If you’re planning to study in 2026 and are looking for financial support, you’re in luck: several bursary programs are currently accepting applications. Below is a comprehensive guide to bursaries that are still open, how to apply, and what to watch out for.
Table of Contents
- Why Consider These Bursaries?
- Notable Bursaries Open for 2026
- How to Apply Successfully
- Additional Resources
- Final Thoughts
Why Consider These Bursaries?
- High demand for funding: Not all students secure financial aid from NSFAS, so private bursaries offer a vital alternative. Check My NSFAS+1
- Diverse opportunities: There are bursaries available for a wide range of fields — from arts and engineering to science, business, and town planning. nstf.org.za+1
- Comprehensive coverage: Many bursaries don’t just cover tuition, but also accommodation, books, meals, and living allowances. Land Reform and Rural Development+1
Notable Bursaries Open for 2026
Here are several bursaries that are still open (or recently open) for the 2026 academic year:
| Bursary | Field of Study / Focus | Key Details & Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Investec Bursary | Commerce, Business, IT, Engineering, Medicine | Application open via StudyTrust; form must be submitted by 30 September 2025. Investec |
| Department of Land Reform & Rural Development (DLRRD) | Geomatics, Town/Regional Planning, Geo-informatics | Covers tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and living allowance. Closing date: 30 September 2025. Land Reform and Rural Development |
| National Arts Council (NAC) | Arts (Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, etc.) | Institutional block bursaries for undergraduate arts students. Applications close 19 December 2025. NAC |
| CoE-MaSS / NRF Postgraduate Funding | Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science (Masters & PhD) | Must apply via the NRF portal. University of Pretoria |
| NSTF Partner Bursaries | Engineering, Finance, Water Science, etc. | Several bursaries listed via NSTF with various deadlines (e.g., Worley Bursary closes 30 Nov 2025). nstf.org.za |
| Proxa Water Bursary | Chemical & Mechanical Engineering | Focus on water-sector engineering roles. Listed by Nasi Ispani. NASI iSPANI |
| LPFF Bursary | Law (Undergraduate / Postgraduate) | Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund supports law students. NASI iSPANI |
| Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment (DFFE) | Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Fisheries | Full-time bursaries for 2026. Forestry, Fisheries and Environment |
How to Apply Successfully
- Check eligibility carefully
Each bursary has its own criteria (academic results, financial need, citizenship). Make sure you meet them before spending time on an application. - Prepare your documents
Commonly required: certified ID, academic transcripts, proof of income / financial need, motivation letter. - Watch the deadlines
Many bursaries have closing dates in September–December 2025, so it’s crucial to apply early. - Write a strong motivation letter
Explain why you deserve the bursary: talk about your background, aspirations, and how the bursary will help you succeed. - Follow up
After submitting, keep track of your application. Some bursaries communicate via email or SMS.
Additional Resources
- Check My NSFAS has a list of alternative funding bursaries that are still open for 2026. Check My NSFAS
- Vukamatric offers a curated list of the top 20 bursaries still open for 2026. Vukamatric
- LearnLinkSA provides guidance on how to apply for bursaries like Investec and Transnet. LearnLinkSA
Final Thoughts
Securing a bursary can make a huge difference, especially for students who need financial aid to access tertiary education. While NSFAS is a well-known option, these private and sector-specific bursaries offer real, valuable alternatives — and there are still opportunities available for the 2026 academic year.
Act now: gather your documents, pick the bursaries that match your field and qualifications, and apply before the deadlines. The earlier you apply, the better your chances.
