts accruing interest immediately
- ✗ Repayment starts after graduation
- ✗ Can impact credit score
- ✗ No guaranteed job
- ✗ Financial burden for years
Types of Bursaries in South Africa
1. Company/Corporate Bursaries
Examples: Sasol, Standard Bank, Anglo American, Eskom, Nedbank, Deloitte
Best for: Students studying fields aligned with company needs (engineering, IT, accounting, mining)
Work-back: Usually 1 year for every year funded
2. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Who qualifies: Household income under R350,000/year
Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, transport
How to apply: Online at nsfas.org.za (opens October annually)
3. University/Faculty-Specific Bursaries
Examples: Dean's Merit Bursaries, Vice-Chancellor Excellence Awards
Criteria: Academic excellence (usually 75%+ average required)
Apply: Through university financial aid office
4. NGO & Foundation Bursaries
Examples: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Motsepe Foundation, Oppenheimer Memorial Trust
Focus: Often leadership potential, entrepreneurship, or specific demographics
Benefits: Mentorship, networking, leadership development
2025 Bursary Application Timeline
Key Deadlines by Quarter:
Q1: January - March
- • January 31: Most engineering bursaries close (Sasol, Eskom, Transnet)
- • February 28: Banking bursaries (Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABSA)
- • March 31: Medical bursaries, retail sector
Q2: April - June
- • Most interviews and assessment centres happen
- • Second-round applications for under-subscribed fields
- • Offers start going out for 2026 academic year
Q3: July - September
- • Final acceptance letters sent
- • Some companies open bursaries for current students (mid-year intake)
- • University bursaries open for following year
Q4: October - December
- • October 1: NSFAS applications open
- • Early bird applications for major companies (following year)
- • University merit bursaries announced
⚠️ Critical Warning:
Most bursaries close between January and March. Apply as early as possible – many are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis once minimum criteria are met.
How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter is THE most important part of your application. Here's the exact structure that wins bursaries:
Winning Structure (5 Paragraphs):
Paragraph 1: The Hook (2-3 sentences)
Start with WHO you are and WHAT you're studying. Make it memorable.
Example: "As a third-year chemical engineering student at the University of Cape Town with a passion for renewable energy, I am applying for the Sasol Bursary Programme to pursue my dream of contributing to South Africa's sustainable energy future."
Paragraph 2: Academic Excellence (4-5 sentences)
Quantify your achievements. Numbers speak louder than words.
• "I have maintained a 78% average across my first two years..."
• "I was awarded the Dean's List for academic excellence..."
• "My final year project focuses on [specific topic]..."
Paragraph 3: Financial Need (3-4 sentences)
Be honest but professional. Explain your circumstances without sounding desperate.
"As the eldest of three children raised by a single mother, I understand the value of hard work and perseverance. This bursary would allow me to focus fully on my studies without the financial burden that has required me to work part-time..."
Paragraph 4: Career Goals & Company Alignment (4-5 sentences)
Show you've researched the company. Explain WHY them specifically.
"Upon graduation, I aspire to work in the energy sector, specifically in [field]. I am particularly drawn to Sasol's commitment to renewable energy innovation, as demonstrated by your recent green hydrogen projects. I would be honored to contribute to these initiatives..."
Paragraph 5: The Close (2-3 sentences)
Thank them and reaffirm your commitment.
"Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to maintaining high academic standards and fulfilling any work-back obligations. I look forward to contributing to [Company Name] as a future employee."
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Application
- Generic motivation letters: Copy-pasting the same letter to every company. They can tell. Customize for EACH application.
- Spelling and grammar errors: One typo can disqualify you. Proofread 5 times. Ask someone else to read it.
- Missing documents: Incomplete applications are automatically rejected. Use a checklist.
- Applying late: Even if the deadline hasn't passed, late applications are often disadvantaged.
- Being too humble: This is NOT the time to be modest. Sell yourself confidently (but don't lie).
- Ignoring instructions: If they ask for 500 words, don't write 1,000. Follow guidelines exactly.
- Not following up: After applying, send a polite follow-up email after 2 weeks.
Required Documents Checklist
Prepare these documents in advance (scanned, PDF format):
Essential Documents:
- ☐ Certified ID copy (not older than 3 months)
- ☐ Matric certificate (certified copy)
- ☐ Latest academic transcript
- ☐ Proof of registration (current students)
- ☐ Proof of acceptance (prospective students)
- ☐ Comprehensive CV
Financial Documents:
- ☐ Parent/guardian payslips (3 months)
- ☐ Proof of income (or unemployment letter)
- ☐ Bank statements
- ☐ Municipality bill (proof of residence)
- ☐ Affidavit (if parent unemployed)
Top 15 Companies Offering Bursaries in 2025
Engineering & Mining:
- 1. Sasol (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical)
- 2. Eskom (Power Engineering)
- 3. Transnet (Civil, Industrial)
- 4. Anglo American (Mining Engineering)
- 5. Siemens (Electrical, Mechatronics)
Finance & Business:
- 6. Standard Bank (Accounting, Finance, IT)
- 7. Nedbank (Commerce, IT)
- 8. Deloitte (CA articles)
- 9. PwC (Accounting, Tax)
- 10. KPMG (Audit, Risk)
Technology & Telecoms:
- 11. Vodacom (IT, Engineering)
- 12. MTN (Telecoms, IT)
- 13. Telkom (ICT, Engineering)
Other Sectors:
- 14. Shoprite (Retail Management, Supply Chain)
- 15. Discovery (Actuarial Science, IT)
Bursary Interview Tips
Common Interview Questions:
- "Tell us about yourself" → 2-minute elevator pitch covering academics, interests, career goals
- "Why do you want to work for our company?" → Research is key. Mention specific projects/values
- "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" → Be honest but strategic
- "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" → Show ambition aligned with the company
- "What will you do if you don't get this bursary?" → Show resilience and backup plans
Your Action Plan (Start Today!)
- Research 10-15 bursaries that match your field of study
- Create a master spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, contact details
- Gather all required documents (certify them now)
- Write a master motivation letter (then customize for each application)
- Apply to at least 10 bursaries (increases your odds dramatically)
- Set calendar reminders for deadlines
- Follow up 2 weeks after applying
- Prepare for interviews (practice common questions)
Find Bursary Opportunities
Search for current bursary listings and opportunities on FutureLinked ZA. We aggregate the latest funding opportunities from across South Africa.
🔍 Search Bursaries Now