Need funding for your 2027 studies? The deadline for several South African bursaries opens this week, so you have just a few days to act. Learn more about the DFFE Bursaries 2027 and four other opportunities that close between 2 October and 9 October 2026.
What’s on offer?
Four organisations are accepting applications for the 2027 academic year:
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) – up to R80 000
- Metacom Foundation – targeted at previously disadvantaged female students
- Tiso Foundation – any undergraduate degree or diploma
- Harmony Gold – mining‑sector bursary for South African students
Who can apply?
Each bursary has its own eligibility rules. In general you must be a South African citizen studying full‑time at a recognised university or university of technology.
- DFFE – Grade 12 learners or full‑time students in environmental, forestry, marine, engineering, climate‑change or waste‑management fields.
- Metacom Foundation – female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Tiso Foundation – any South African student from a previously disadvantaged background pursuing an undergraduate degree or diploma.
- Harmony Gold – South African students meeting the specific field‑of‑study and document requirements set by the company.
What will you gain?
Successful applicants receive tuition cover, allowance for books, and in some cases a stipend for living costs. The DFFE bursary can be worth as much as R80 000 over the study period, while the other programmes provide full tuition and additional support that can ease the financial burden of university life.
How to apply – step by step
- Read the full eligibility criteria on the provider’s official page.
- Gather the required documents: certified academic record, proof of registration or acceptance, ID, proof of income (if applicable), and any demographic certificates.
- Scan or photograph each document so it is clear and legible.
- Complete the online application form before the closing date listed below.
- Upload all documents in the format requested (usually PDF or JPG).
- Submit the form and keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
Tips to improve your chances
- Start early – you need time to obtain certified copies of grades and income statements.
- Follow the exact naming convention for files (e.g., “Surname_ID.pdf”).
- Write a concise personal statement that links your study goals to the bursary’s focus area.
- Double‑check that every required field on the form is filled before hitting submit.
- Keep a calendar reminder of the closing dates; missing a deadline means starting over next year.
Closing dates at a glance
| Bursary Programme | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| DFFE Full‑Time Bursary Programme 2027 | 2 October 2026 |
| Metacom Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 | 3 October 2026 |
| Tiso Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 | 8 October 2026 |
| Harmony Gold Bursary Programme 2027 | 9 October 2026 |
Quick overview of each bursary
DFFE Bursaries 2027 – up to R80 000
Open to Grade 12 learners and full‑time students studying subjects that support the department’s work (environmental science, forestry, marine science, engineering, climate change, waste management, etc.).
Closing date: 2 October 2026 | Location: South Africa | Maximum amount: R80 000.
Click here to view DFFE Bursaries 2027.
Metacom Foundation Bursaries 2027
Targets South African female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who need financial help for tertiary studies.
Closing date: 3 October 2026 | Location: South Africa.
Click here to view Metacom Foundation Bursaries 2027.
Tiso Foundation Bursaries 2027
Open to any South African student from a previously disadvantaged background pursuing a full‑time undergraduate degree or diploma at an accredited university or university of technology.
Closing date: 8 October 2026 | Location: South Africa | Study level: Undergraduate degree or diploma | Fields of study: Any.
Click here to view Tiso Foundation Bursaries 2027.
Harmony Gold Bursaries 2027
Offers financial support to South African students who meet the company’s eligibility and field‑of‑study requirements.
Closing date: 9 October 2026 | Location: South Africa.
Click here to view Harmony Gold Bursaries 2027.
What to do next
Prioritise the DFFE application, as it closes first on 2 October. Then move on to Metacom, Tiso and Harmony Gold in that order. Gather your documents now, fill out each form carefully, and submit before the deadlines. If none of these suit you, keep checking StudentRoom.co.za for later‑closing bursaries.
