The BBD Software Development Bursary is open to students who want to become software developers through its Bursary and Beyond Programme. If you have a 70% Matric average, or 65% at tertiary level, and you are studying an IT-related degree, you can apply for tuition support, mentorship and a place on the BBD Graduate Programme. The listed closing date is 31 December 2026.
About the BBD Software Development Bursary
BBD is a software development company that builds systems for banks, insurers and other large clients. It is known in South Africa for training its own developers rather than only hiring experienced ones.
The Bursary and Beyond Programme is the start of that pipeline. Recipients are funded through their degree, get hands-on exposure to the BBD tech stack, and move into the BBD Graduate Programme after qualifying. Graduates start on real project work from their first day.
Eligible fields are Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Informatics, Information Systems and Game Design, at Bachelor’s, Honours, Master’s or Doctoral level.
What You Get
- Tuition support throughout your degree, renewable
- An annual one-week onsite Vac Week workshop with other bursars
- Practical exposure to the BBD tech stack and project teams
- Mentorship from working software engineers
- Automatic placement into the BBD Graduate Programme after graduation
- Real project work from the start of employment
RELATED: SANZAF SEED Bursary 2027: Funding for All Fields of Study, Regional Deadlines Apply
Who Can Apply
- South African citizen
- Studying, or planning to study, an IT-related degree at a recognised South African university
- Minimum 70% Matric average, or 65% tertiary average
- A BSc, BEng, BCom or BIS qualification at Bachelor’s, Honours, Master’s or Doctoral level
- A demonstrable passion for building software; a portfolio or side projects count in your favour
- Willingness to work at BBD for a period linked to the length of the bursary
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate, or latest results if you are still in Matric
- Certified university transcripts, if you are currently studying
- Up-to-date CV
- Links to coding projects, your GitHub profile or a portfolio
How to Apply
- Open the BBD bursary page using the link below.
- Submit your online application with your academic transcripts and CV.
- Add links to your software projects, GitHub or portfolio.
- Complete BBD’s technical and culture-fit assessment if you are shortlisted.
- Attend an interview.
- Sign the bursary agreement if you are successful.
Closing Date
The closing date for BBD Software Development Bursary is 31 December 2026. No late applications will be accepted. BBD also states that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply as early as you can and confirm the date on the BBD careers page.
Why It Matters
South Africa has a shortage of skilled software developers, yet young graduates struggle to get a first job because every advert asks for experience. This bursary solves both problems: you are funded while you study, and you have a job waiting when you finish.
A GitHub profile with even two small projects can set you apart from applicants with identical marks. Build something, publish it, and link it in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need coding experience?
It is not compulsory, but a portfolio or side projects strengthen your application.
Can I apply if I am already at university?
Yes. Students on a 65% tertiary average can apply, as can Matric learners with 70%.
Do I have to work for BBD afterwards?
Yes, for a period linked to the duration of the bursary.
Is the bursary amount fixed?
The page lists tuition support but no fixed rand value. The amount is confirmed during the application process.
