Don’t wait until it’s too late – if you’re aiming to study in 2026, you have until mid‑March to secure a bursary that could cover most of your tuition and living costs. Bursary opportunities for engineering, risk insurance, tourism and agriculture are opening today, but many close on or before 15 March 2026.
1. AfriSam Engineering Bursary 2026
AfriSam South Africa is a leading supplier of cement, aggregates and construction materials. They’re offering a one‑off bursary to students who want to learn engineering inside a real industrial setting – right on the Zeekoewater Quarry in Mpumalanga.
Who should apply?
- South African students studying Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
- Those who want hands‑on experience in the mining, cement and construction materials industry.
What you gain
- Full bursary covering tuition for the duration of your course.
- Internship‑style placement at a major mining and construction site.
- Networking with industry professionals and potential future employers.
How to apply
- Visit the official AfriSam application portal.
- Fill in the online form and upload your ID, matric results and a copy of your university offer letter.
- Submit a short motivational statement (150‑200 words) explaining why you want to study engineering and how the bursary will help you.
- Send your application before 13 March 2026.
Practical tips
- Prepare certified copies of your ID and academic records early – the more polished, the better.
- Ask a teacher or university advisor to proofread your motivational letter.
- Apply at least a week before the deadline to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
2. Sasria SOC Limited Bursaries 2026
Sasria is a state‑owned company that specialises in special risk insurance. Their bursary programme supports students who plan to study careers that match Sasria’s operational needs – from finance to legal and technical disciplines.
Who should apply?
- South African matriculants and current students who intend to study a field relevant to Sasria’s operations.
- Applicants must meet standard university entry requirements.
What you gain
- Financial support to cover tuition fees.
- Insight into the insurance and risk management sector.
- Potential pathway to a career with a leading state‑owned enterprise.
How to apply
- Visit Sasria’s official bursary page.
- Complete the online application and upload the required documents: ID, academic transcripts and a cover letter.
- Submit before the 13 March 2026 deadline.
Practical tips
- Highlight any work or volunteering in risk‑management, finance, or related areas.
- Keep your application concise and focused on your future goals.
- Double‑check that you’re applying for the correct field of study.
3. Department of Tourism External Bursaries 2026
The Department of Tourism wants to build a new generation of professionals for the hospitality and tourism sectors. The External Bursaries Programme supports students who plan to study qualifications related to tourism.
Who should apply?
- South Africans enrolled or planning to enroll in a tourism, hospitality or related program.
- Applicants must meet university entry criteria.
What you gain
- Funding that can cover tuition and study expenses.
- Opportunity to learn in a field that directly contributes to South Africa’s economic growth.
- Access to a network of tourism professionals and industry events.
How to apply
- Search the Department of Tourism’s bursary portal.
- Fill in the application form, attaching ID, matric results, university offer letter and a brief statement of interest.
- Submit by 13 March 2026.
Practical tips
- Showcase any previous experience in hospitality, tourism, or customer service.
- Make sure your motivation letter reflects your passion for the tourism industry.
- Apply early to avoid the rush of applications that fill up the system.
4. South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP) Bursaries 2026
SASCP offers bursaries to support students in Crop Science and Agronomy – fields essential for improving South Africa’s food security and agricultural productivity.
Who should apply?
- Undergraduate, MSc and PhD students in Crop Science or Agronomy.
What you gain
- Undergraduate bursaries of R15 000.
- MSc bursaries of R20 000.
- PhD bursaries of R25 000.
- Support for research, field work and study materials.
How to apply
- Visit the SASCP bursary page and locate the 2026 bursary listings.
- Complete the application form and upload your ID, academic transcripts and a short statement of intent.
- Submit before 15 March 2026.
Practical tips
- Provide evidence of any research or practical work you’ve done in crop production.
- Highlight your commitment to sustainable agriculture in your statement.
- Keep track of the different bursary values for each degree level to understand how much support you might receive.
Final advice for 2026 students
These bursaries can dramatically reduce your tuition costs and give you industry‑relevant experience. Before you submit, make sure you have:
- Certified copies of your ID and academic records.
- A compelling motivational letter that explains why you’re a good fit.
- All application forms filled out completely and submitted before the deadline.
Remember, thousands of students apply for each bursary, so submitting early and following the guidelines carefully will give you a better chance of success.
Good luck, and start applying now to secure your spot for 2026!
