What is a Bursary and What Does It Typically Cover?

A bursary is a form of financial aid awarded to students to assist them in financing their education. Unlike a loan, a bursary does not require repayment. Awards are typically based on a combination of academic merit and demonstrated financial need.

Comprehensive bursaries in South Africa will generally cover:

• Tuition Fees: Paid directly to the university or TVET college.
• Prescribed Books: An allowance for purchasing required textbooks.
• Accommodation: An allocation for costs related to university-approved housing.
• Stipend: A monthly or quarterly allowance designated for daily living expenses, such as food and transport.

List of Open Bursaries for 2026 by Field of Study

Applications for bursaries for 2026 are currently open, with deadlines ranging from mid-2025 to early 2026. Early application is critical for success. You can find extensive, categorized lists and bursary application portals at trusted sources like ZA Bursaries and the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF).

Below are some of the prominent bursaries available, categorized by field of study.

Engineering & Technical Bursaries

• Armscor Bursary: Deadline on 26 February 2026.
• South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary: Deadline on 31 August 2025.
• Jones & Wagener Bursary: Deadline on 31 July 2025.
• Proxa Water Bursary: Deadline on 31 August 2025.

Commerce & Business Bursaries

• Nedbank Bursary: Focusing on fields relevant to the banking sector. Deadline on 31 August 2025.
• Hortgro Bursary: For studies in agriculture and related business fields. Deadline on 15 August 2025.

Education & Public Sector Bursaries

• Funza Lushaka Bursary: The premier bursary for aspiring educators. New applications close on 1 February 2026.
• Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary: Offered by the Western Cape Government for various fields. Deadline on 31 August 2025.
• Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursaries: For residents of Gauteng across multiple disciplines.
• SASSETA Discretionary Grants: Available for unemployed students pursuing safety and security studies.

Medical & Health Bursaries

• Mediclinic/ER24 Bursary: For studies in nursing and emergency medical care. Deadline on 31 July 2025.
• Schauenburg Education Trust Bursary: Deadline on 31 July 2025.

Bursaries with Year-Round Applications

Certain organisations accept applications throughout the year. Proactive monitoring of their websites for the latest information is recommended.

• BBD Bursaries
• 18twenty8
• Advance Africa

How Are Bursary Stipends Paid to Students?

While tuition and accommodation fees are typically paid directly to the institution, the stipend is the portion of the bursary allocated to the student for personal use. This allowance is a critical component for covering daily living expenses.

Traditionally, bursary providers transfer stipend funds in bulk to an institution’s finance department. The institution then disburses these funds to thousands of students, often using conventional methods like electronic funds transfers (EFTs). This process can be inefficient and susceptible to administrative errors, such as incorrect banking details, resulting in payment delays. For a student dependent on that stipend, even a minor delay can cause significant financial hardship.

This challenge highlights the necessity of a modern, integrated payment platform. Rather than relying on traditional bank transfers, a bursary provider can seamlessly and instantly disburse stipends into a secure, cashless ecosystem. This ensures students receive their funds reliably and on schedule. The benefits of such a system include:

• Instant Fund Access: Funds are available immediately after the bursar processes the payment, empowering students with financial autonomy.
• Real-Time Notifications: Students receive an automated SMS or in-app notification the moment funds are disbursed.
• Enhanced Security: An integrated platform mitigates the security risks associated with manual bank detail management and reduces fraud.
• Improved Financial Oversight: These platforms provide a transparent transaction history, enabling students to effectively manage their finances.

Effectively managing this stipend is a new financial responsibility for many students. Success requires more than just budgeting; it involves understanding the entire journey—from submitting the correct documents and navigating the approval process to finally tracking your spending once the funds arrive.

To help you master this process and ensure your allowance supports your academic journey, we recommend our comprehensive guide on Student Stipend Management: An Essential Guide From Application to Payout.

Where Eezipay Fits in The Funding Ecosystem

If the goal is simply to move money from A to B, traditional bank transfers can work—eventually.

But once a university or bursary provider needs instant disbursement, specific spending controls (like ensuring book allowances are actually spent on books), and real-time transparency, they get better results with a dedicated digital wallet system.

That’s where Eezipay fits—with a Cashless Campus solution designed to handle stipend management, meal bookings, and campus payments in one secure ecosystem.

Explore Eezipay’s Education & Campus Solutions

Speak to the team about efficient bursary disbursements

How to Submit a Successful Bursary Application

The landscape for educational funding is highly competitive. Adhere to these guidelines to distinguish your bursary application.

• Initiate the Process Early: Document all relevant deadlines and allocate sufficient time to prepare a thorough application.
• Review All Criteria: Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements before applying to focus your efforts on opportunities for which you are fully qualified.
• Prepare Your Documentation: Ensure you have certified digital copies of your ID, academic transcripts, proof of household income, and university acceptance letter readily available.
• Compose a Compelling Motivation Letter: This is your opportunity to articulate your value. Clearly explain your need for funding, the rationale behind your chosen field of study, and your long-term career ambitions.

Your bursary application is your first professional impression, but even the best applications can face processing hurdles. If you find yourself waiting longer than expected, it is vital to know how to follow up effectively. For a clear roadmap on resolving payment issues, please review our guide: Student Bursary Delay? 4 Essential Steps to Get Your Payment.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Future

Navigating the requirements for tertiary funding can be complex, but early preparation makes a significant difference. We hope this guide helps you identify the right bursaries for 2026 and understand the modern systems used to pay them. Focus on the deadlines, gather your documents, and give yourself the best chance of success.