Looking for financial aid to support your studies? This is the perfect time to take action. With many bursaries closing in August, South African students across all fields, whether in matric, university, or TVET colleges, are urged to apply before the deadlines pass.
This guide highlights key bursary programmes with August 2025 deadlines, along with a few that remain open but don’t have confirmed closing dates.
If you’re serious about securing your future, now’s the time to explore these opportunities and submit your applications.
Documents You’ll Need Before Applying
Before diving into the list of bursaries closing in August, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Having these on hand will make your application process smoother and faster; plus, most bursaries won’t consider incomplete submissions.
While requirements may vary slightly between providers, here are the most commonly requested documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your latest academic results
- Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letter, or affidavit)
- Motivational letter or personal statement
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised institution
- Reference letters (where applicable)
Having these ready will save you time and stress and boost your chances of submitting a winning application.
Learn more: Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have
Bursaries Closing in August 2025
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of bursaries closing in August, each with its own set of requirements, benefits, and deadlines.
1. Rhodes Trust Scholarship
Closing Date: 1 August 2025
- Fully funded postgraduate scholarship to study at the University of Oxford
- Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel
- Open to exceptional South African students
- Highly competitive and prestigious
Learn more: Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa – 2026 Intake
2. UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition
Closing Date: 1 August 2025
- Aimed at Grade 12 learners with strong academic and leadership potential
- Winner receives a bursary to study at UFS
- Includes an internship opportunity at Media24
- Ideal for future media and communication professionals
Learn more: UFS & Media24 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition 2026
3. Competition Tribunal South Africa Scholarship
Closing Date: 15 August 2025
- Supports postgraduate studies in competition law or economics
- Open to students pursuing careers in legal or regulatory fields
- Covers tuition and study-related costs.
Learn more: Competition Tribunal South Africa Scholarship
4. Hortgro Bursary
Closing Date: 15 August 2025
- For students pursuing agriculture-related degrees
- Focus on fruit production and horticulture
- Supports tuition and promotes skills development in the sector
Learn more: Hortgro Bursaries 2026
5. IVANPLATS Bursary
Closing Date: 15 August 2025
- For students in mining-related fields: engineering, geology, etc.
- Financial support plus potential for practical training
- Offered by a major mining company in South Africa
Learn more: IVANPLATS Bursary
6. Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary
Closing Date: 15 August 2025
- Supports LLB students intending to practise law
- Covers tuition and related expenses
- Available to South African citizens only
Learn more: Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary Programme 2026 – 2027
7. SANParks Bursary
Closing Date: 18 August 2025
- For students studying environmental or conservation-related fields
- Open to both undergrads and postgrads
- Offered by South African National Parks to grow conservation talent
Learn more: SANParks Bursary 2026
8. SBF High School Scholarship
Closing Date: 22 August 2025
- For current high school learners
- Aims to help students reach their academic goals
- Financial aid provided for tuition and school-related costs
Learn more: SBF High School Scholarship
9. Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship
Closing Date: 28 August 2025
- Postgraduate scholarship for various fields: science, humanities, engineering
- Covers tuition and other study-related expenses
- Highly respected and competitive
Learn more: Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship
10. Bigen Bursary
Closing Date: 30 August 2025
- For students studying engineering, architecture, or project management
- Offered by infrastructure consulting firm Bigen
- Preference for students with strong academic performance
Learn more: Bigen Bursary
11. Liberty Bursary
Closing Date: 30 August 2025
- Supports students in finance, actuarial science, and economics
- Offered by Liberty, a leading financial services provider
- Aimed at students committed to a career in the financial sector
Learn more: Liberty Bursary South Africa 2026
12. FSCA Bursary for Students with Disabilities
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- Supports students with disabilities in finance, accounting, and related fields
- Offered by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority
- Promotes inclusion and accessibility in financial services
Learn more: FSCA Bursary for Students With Disabilities 2026
13. Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in engineering, quantity surveying, and related fields
- Offered by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
- Open to academically strong South African students
Learn more: Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2026
14. Momentum Group Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- Focus on actuarial science and business-related degrees
- Offered by Momentum, a leader in financial services
- Aims to build skills and leadership in the industry
Learn more: Momentum Group Bursary 2026
15. Nedbank Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For studies in accounting, finance, and economics
- Offered by Nedbank to nurture future financial professionals
- Covers tuition and other academic expenses
Learn more: Nedbank Bursary Programme 2026
16. Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in finance, business, and related areas
- Supports academic excellence and leadership development
- Offered by Old Mutual as part of its education initiatives
Learn more: Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Bursary
17. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in accounting, business, and finance
- PwC seeks to invest in future professional service leaders
- Covers tuition and offers potential work opportunities
Learn more: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bursary
18. Proxa Water Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For studies in water treatment and environmental engineering
- Offered by Proxa, a leader in sustainable water solutions
- Aimed at students passionate about water and environmental sustainability
Learn more: Proxa Water Bursary Programme (2026)
19. SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students from disadvantaged backgrounds studying chartered accounting
- Covers tuition, books, and living expenses
- Offered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Learn more: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund 2026
20. South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students pursuing actuarial science
- Supports transformation and diversity in the actuarial profession
- Covers full academic and living expenses
Learn more: South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary
21. South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) Scholarship
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in cultural studies or related fields
- Promotes academic research and innovation in the arts and culture sector
- Funded by SACO to grow the cultural economy
Learn more: SACO PostGraduate Scholarship Programme 2025 – 2027
22. South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in civil engineering with an interest in road infrastructure
- Offered to promote road development and construction careers
- Covers tuition and related academic expenses
Learn more: South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary
23. UFS Bursary: Star of Stars Competition
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- Open to high-performing Grade 12 learners
- Bursary to study at the University of the Free State
- Based on academic excellence and community involvement
Learn more: University of the Free State: Star of Stars bursary Programme 2026
24. Vodacom Bursary
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- For students in ICT, engineering, and business studies
- Vodacom supports talented students with tuition and living expenses
- Opportunity to work with one of SA’s top tech companies after graduation
Learn more: Vodacom Bursaries 2026
Application Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Read the requirements carefully
Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. Each bursary is different; don’t assume the same rules apply across the board. - Tailor your motivational letter
Avoid generic templates. Speak from the heart and explain why you’re a good fit for that specific bursary or field of study. - Prepare certified documents in advance
Have certified copies of your ID, academic results, proof of income, and other required documents ready. Don’t wait until the last minute. - Apply early
Don’t leave it to the deadline, servers crash, emails get lost, and printers run out of ink. Beat the rush by applying early. - Keep copies of everything
Save digital and physical copies of your completed forms, documents, and submission confirmations. - Double-check before submitting
Make sure there are no missing documents, typos, or outdated info. Attention to detail shows responsibility. - Apply for multiple bursaries
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The more quality applications you send out, the higher your chances of getting funded.
Learn more: Bursary Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
With so many bursaries closing in August, this is your moment to take charge of your future. Whether you’re finishing high school, studying at university, or planning ahead, applying for funding can make all the difference. Use this guide to prepare, plan, and submit your applications before the deadlines hit.
And don’t stop here, visit Nasi‑Ispani’s Bursary Portal to discover even more opportunities throughout the year. Your academic journey deserves the right support, go get it!