Top Bursaries Still Open for the 2026 Academic Year

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.

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

1. 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.
2. Prepare your documents
   Commonly required: certified ID, academic transcripts, proof of income / financial need, motivation letter.
3. Watch the deadlines
   Many bursaries have closing dates in September–December 2025, so it’s crucial to apply early.
4. Write a strong motivation letter
   Explain why you deserve the bursary: talk about your background, aspirations, and how the bursary will help you succeed.
5. 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.