South African Bursaries Closing in March 2026

With the rising cost of tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and living expenses, securing a bursary can make the difference between continuing your studies and putting your academic goals on hold. Whether you are a current matric learner, an undergraduate student, or planning postgraduate studies locally or abroad, there are funding opportunities available across engineering, health sciences, agriculture, finance, film, technology, tourism, and many other fields.

Below is a list of bursaries closing in March 2026, including key focus areas and closing dates.

Bursaries Closing in March

Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholarship

Closing Date: 1 March 2026

The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) is a US-based non-profit organisation supporting outstanding students from developing countries who are committed to community development. The scholarship funds undergraduate and postgraduate studies at accredited institutions.

Fields of Study

All fields considered, with preference for:

• Education
• Health Sciences
• Engineering
• Agriculture
• Social Sciences
• Public Policy

Minimum Requirements

• South African citizen or permanent resident
• Accepted or enrolled at an accredited university
• Minimum 60% academic average
• Demonstrated financial need
• Strong community involvement
• Commitment to returning to serve your community

Documents Required

• Online application form
• Certified ID/passport copy
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of enrolment/acceptance
• Motivational letter
• Two reference letters
• Proof of financial need

African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursary

Closing Date: 6 March 2026

African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) offers a comprehensive bursary for students pursuing mining and engineering-related qualifications. The bursary may include tuition, accommodation, books, allowance, vacation work, and possible employment.

Fields of Study

• Mining Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Geology
• Environmental Science

Minimum Requirements

• South African citizen
• Studying at a recognised SA university or university of technology
• Minimum 65% average
• Financial need
• Willingness to complete vacation work

Documents Required

• Application form
• Certified ID
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of enrolment
• Motivational letter
• CV
• Proof of income
• Two references

AIMS Google DeepMind Scholarship

Closing Date: 6 March 2026

Offered by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in partnership with Google DeepMind, this prestigious scholarship supports postgraduate students in mathematical sciences and artificial intelligence.

Fields of Study

• Mathematical Sciences
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Computer Science
• Statistics
• Applied Mathematics

Requirements

• African citizen
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Applying for postgraduate study at AIMS
• Exceptional academic record
• Research interest in AI or mathematics

Documents Required

• Online application
• Certified ID/passport
• Academic transcripts
• Motivational statement
• Research proposal (if required)
• 2–3 academic references
• CV

Glencore Bursary

Closing Date: 7 March 2026

The Glencore bursary supports South African students in technical and engineering fields. The programme may include mentorship, vacation work, and employment opportunities.

Fields of Study

• Mining Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgy
• Geology
• Environmental Management
• Finance & Accounting (selected streams)

Requirements

• South African citizen
• Minimum 60–65% academic average
• Grade 12 Mathematics & Physical Science (for first years)
• Financial need
• Available for vacation work

Documents Required

• Application form
• Certified ID
• Academic results
• Proof of registration
• Motivational letter
• CV
• Proof of income
• References

Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) Bursary

Closing Date: 7 March 2026

The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), under CoGTA, supports students in engineering and built-environment fields to strengthen municipal infrastructure delivery.

Fields of Study

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Town & Regional Planning
• Architecture
• Quantity Surveying
• Construction Management
• Water & Sanitation Engineering

Requirements

• South African citizen
• Minimum 60% average
• Studying at a DHET-registered institution
• Financial need
• Willingness to work in municipalities

Documents Required

• Application form
• Certified ID
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of registration
• Motivational letter
• Proof of income
• References

NFVF International Bursary

Closing Date: 9 March 2026

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is a South African government entity mandated to grow and develop the South African film and video industry. The NFVF International Bursary provides funding for South African filmmakers and film industry professionals to study at internationally recognised institutions abroad. It aims to develop world-class skills in the South African film sector.

Fields of Study Covered

• Film Production
  • Screenwriting
  • Film Directing
  • Cinematography
  • Film Editing/Post-production
  • Sound Design
  • Animation and Visual Effects
  • Film Distribution and Marketing

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Accepted into an internationally recognised film, television, or media institution abroad
  • Must have at least two to three years of relevant work experience in the film industry
  • Demonstrated commitment to South Africa’s film and creative sector
  • Motivating need for international training not available locally
  • Portfolio of relevant creative or professional work

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed NFVF bursary application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID or passport
  • Acceptance letter from the international institution
  • Academic transcripts and qualifications
  • Portfolio of creative work or professional showreel
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivational letter
  • Two professional references
  • Budget/financial plan for studies abroad

AfriSam Bursary

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

AfriSam is one of South Africa’s leading construction materials companies, known for its cement, aggregate, and ready-mix concrete products. The AfriSam Bursary Programme supports South African students in built environment and technical disciplines, helping to develop future professionals in construction and engineering industries. The programme may include financial support, mentorship, and vacation work opportunities.

