If you’re planning to study in 2026 and need financial assistance, you must know: many bursaries in South Africa close in the first ten days of October 2025. And most of them do not accept late submissions. That means missing a deadline often means losing the opportunity for a full year.
Bursaries Closing in October 2025
These bursaries close within the first ten days of the month. Late submissions are usually not accepted.
1. Maize Trust Bursary
- Closing Date: 1 October 2025
- Details: Offers financial assistance for students pursuing agricultural studies, particularly in maize production, and related fields.
- Apply: Maize Trust Bursary
2. SACTA Bursary
- Closing Date: 1 October 2025
- Details: Supports students in media, communication, and broadcasting studies, aiming to advance the film and television industry.
- Apply: SACTA Bursary
3. Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary
- Closing Date: 3 October 2025
- Details: Provides funding for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in environmental sciences, fisheries, and forestry.
- Apply: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary
4. Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
- Closing Date: 3 October 2025
- Details: Aimed at students studying engineering, geology, and related fields in the mining sector.
- Apply: Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
5. Transnet Bursary
- Closing Date: 6 October 2025
- Details: Offers financial support for students in fields such as engineering, logistics, and transportation management.
- Apply: Transnet Bursary
6. George Municipality Bursary
- Closing Date: 7 October 2025
- Details: Provides funding for students pursuing studies in public administration, environmental management, and engineering.
- Apply: George Municipality Bursary
7. France South Africa Scholarship
- Closing Date: 8 October 2025
- Details: Supports South African students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in France in various fields, with a focus on cultural exchange.
- Apply: France South Africa Scholarship
8. City of Cape Town Bursary
- Closing Date: 10 October 2025
- Details: Available for students in fields such as civil engineering, urban planning, and local government studies.
- Apply: City of Cape Town Bursary
9. Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
- Closing Date: 10 October 2025
- Details: Offers financial aid to students in local government administration, engineering, and environmental studies.
- Apply: Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
10. Harmony Bursary
- Closing Date: 10 October 2025
- Details: Provides funding for students pursuing degrees in mining, engineering, and geology.
- Apply: Harmony Bursary
11. SANBI Joan Wrench Kirstenbosch Scholarship
- Closing Date: 10 October 2025
- Details: A scholarship for postgraduate studies in botanical sciences, with a focus on conservation and plant research.
- Apply: SANBI Joan Wrench Kirstenbosch Scholarship
12. Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa Bursaries
- Closing Date: 11 October 2025
- Details: Offers support to students in the pharmaceutical field, covering studies in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and related areas.
- Apply: Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa Bursaries
13. Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) Bursary
- Closing Date: 15 October 2025 – extension
- Details: Provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in accounting, auditing, and public sector financial management.
- Apply: Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) Bursary
14. Etion Create Bursary
- Closing Date: 17 October 2025
- Details: Supports students in technology, engineering, and innovation, focusing on the development of South Africa’s digital economy.
- Apply: Etion Create Bursary
15. Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship
- Closing Date: 17 October 2025
- Details: Provides funding for postgraduate studies in business, management, and economics, with a focus on leadership development.
- Apply: Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship
16. INSETA ISSF Bursary
- Closing Date: 20 October 2025
- Details: Aimed at students pursuing studies in insurance, financial services, and actuarial sciences.
- Apply: INSETA ISSF Bursary
17. LPG Bursary Competition
- Closing Date: 30 October 2025
- Details: Offers a competition for students in energy-related fields, focusing on natural gas and energy efficiency studies.
- Apply: LPG Bursary Competition
18. Amandla Omoya Trust Bursary
- Closing Date: 31 October 2025
- Details: Provides support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing studies in environmental sciences, social work, and engineering.
- Apply: Amandla Omoya Trust Bursary
Quick checklist to submit on time
- Certified ID, proof of residence, and household income.
- Latest results, acceptance or registration letter.
- Motivational letter and CV.
- Two references.
- Combine to a single PDF where requested. Name files clearly.
Recommended for you: Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have
Tips to stand out
- Match your course to the funder’s priority fields.
- State your career goal in one sentence.
- Show community impact with one real example.
- Submit at least 72 hours before the deadline to avoid system queues.
Also check: EY Bursary 2026
Bursaries Closing in October 2025 require fast action. The first ten days pass quickly, so prepare and submit now. Match your course to each funder’s priority fields. Name files clearly and upload early to avoid system queues. Give yourself a buffer and track every deadline.