If you’re currently in matric and worried about how you’ll afford university, you’re not alone. The good news is that open university bursaries for 2027 are becoming more accessible, especially for students who want to study through distance learning.
Open universities offer flexible, affordable education — and with the right bursary, you can study without the financial burden.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about open university bursaries in 2027, including requirements, application tips, and where to apply.
An open university is an institution that offers flexible learning, often through online or distance education. This allows students to study:
In South Africa, the most well-known open/distance university is the University of South Africa.
Yes — many bursaries in South Africa support students studying through open or distance learning institutions.
However, funding depends on:
Here are some of the main funding options matric students should consider:
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is the largest funding provider for South African students.
👉 NSFAS is the best starting point for most matric students.
Many universities offer their own funding programs.
For example, the University of South Africa provides internal bursaries and scholarships based on:
Many companies fund students in fields where skills are needed.
Popular sectors include:
These bursaries often require:
Organizations and foundations also provide bursaries for disadvantaged students.
These may focus on:
While each bursary has its own criteria, most require the following:
Your Grade 12 results are critical.
Most bursaries look for:
You may need to provide:
You must be accepted into a recognized institution like the University of South Africa.
Typical documents include:
Follow these steps to improve your chances:
Submit your application to institutions like University of South Africa as soon as applications open.
Apply through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme website before the deadline.
Don’t rely on one option — apply to multiple bursaries.
Make sure all documents are:
Explain:
Many bursaries close before matric results are released.
Never rely on one bursary.
Strong academic results increase your chances significantly.
Fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare have more funding opportunities.
Track deadlines and requirements carefully.
Studying through an open university has several benefits:
Open university bursaries for 2027 offer a powerful opportunity for matric students who want to study without financial stress.
The key is to start early, apply widely, and prepare properly.
With the right approach, you can secure funding and build a strong future — even if traditional university seems out of reach.
Yes, NSFAS funds eligible students studying at UNISA.
Most applications open in 2026, so apply as early as possible.
Yes, most bursaries require strong academic performance.
Some bursaries allow it, but many require full-time study.
Read more on this topic here: uree
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