Fields of Study Covered

• Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mining Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Geology
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Construction Management

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Enrolled at an accredited South African university or university of technology
  • Studying towards a relevant undergraduate qualification
  • Good academic record (minimum 60% average)
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Willingness to complete vacation work at AfriSam sites

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed AfriSam bursary application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Certified academic transcripts
  • Proof of university enrolment
  • Motivational letter
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of income for parents or guardian
  • Reference letters from academic or community leaders

Department of Tourism Bursary

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

The South African Department of Tourism offers bursaries to support students pursuing qualifications in tourism, hospitality, and related fields. The bursary is aimed at developing a skilled workforce for South Africa’s tourism sector, which is a key contributor to the national economy and job creation. This is a government-funded bursary with the potential for employment within the tourism public sector.

Fields of Study Covered

• Tourism Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Events Management
  • Eco-tourism
  • Hotel Management
  • Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Enrolled at an accredited South African institution offering tourism-related qualifications
  • Academic merit and demonstrated financial need
  • Passion for the tourism and hospitality industry
  • Willingness to work in the public sector or tourism industry after graduation
  • Minimum 60% academic average

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed Department of Tourism bursary application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Academic transcripts and Grade 12 results
  • Proof of university or college enrolment
  • Motivational letter
  • Parents’/guardian’s proof of income
  • Reference letters

Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

The Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship is a prestigious South African scholarship that enables postgraduate students to pursue studies at leading international universities. Administered through a dedicated trust, the scholarship recognises academic excellence and supports South African graduates who wish to advance their knowledge and skills at world-class institutions abroad, with the expectation that they return to contribute to South Africa.

Fields of Study Covered

• Any postgraduate field of study, with preference for disciplines that can contribute to South Africa’s development, including sciences, humanities, law, social sciences, and engineering.

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Completed an undergraduate degree with outstanding academic results
  • Accepted or intending to apply to a recognised international university
  • Demonstrated academic excellence (typically top of class or distinction-level performance)
  • Commitment to returning to South Africa after completing studies
  • Strong motivational case for international study

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed scholarship application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID or passport
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate academic transcripts
  • Proof of acceptance or application to international institution
  • Motivational letter (demonstrating why international study is necessary)
  • Research proposal or study plan
  • Three academic reference letters
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Sasria Bursary

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

Sasria SOC Ltd is a state-owned insurance company that provides special risk insurance in South Africa. The Sasria Bursary Programme is aimed at supporting talented South African students pursuing qualifications relevant to the insurance, financial services, and related sectors. The programme reflects Sasria’s commitment to building a skilled workforce and supporting youth development in the financial industry.

Fields of Study Covered

• Insurance and Risk Management
  • Actuarial Science
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Law (with insurance focus)
  • Business Management
  • Economics
  • Statistics
  • Information Technology

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Enrolled at an accredited South African university
  • Studying towards a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
  • Good academic record (minimum 65% average)
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Interest in the insurance and financial services industry

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed Sasria bursary application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Academic transcripts and Grade 12 certificate
  • Proof of university enrolment or acceptance letter
  • Motivational letter
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Parents’/guardian’s proof of income or financial statements
  • Two reference letters

UKZN Archbishop Denis E. Hurley Scholarship

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

Named after the late Archbishop Denis E. Hurley of Durban, a renowned anti-apartheid activist and Catholic Church leader, this scholarship is offered through the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). It recognises students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to social justice, service, and the principles championed by Archbishop Hurley during his lifetime.

Fields of Study Covered

• Any field of study offered at UKZN, with preference for students demonstrating leadership, community service, and a commitment to social justice.

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Enrolled or applying to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
  • Demonstrated academic excellence
  • Evidence of community service, leadership, or social justice work
  • Financial need may be considered
  • Alignment with the values of Archbishop Hurley — justice, service, and compassion

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed UKZN scholarship application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of enrolment or acceptance at UKZN
  • Motivational letter referencing Archbishop Hurley’s values
  • Evidence of community service or leadership activities
  • Two reference letters (academic or community)

Exness Fintech Scholarship

Closing Date: 14 March 2026

Exness is a global online trading and fintech company. The Exness Fintech Scholarship supports South African students pursuing qualifications in technology, finance, and fintech-related disciplines. This scholarship is aimed at cultivating talent in the rapidly growing financial technology sector, encouraging innovation and digital skills development among young South Africans.

Fields of Study Covered

• Financial Technology (FinTech)
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Software Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Cybersecurity
  • Artificial Intelligence

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Enrolled at an accredited South African university
  • Studying towards a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
  • Strong academic performance (minimum 65% average)
  • Passion for technology and financial innovation
  • Demonstrated financial need

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed Exness scholarship application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of university enrolment or acceptance letter
  • Motivational letter highlighting interest in fintech
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of financial need
  • Reference letters

South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP) Bursary

Closing Date: 15 March 2026

About This Bursary

The South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP) is a professional body promoting crop science in South Africa. The SASCP Bursary supports students studying crop and plant production sciences, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in South Africa’s agricultural sector. The bursary is aimed at promoting excellence in crop production research and practice.

