Time is running out to secure funding for your 2027 studies, and dozens of South African bursaries close this week. Act now and you could study engineering, nursing, agriculture, or many other fields with full financial support. For more on applying, visit the Thapelo Madiba Bursary page.
What’s on offer?
Several organisations are offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year. Fields include Engineering, Nursing, Science, Agriculture, Municipal Engineering, postgraduate medical research and more. Below is a quick list of the programmes that close between 11 September and 15 September 2026.
| Bursary Programme | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| AfriSam Bursaries 2027 | 11 September 2026 |
| Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursaries 2027 | 12 September 2026 |
| Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursaries 2027 | 13 September 2026 |
| MMEG Bursaries 2027 | 14 September 2026 |
| CSIR‑SASOL Foundation Bursaries 2027 | 15 September 2026 |
| CSIR Bursaries 2027 | 15 September 2026 |
| Citrus Academy Bursaries 2027 | 15 September 2026 |
| Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries 2027 | 15 September 2026 |
| IMESA Bursaries 2027 | 15 September 2026 |
Who can apply?
- South African citizens (some programmes accept residents of Zimbabwe and Eswatini).
- Students meeting specific criteria – e.g., women from fenceline communities, nursing students in the Western Cape, or female learners for MMEG.
- Unemployed graduates for CSIR and CSIR‑SASOL programmes.
- Applicants must meet the academic, financial‑need and field‑of‑study requirements listed by each sponsor.
What will you gain?
- Full or partial tuition fees.
- Stipends for living expenses, books, and tools.
- Opportunities to join industry networks and gain practical experience.
- Potential pathways to employment after graduation.
How to apply – step by step
- Read the full description of the bursary you are interested in.
- Check the eligibility table (province, gender, field of study, unemployment status).
- Gather required documents: academic transcripts, certified ID, proof of residence, proof of registration or acceptance, and household income proof where needed.
- Complete the online application form before the closing date.
- Upload all supporting files in the requested format (PDF preferred).
- Submit the application and keep a copy of the confirmation email.
Tips to improve your chances
- Start preparing documents at least two weeks before the deadline.
- Double‑check that your study programme is listed as eligible.
- Tailor any personal statements to match the sponsor’s focus (e.g., community development for Sasol, agricultural science for Citrus Academy).
- Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application for spelling and completeness.
- Submit before the final day – technical glitches happen.
Individual bursary details
AfriSam Bursaries 2027
Open to South African students pursuing selected engineering qualifications.
Closing date: 11 September 2026
Click here to apply for AfriSam Bursaries 2027
Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursaries 2027
For students in the Western Cape studying a SANC‑recognised nursing programme.
Closing date: 12 September 2026
Location: Western Cape
Click here to apply for Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursaries 2027
Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursaries 2027
Targeted at young women from communities surrounding the Secunda Complex.
Closing date: 13 September 2026 (midnight)
Click here to apply for Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursaries 2027
MMEG Bursaries 2027
Open to female South African students meeting the Margaret McNamara Education Grants criteria.
Closing date: 14 September 2026
Click here to apply for MMEG Bursaries 2027
CSIR‑SASOL Foundation Bursaries 2027
Unemployed South African students can apply for science and engineering funding.
Closing date: 15 September 2026
Click here to apply for CSIR‑SASOL Foundation Bursaries 2027
CSIR Bursaries 2027
Open to unemployed South Africans for a range of scientific and technical programmes.
Closing date: 15 September 2026
Click here to apply for CSIR Bursaries 2027
Citrus Academy Bursaries 2027
Available to students from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini studying citrus or agricultural subjects.
Closing date: 15 September 2026
Click here to apply for Citrus Academy Bursaries 2027
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries 2027
Targets South African postgraduate researchers in recognised institutions.
Closing date: 15 September 2026
Study location: Recognised South African institutions
Click here to apply for Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries 2027
IMESA Bursaries 2027
Focuses on students entering municipal engineering and related infrastructure programmes.
Closing date: 15 September 2026
Click here to apply for IMESA Bursaries 2027
Which bursaries close first?
The AfriSam Bursary is the earliest deadline at 11 September 2026. It is followed by the Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursary on 12 September, Sasol Mining Women’s Bursary on 13 September, and MMEG on 14 September. Five major programmes close on 15 September.
Final thoughts
Applying for a bursary can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into small steps makes it manageable. Gather your documents early, read each sponsor’s criteria carefully, and submit before the deadline. These programmes can change the trajectory of your education and career, so take the first step today.
