South African learners who need money for the 2027 or 2028 school year must act fast – many bursaries close between 12 and 15 August 2026. You can start by checking the Capitec External Bursary Programme 2027 and then move on to the others listed below.
Capitec External Bursary Programme 2027
Closing date: 12 August 2026 at 12:00 midday.
Where it can be used: Any DHET‑ or CHE‑registered tertiary institution in South Africa.
Who can apply
- South African students who meet the academic criteria set by Capitec.
- You must plan to study at an approved university or college.
What you get
- Financial help for tuition, books and related study costs.
How to apply
- Read the full eligibility guide on Capitec’s website.
- Gather your latest results, ID, proof of income (if asked) and any required certificates.
- Complete the online application before the deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Check every requirement twice – missing a document can invalidate your application.
- Write a clear, honest personal statement that shows why you need the bursary.
- Submit before the midday deadline to avoid last‑minute technical glitches.
Click here to apply for Capitec Bank Bursaries 2027
SBF High School Scholarship Programme 2028
Closing date: 12 August 2026 at 17:00.
Where it can be used: SBF partner high schools in Cape Town, Western Cape.
Who can apply
- Learners from Cape Town who will start Grade 8 in 2028.
- Students who meet SBF’s academic and conduct standards.
What you get
- Full or partial funding for school fees, uniforms and learning materials.
How to apply
- Visit the SBF scholarship page and download the application form.
- Attach your most recent report card, ID copy and a letter of motivation.
- Send the completed form to the school before the 5 pm deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Show steady grades, especially in core subjects.
- Explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
Click here to apply for SBF High School Scholarships 2028
SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship Programme 2027
Closing date: 14 August 2026.
Where it can be used: Any recognised and accredited university or college in South Africa.
Who can apply
- South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Students enrolling in approved engineering or science undergraduate programmes.
What you get
- Funding for tuition, accommodation and essential study resources.
How to apply
- Read the SARAO scholarship guide for field‑specific requirements.
- Prepare certified copies of your results, ID and proof of residence.
- Complete the online application and upload all documents before 14 August.
Tips to improve your chances
- Focus on subjects that match SARAO’s research areas.
- Provide a concise research interest statement.
Click here to apply for SARAO Undergraduate Scholarships 2027
Hortgro Bursary Programme 2027
Closing date: 15 August 2026.
Who can apply
- South African learners who plan to study a course related to Hortgro’s focus areas (agri‑business, horticulture, food technology, etc.).
- Applicants must meet the academic standards set by Hortgro.
What you get
- Financial support for tuition and related study costs.
How to apply
- Read the full bursary requirements on Hortgro’s website.
- Collect your latest results, ID, and any required certificates.
- Submit the online application before the deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Match your chosen course to Hortgro’s supported fields.
- Proofread your application for spelling and grammar errors.
Click here to apply for Hortgro Bursaries 2027
Knight Piésold Civil Engineering Bursary Programme 2027
Closing date: 15 August 2026.
Where it can be used: Accredited universities in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Who can apply
- Students with strong academic results in civil engineering.
- Applicants who can demonstrate financial need.
What you get
- Full or partial tuition funding and possible internship opportunities with Knight Piésold.
How to apply
- Check the eligibility checklist on Knight Piésold’s portal.
- Prepare certified academic transcripts, ID and proof of income.
- Upload all documents and submit the form before 15 August.
Tips to improve your chances
- Highlight any engineering projects or relevant work experience.
- Include a brief statement on why you chose civil engineering.
Click here to apply for Knight Piésold Civil Engineering Bursaries 2027
Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary Programme 2027
Closing date: 15 August 2026 at midnight.
Where it can be used: Recognised public universities in South Africa.
Who can apply
- South African law students enrolled at a public university.
- Applicants must satisfy the fund’s academic and citizenship criteria.
What you get
- Financial assistance for tuition, books and other study costs.
How to apply
- Read the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund guidelines.
- Gather your most recent law exam results, ID and proof of enrolment.
- Submit the online application before midnight on 15 August.
Tips to improve your chances
- Show consistent academic performance in law subjects.
- Explain how the bursary will help you become a qualified attorney.
Click here to apply for Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursaries 2027
Quick Closing‑Date Summary
| Bursary / Scholarship | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| Capitec External Bursary 2027 | 12 August 2026 at 12:00 |
| SBF High School Scholarship 2028 | 12 August 2026 at 17:00 |
| SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 | 14 August 2026 |
| Hortgro Bursaries 2027 | 15 August 2026 |
| Knight Piésold Civil Engineering Bursaries 2027 | 15 August 2026 |
| Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursaries 2027 | 15 August 2026 at midnight |
Which deadlines are most urgent?
The first two deadlines are on 12 August 2026 – Capitec closes at midday and SBF at 5 pm. SARAO follows on 14 August, and Hortgro, Knight Piésold and the Legal Practitioners Fund all close on 15 August. Plan your applications in this order to avoid a last‑minute rush.
Important before you apply
- Confirm you meet the academic and citizenship criteria.
- Make sure your chosen course is covered by the bursary.
- Have your latest results, ID and proof of income ready.
- Check that every required document is attached.
- Submit before the exact closing time.
Final reminder
These six funding opportunities end by 15 August 2026. If you need help paying for university or high school, start your applications now and follow each programme’s guidelines carefully.