Fields of Study Covered

• Crop and Pasture Science
  • Plant Production
  • Agronomy
  • Horticulture
  • Plant Pathology
  • Agricultural Science
  • Soil Science
  • Seed Science

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Enrolled at a South African university in a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate programme
  • Registered or planning to register as a SASCP member
  • Good academic record (minimum 60% average)
  • Demonstrated interest in crop production science
  • Demonstrated financial need

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed SASCP bursary application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of enrolment
  • Motivational letter
  • Proof of SASCP membership or application
  • Parents’/guardian’s proof of income
  • Reference letters from academic supervisors

Compensation Fund Bursary

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

The Compensation Fund is a South African government entity under the Department of Employment and Labour. It administers compensation to workers who are injured on duty or contract occupational diseases. The Compensation Fund Bursary Programme supports employees of the fund and their dependants, as well as students pursuing qualifications relevant to the Fund’s core mandate, including occupational health, law, and public administration.

Fields of Study Covered

• Occupational Health and Safety
  • Law (Labour Law)
  • Public Administration
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Social Work
  • Human Resources Management
  • Health Sciences
  • Information Technology

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Enrolled at an accredited South African institution
  • Studying towards a relevant qualification aligned to the Compensation Fund’s mandate
  • Demonstrated academic merit
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • May be open to Compensation Fund employees or their dependants

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed bursary application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Proof of enrolment or acceptance letter
  • Motivational letter
  • Proof of financial need
  • Reference letters

15. Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

About This Bursary

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust is a South African philanthropic organisation established to honour the memory of Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. OMT scholarships are among the most prestigious in the country, supporting exceptional South African students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at leading international universities. The Trust focuses on students who show outstanding academic ability and leadership potential, with a commitment to making a positive impact in Africa.

Fields of Study Covered

• Any postgraduate field of study is eligible, with strong preference for disciplines that address Africa’s development challenges. Past recipients have studied in fields including sciences, engineering, humanities, public policy, and economics.

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Completed an undergraduate degree with exceptional results
  • Applying to or accepted at a world-leading international university
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities and social awareness
  • Clear vision of how the studies will benefit South Africa or Africa
  • Academic excellence (typically first-class honours or equivalent)

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed OMT scholarship application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID or passport
  • Full academic transcripts (undergraduate and any postgraduate)
  • Proof of admission to the international institution
  • Detailed motivational letter or personal statement
  • Research proposal or study plan
  • Three strong academic or professional reference letters
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

16. South African Nursery Association (SANA) Bursary

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

The South African Nursery Association (SANA) represents the retail and wholesale nursery industry in South Africa. The SANA Bursary is aimed at supporting students pursuing qualifications in horticulture and related plant sciences. It seeks to develop knowledgeable and skilled professionals for the nursery and horticultural industry, which plays a vital role in greening South Africa and contributing to food security.

Fields of Study Covered

• Horticulture
  • Plant Production
  • Ornamental Horticulture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Botany
  • Agricultural Science (Plant-focused)
  • Environmental Management

Requirements

• South African citizen
  • Enrolled at an accredited South African university, university of technology, or agricultural college
  • Studying towards a relevant horticulture or plant science qualification
  • Demonstrated academic merit (minimum 60% average)
  • Genuine interest in the nursery and horticulture industry
  • Demonstrated financial need

Documents Needed to Apply

• Completed SANA bursary application form
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of enrolment at qualifying institution
  • Motivational letter showing passion for horticulture/nursery industry
  • Parents’/guardian’s proof of income
  • Reference letter from lecturer or industry professional

Applications May Still Be Open — Dates Unconfirmed:

• Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) Bursary
  • Heribert Nasch Bursary
  • Hulamin Bursary
  • JG Afrika Bursary
  • Kearney Bursary
  • Moshal Scholarship Program
  • Milkor Bursary
  • Mineral Processing Guru (MPG) Bursary
  • PG Group Bursary
  • Shell Bursary
  • WBHO Bursary
  • Worley Bursary
  • WSP Bursary

Rolling / Open-Ended Applications (No Closing Date):

The following bursaries accept applications on a rolling basis and do not have a fixed closing date. However, it is still best to apply early:

• Advance Africa Scholarship
  • BBD Bursary
  • Career Wise Bursaries
  • MINDS Scholarship
  • TTI Bursary

How To Improve Your Application

1. Apply Early

Do not wait for the final day. Some bursaries close once quotas are filled.

2. Prepare Documents in Advance

Have certified copies of:

• ID
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of enrolment
• Proof of income

3. Write a Strong Motivational Letter

Be specific:

• Why this field?
• Why this bursary?
• How will you contribute to South Africa?

4. Secure Strong References

Choose lecturers, employers, or community leaders who can genuinely support your application.

5. Double-Check Requirements

Requirements change yearly. Always confirm with the official bursary provider.

6. Keep Copies of Everything

Save:

• Submitted forms
• Supporting documents
• Confirmation emails

Final Reminder

March deadlines move fast. If you qualify, apply immediately. Your future starts with the right opportunity and the right preparation.

Good luck with your applications!