South African 2027 Bursaries Closing 28‑31 August 2026

Funding your 2027 studies is urgent – the deadline for many South African bursaries is this week. You can start your application today by visiting the Thapelo Madiba Bursary site for guidance.

What’s available?

Companies, government bodies and NGOs are offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year. The programmes cover fields such as Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Agriculture, Actuarial Science, Film & Television and more.

Who can apply?

These bursaries are open to South African Matric learners, Grade 12 students, and university students who meet each programme’s specific criteria. Eligibility often includes:

• South African citizenship
• Minimum academic results (usually a certain GPA or subject marks)
• Study in a relevant field or year of study
• Financial need (where required)

What will you gain?

Successful applicants can receive:

• Full or partial tuition fees
• Payments for textbooks, accommodation, meals and other study costs
• Practical work experience or graduate contracts (varies by sponsor)
• Professional development opportunities

How to apply – step by step

1. Read the full description of each bursary below.
2. Check the eligibility requirements carefully.
3. Gather the required documents (ID, academic results, proof of registration or acceptance, and any sponsor‑specific forms).
4. Visit the official application link provided for the bursary.
5. Complete the online form and upload certified copies of your documents.
6. Submit before the closing date – don’t wait for the last day.

Tips to improve your chances

• Double‑check that you meet every eligibility point.
• Use clear, legible scans of your documents and label them correctly.
• Write a concise personal statement that highlights your goals and why you need the bursary.
• Proofread your application for spelling and grammar errors.
• Submit early to avoid technical issues.

Bursaries closing soon

1. Columbus Stainless Bursaries 2027 – Accounting Science and Finance

Closing date: 28 August 2026

Open to South African Matric learners who want to study Accounting Science or Finance.

Click here to apply for Columbus Stainless Bursaries 2027

2. NC Compliance Solutions Bursaries 2027

Open to qualifying South African students in any field of study, subject to eligibility.

Closing date: 28 August 2026

Click here to apply for NC Compliance Solutions Bursaries 2027

3. Liberty Actuarial Bursaries 2026

Targeted at Actuarial Science students.

Closing date: 30 August 2026
Location: Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Click here to apply for Liberty Actuarial Bursaries

4. Barberton Fairview Mine Bursaries 2027

Open to qualifying South African students and prospective students.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for Barberton Fairview Mine Bursaries 2027

5. Beefmaster Group Bursaries 2027

Aimed at final‑year Agriculture students with strong academic records.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for Beefmaster Group Bursaries 2027

6. Western Cape Government Masakh’iSizwe Bursaries 2027

Supports Engineering and Built Environment qualifications. May cover tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals and other approved costs.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for Western Cape Government Masakh’iSizwe Bursaries 2027

7. Momentum Group Actuarial Science Bursaries 2027

Open to qualifying South African university students.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for Momentum Group Actuarial Science Bursaries 2027

8. Nedbank Bursaries 2027

External Bursary Programme for South African students.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for Nedbank Bursaries 2027

9. National Film and Video Foundation Bursaries 2027

Open to qualifying South African students interested in film and television.

Closing date: 31 August 2026 at 17:00

Click here to apply for NFVF Bursaries 2027

10. Ninety One #Changeblazer Bursaries 2027

Targeted at South African Matric learners.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for Ninety One Bursaries 2027

11. PwC Chartered Accountant Programme Bursaries 2027

Open to Grade 12 learners, university students and those planning to complete CTA or PGDA.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for PwC CA Programme Bursaries 2027

12. SACBW Foundation Bursaries 2027

For academically deserving South African female Matric learners.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for SACBW Foundation Bursaries 2027

13. Vodacom External Bursaries 2027

Open to ambitious and driven South African students.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for Vodacom Bursaries 2027

14. VKB Bursaries 2027

Open to Grade 12 learners and current university students across various fields of study.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for VKB Bursaries 2027

15. Zutari Engineering Bursaries 2027 – X10 Bursaries

Engineering students and Matric learners can apply for ten bursary spots.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Click here to apply for Zutari Engineering Bursaries 2027

Bursary closing dates at a glance

Final thoughts

The first deadlines are this Friday, 28 August 2026. Don’t wait until the last minute – gather your documents now and submit each application before it closes. Good luck, and take the first step toward funding your 2027 studies today.