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Find a bursary that fits you

Real South African bursaries and scholarships from government, companies, foundations and universities. Tell us where you are in your studies and we show the ones you could qualify for, what each one pays for, when it usually closes, and the official page where you apply. You always apply on the funder's own website, and it never costs money.

Dates checked October 2026

1. Tell us about you

Everything here is optional. The more you tell us, the better the match. Your answers stay on this phone and are not sent to ICG.

Where are you now?

What do you want to study?

Which province do you live in?

Your average mark Latest report, trial exam or university results

Which maths did you take?

Yearly household income All the money coming into your home, before tax

See my bursaries

How the match works. We only hide a bursary when your answers clearly rule it out, for example a different study level, another province, or a mark that is too low. If something is close, it stays on the list with a "Check" note. Your list is a good start, not a guarantee. The funder decides who qualifies.

2. Bursaries for you

Work-back means you may have to work for the funder for some years after you finish. Need-based means your family's income counts. Dates shown are the usual timing. Funders change them every year, so always confirm on the official page.

Only open now or automatic No work-back contract Need-based only

3. Bursary calendar

When each bursary on your list usually closes, starting from this month. Tap a month to see which ones. Plan early: many close in September and October for the next year of study.

4. My shortlist

Tap the star on any bursary to keep it here. Tick "I have applied" as you go. Your shortlist is saved on this phone only.

5. How to apply well

Most bursaries are won by people who start early and send a complete application.

Documents to get ready

Tick them off as you collect them. Certified copies are stamped at a police station or by a commissioner of oaths.

A strong motivation letter

Say who you are in two sentences: your school or university, what you want to study, and where you come from.
Say why this field. Use one real story: what sparked it and what you have already done about it.
Show your effort. Marks, projects, volunteering, leadership, caring for family. Facts and numbers beat big words.
Explain your need honestly, without begging. Say what the bursary would let you do.
Say what you will give back. Keep it to one page, check spelling, and ask a teacher to read it.

If you do not get a bursary

Apply to NSFAS if your household earns R350,000 a year or less. Ask about the Missing Middle loan if it earns more but you still cannot afford fees.
Speak to the financial aid office of the university or college. They know the funds that are not advertised.
Look at TVET colleges, learnerships and apprenticeships. You learn a trade and often earn a stipend while you study.
Apply to many bursaries, not one or two, and reapply next year. Marks that improve make a stronger application.
Prepare for the interview that many funders ask for. The Interview Prep Tool below can help.

6. Stay safe from bursary scams

Warning signs.

Anyone who asks you to pay to apply, to be "shortlisted" or to "release" a bursary. Real bursaries and NSFAS are free to apply for.
A guaranteed bursary, or a message that says you have won one you never applied for.
Applications that only go through WhatsApp, Facebook or a free email address such as Gmail. Use the official website of the funder.
A website that looks like the real one but has a slightly different address. Open the funder's site yourself instead of tapping a link in a message.
Anyone asking for your banking PIN, password or an OTP. A funder only needs your bank details after you have been awarded, and never your PIN.

Other places to look

NSFAS ↗Government funding for university and TVET students. National Career Advice Portal ↗Government careers and study information. Study Trust ↗A long-running listing of bursaries for South Africans.

Also ask your life orientation or careers teacher, and the financial aid office of the university or college you want to attend. They often know about funds that are not advertised widely.

More ICG tools for the next step

PathfinderMatch your marks and interests to courses and careers. Interview Prep ToolPractise for a bursary interview. CV BuilderMany bursaries ask for a short CV. Ask ICGAsk a question about studying and funding.