Missed the early application deadlines? You can still fund your tertiary studies. Here are 10 top South African bursaries actively accepting applications across STEM, commerce, and general degrees all with deadlines that give you time to apply.
Securing tertiary funding often feels like a race against the clock. While several major mining and banking bursaries close their portals by mid-year, dozens of high-value opportunities remain open well into the fourth quarter.
Unlike NSFAS which is capped strictly at a combined annual household income of R350,000 corporate, municipal, and foundation bursaries evaluate applicants primarily on academic performance, chosen career paths, and leadership potential. Many also include allowances for laptops, accommodation, and guaranteed graduate placement.
Below are 10 verified bursary programmes currently open on Xhosadev that give you adequate time to compile your paperwork and submit a competitive application.
Technology & Engineering Bursaries
1. Metacom Foundation ICT Bursary
The Brief: A targeted tech bursary supporting students pursuing qualifications in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), software development, and related engineering disciplines. Ideal for candidates looking to build a career in South Africa's growing telecommunications and network solutions space.
Coverage Area: Western Cape
Deadline: Closes in 29 days
Application Link: View Metacom Foundation Bursary Details
2. Sasol Mining – Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary
The Brief: Designed to advance female representation in critical heavy-industry fields. This comprehensive funding covers tuition and living allowances for candidates studying Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, or Mining Engineering, as well as Geology and Mine Surveying.
Coverage Area: Mpumalanga
Deadline: Closes in 9 days
Application Link: View Sasol Mining Bursary Details
3. JG Afrika Civil Engineering Bursary
The Brief: Offered by one of South Africa’s leading civil engineering consultancies. The programme finances dedicated civil and infrastructure engineering students who demonstrate solid academic consistency in structural, water, or transport disciplines.
Coverage Area: National
Deadline: Open / Ongoing (Early review recommended)
Application Link: View JG Afrika Bursary Details
Commerce, Finance & Accounting Bursaries
4. EY South Africa Chartered Accountancy Bursary
The Brief: Ernst & Young provides direct academic funding for high-achieving students enrolled in accredited SAICA CTA/CA-stream degrees. Recipients often transition directly into EY’s prestigious graduate trainee articles upon completing their studies.
Coverage Area: National
Deadline: Closes in 26 days
Application Link: View EY CA Bursary Details
5. Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) Bursary
The Brief: Targeted specifically at future public sector financial leaders. AGSA funds full-time students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate Chartered Accountancy qualifications who want to build a track record in national auditing and governance.
Coverage Area: National
Deadline: Closes in 41 days
Application Link: View AGSA Bursary Details
6. National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) Bursary
The Brief: Targets students enrolled in disciplines critical to the human settlements and financial ecosystem, including property development, business administration, finance, and investment management.
Coverage Area: National
Deadline: Closes in 26 days
Application Link: View NHFC Bursary Details
7. PSG Financial Services Bursary
The Brief: Backed by PSG Wealth and PSG Asset Management, this programme funds university students enrolled in commerce, actuarial science, financial planning, and investment disciplines.
Coverage Area: National
Deadline: Closes in 107 days
Application Link: View PSG Financial Services Bursary Details
General Degrees & Municipal Programmes
8. Tiso Foundation Bursary Programme
The Brief: One of the rare national private foundation grants open to any field of study at recognized public universities. Because it is discipline-agnostic, selection places heavy emphasis on academic excellence, leadership capacity, and community impact.
Coverage Area: National
Deadline: Closes in 34 days
Application Link: View Tiso Foundation Bursary Details
9. Nkangala District Municipality Bursary
The Brief: Supports local youth pursuing diplomas and degrees aligned with municipal capacity building. Supported areas include Town & Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Finance, Public Administration, and Environmental Science.
Coverage Area: Mpumalanga
Deadline: Closes in 56 days
Application Link: View Nkangala District Municipality Bursary Details
10. Mulilo Bursary Programme
The Brief: Funded by renewable energy developer Mulilo, this regional initiative provides comprehensive higher-education funding across various study fields for qualifying students from local host communities.
Coverage Area: Northern Cape
Deadline: Closes in 57 days
Application Link: View Mulilo Bursary Details
What to Prepare Before You Hit Apply
Incomplete applications are the single largest reason qualified students get eliminated in the first screening round. Prepare these four items before opening any bursary application link:
Certified Identification: A high-resolution PDF scan of your South African ID document (certified at SAPS within the last 3 months).
Latest Academic Results: Official stamped Matric results or your full tertiary academic transcript up to your most recent semester.
Acceptance or Registration Letter: Proof of provisional acceptance or ongoing enrolment at a registered public South African institution (TVET college or university).
Clean, ATS-Friendly CV: Keep your document structured and clear. If you don't have a modern, professional CV format yet, generate one instantly using the free Xhosadev CV Builder.
If you are applying for municipal, government department, or public agency bursaries, you will often need to accompany your application with a standard public service recruitment form. Avoid printing and handwriting errors by using the Z83 Digital Filler to complete and download your form in seconds.
To explore the latest funding calls, internships, and learnerships updated daily, visit the complete Xhosadev Bursaries Hub.
- System Admin