If you’re a South African student planning to start university in 2026 and you’re still looking for money to help pay for tuition and living costs, you need to act fast. Several big bursaries will close on or before 16 January 2026. Missing a deadline could mean losing out on full or partial support for your studies. Below are five bursaries that are worth your time, especially if you’re studying engineering, the built environment, finance, IT, tourism, or public‑sector subjects.
1. Master Builders KwaZulu‑Natal Bursaries 2026
Master Builders KwaZulu‑Natal (MBKZN) invites students who love construction, engineering, or built‑environment courses to apply for its 2026 bursary programme. The program is designed to help students who need financial help and are studying in fields that match the construction industry.
Who can apply:
- Students taking a construction‑related or built‑environment qualification.
- Residents of KwaZulu‑Natal.
- Students with good grades and a genuine financial need.
Deadline: 14 January 2026.
Learn more and apply: Read about the Master Builders KZN Bursaries 2026.
2. GrandWest Bursaries 2026
GrandWest offers a bursary programme for students who live in the Western Cape. It supports undergraduates studying Tourism, Engineering, IT, Finance, Marketing, and Hospitality. This is a great fit if you’re interested in the hospitality or business sides of these fields.
Who can apply:
- People from the Western Cape.
- Undergraduate students at public universities.
- Students in economic priority subjects.
Deadline: 15 January 2026.
More info: Discover the GrandWest Bursaries 2026.
3. Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Bursaries 2026
Students living in the Ingquza Hill area of the Eastern Cape can apply for the local municipality’s bursary programme. It focuses on subjects such as Engineering, ICT, Financial Accounting, Maritime Studies, and Town & Regional Planning. The main aim is to help students from low‑income households.
Who can apply:
- Learners who live inside the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality.
- Students from low‑income or financially needy families.
- Students who have already been accepted at a recognised South African university.
Deadline: 15 January 2026.
Check out details: Explore Ingquza Hill Bursaries 2026.
4. Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) Bursaries 2026
The Master Builders Association Western Cape, through its Development Trust, offers bursaries for students in Built Environment courses. These are available for students attending universities and universities of technology in the Western Cape.
Who can apply:
- Students studying construction, engineering or built‑environment subjects.
- Residents of the Western Cape or students studying there.
Deadline: 16 January 2026.
Learn about the MBAWC Bursaries 2026: Click here for more info.
5. Free State Office of the Premier Bursaries 2026
The Free State government invites students to apply for its bursary programme. It focuses on public administration, governance, finance, ICT, and development planning—skills that the province needs to grow.
Who can apply:
- Students from the Free State.
- Learners who want to master scarce and essential skills.
- Students interested in public‑sector jobs.
Deadline: 16 January 2026 at 4 pm.
Find out more: Read about the Free State Office of the Premier Bursaries 2026.
Quick Tips for Applying
These bursaries are competitive, and the application window is short. To give yourself the best chance, do the following:
- Apply before the deadline – even a few hours late can cost you.
- Check that you have all required documents – missing paperwork can stop your application.
- Use recent certified copies – old copies may be rejected.
- Follow the instructions exactly – a small mistake can cause problems.
Missing even one document or submitting late may disqualify you. So take action now, gather your papers, and send your application before the deadline. Good luck!