Act now – the Nedbank External Bursary Programme for 2027 is open, and the deadline is 31 August 2026. This bursary can help you study a scarce‑skill or green‑economy subject at a South African public university or university of technology.
What the programme is
The Nedbank External Bursary supports academically strong students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. It funds undergraduate and honours studies in STEM and green‑economy fields. The aim is to back learners who show strong grades, financial need, leadership potential and a commitment to finish their studies.
Who can apply
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Planning to study full‑time at a public university or university of technology
- Minimum average of 65 % in your most recent results
- Demonstrated financial need
- Completed Grade 12 with Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy)
Fields of study covered
Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Biological Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
Technology
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Mathematics
- Actuarial Science
- Statistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematical Sciences
Green‑economy qualifications
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Climate Science
- Sustainable Development
- Conservation Management
- Water Resource Engineering
- Energy Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
Academic requirements by study level
Grade 12 learners
- Grade 11 final results
- Grade 12 mid‑year results
First‑year university students
- Grade 12 final results
- Current university mid‑year results
Second‑ and third‑year students
- Previous academic year final results
- Current academic year mid‑year results
Documents you will need
Personal and academic documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Proof of admission or acceptance at a public university/UT
- Academic records / results
- Updated CV (if you have one)
Financial documents
Show that you need financial help. Include:
- Financial check affidavit
- Three months’ bank statements
- Parent or guardian income documents
- Payslips or proof of any grants/pension, where applicable
What the bursary can cover
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation costs
- Study‑related expenses
- Academic support services
- Development opportunities (workshops, conferences, etc.)
How to apply – step by step
- Gather all required personal, academic and financial documents.
- Check that you meet every eligibility criterion listed above.
- Visit the official application page.
- Apply Online for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027.
- Complete the online form and upload the scanned documents.
- Submit before 31 August 2026 and keep a copy of the confirmation email.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every document is clear and correctly named.
- Write a concise personal statement that shows your leadership experience and commitment to finishing your degree.
- Ask a teacher or mentor to proofread your application.
- Provide accurate financial information; incomplete affidavits are a common reason for rejection.
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start collecting your paperwork today. The bursary can remove a major barrier to your studies in a high‑demand field. Take the first step now, and you could be on your way to a brighter, greener career.
