If you still need money to study next year, this is your last chance to see what South African students can get for free. Several big bursaries will close before or on 20 February 2026. If you miss a deadline, you could lose a chance to pay for tuition, books, and living costs without having to worry about it.
Below is a quick list of the Top 8 South African Bursaries you should look at right now.
1. Goldwind Bursaries 2026
Goldwind is asking South African students to apply for its 2026 bursary program. The deadline is 15 February 2026. If you want to study at a university that offers free tuition and support, check out this option.
Apply now for Goldwind Bursaries 2026
2. Sorbet Academy Bursaries 2026
Sorbet Academy invites students to apply for a scholarship in 2026. The application must be submitted by 15 February 2026. The program covers a variety of courses, so you can see if it matches your interests.
Apply now for Sorbet Academy Bursaries 2026
3. SASLHA Myrtle L Aron Bursaries 2026
The South African Speech Language and Hearing Association (SASLHA) offers a bursary for students who want to become speech‑language pathologists or audiologists. The closing date is 16 February 2026.
Apply now for SASLHA Myrtle L Aron Bursaries 2026
4. KwaZulu‑Natal Government Bursaries 2026
If you live in KwaZulu‑Natal, the provincial government has several bursaries for local students. Applications open on 31 December 2025 and close on 15 February 2026. The program prefers students who plan to study at universities in KZN, but it is open to all higher‑education institutions.
Apply now for KwaZulu‑Natal Government Bursaries 2026
5. iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursaries 2026
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is offering a 2026 bursary to help South African students pay for college. The application must be turned in by 16 February 2026.
Apply now for iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursaries 2026
6. Tomorrow Trust Bursaries 2026
Tomorrow Trust is looking for undergraduates who can attend a recognized public university. Their 2026 bursary application window closes on 18 February 2026.
Apply now for Tomorrow Trust Bursaries 2026
7. World Sports Betting (WSB Cares) Bursaries 2026
WSB Cares, the corporate social investment arm of World Sports Betting, offers a scholarship for students graduating in ICT. The deadline for 2026 is 18 February 2026.
Apply now for World Sports Betting Bursaries 2026
8. Samancor Chrome Bursaries 2026
Samancor Chrome invites high‑achieving students to apply for a 2026 bursary. The application must be completed before 20 February 2026.
Apply now for Samancor Chrome Bursaries 2026
Bonus: ERWAT Bursaries 2026 (Closing 20 February)
The Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT) is also offering an external bursary program for university students. The deadline matches the other offers: 20 February 2026.
Apply now for ERWAT Bursaries 2026
How to Get Ready
Many of these bursaries finish between 15 and 20 February 2026. Before you hit “submit”, keep these steps in mind:
- Check if you meet the eligibility rules. Each program has its own set of requirements.
- Gather all the certificates and documents they ask for, and make sure they are signed and dated.
- Send your application before the last day. A late file will not be considered.
- Double‑check that everything you send is complete. Missing parts can cause rejection.
When you win a bursary, it can pay for your tuition, rent, books, and other living costs. But only if you apply early enough. Don’t wait – the next step is to review each program’s details and see which one fits your plan for college. Good luck!