Bursaries Closing by 20 November 2026: Apply Now

South African students and Grade 12 learners still have a chance to secure funding for their 2027 studies. Several bursary opportunities are closing soon, with applications due by 20 November 2026. These bursaries cover a range of fields, including Engineering, Finance, IT, and Health Sciences, offering valuable support for aspiring students.

Application Closing Date: 13-20 November 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Varies by bursary
Stipend: Varies by bursary
Minimum Qualification: Varies by bursary (Matric, Diploma, Degree)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About Bursaries Closing by 20 November 2026

This collection of bursaries is designed to support students pursuing higher education in South Africa for the 2027 academic year. The opportunities are spread across various fields, aiming to address the country’s scarce and critical skills needs. Many of these bursaries focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, as well as finance, accounting, and health sciences.

The bursaries are intended to assist with the costs associated with tertiary education. This can include tuition fees, registration fees, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and transport. Some bursaries may also offer a living allowance or a monthly stipend to help with general living expenses.

The application window is closing rapidly, with most opportunities due by 13 November 2026, and others extending to 20 November 2026. Students are strongly advised to act quickly to ensure their applications are submitted on time.

Bursary Application Closing Dates

Here is a summary of the bursaries with their respective closing dates:

• Witzenberg Municipality Bursary: 13 November 2026 at 12:00
• Free State Provincial Government Bursary: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
• Transcend Corporate Advisors Bursary: 13 November 2026
• North West Provincial Government Bursary: 13 November 2026 at 23:59
• ABB Education Trust Bursary: 14 November 2026 at 16:00
• Donald White / Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund Bursary: 15 November 2026
• FEM Bursary: 16 November 2026
• South African Table Grape Industry Bursary: 16 November 2026 at 23:59
• NSFAS Funding Applications: 18 November 2026
• Ruwacon Bursary: 20 November 2026

Specific Bursary Opportunities

Witzenberg Municipality Bursary 2027

The Witzenberg Municipality is offering its Mayoral Bursary Programme for students residing within the municipal area. This bursary supports qualifications linked to municipal scarce and critical skills and primarily covers registration fees. Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18-35, live permanently in Witzenberg, and have a household income not exceeding R350,000 per year.

Free State Provincial Government Bursary 2027

Young people residing in the Free State can apply for bursary funding from the provincial government. Supported fields include Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Psychology, Social Sciences, Aviation, Public Governance, and Development Studies. Applicants should be unemployed Free State residents aged 18-35. Funding may cover tuition, accommodation, textbooks, meals, and transport.

Transcend Corporate Advisors Bursary 2027

This bursary is for students entering their second or third year of study in 2027 at recognised public higher education institutions in Gauteng. Fields of study include Accounting, Economics, Finance, Financial Management, Investment Management, Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Business Analytics. First-year students are not eligible.

North West Provincial Government Bursary 2027

The Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme is open to residents of the North West Province. It supports studies in Engineering, Health Sciences, Education, Agriculture, Finance, Information Technology, Social Development, Public Administration, and Environmental Sciences. Applicants must intend to study full-time at a recognised public tertiary institution.

ABB Education Trust Bursary 2027

This bursary programme is specifically aimed at Black female students pursuing selected engineering qualifications. Fields include Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Applicants should generally be entering their second year or higher in 2027, have achieved at least a 60% academic average, and meet income requirements.

Donald White / Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund Bursary 2027

The Magurtha H. White Bursary Programme offers funding for undergraduate studies in Business Studies, Commerce, Education, Healthcare, Medicine, and Social Work. Applicants must have attended high school in the Western Cape and be studying at a recognised South African institution. Preference is given to students with financial need, community involvement, and first-generation higher education status.

FEM Bursary 2027

FEM invites students to apply for bursaries in Engineering, the Built Environment, and Health Sciences. The bursary provides funding for full tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, and a monthly stipend. Accommodation and meals may also be funded at FEM’s discretion.

South African Table Grape Industry Bursary 2027

This bursary supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies related to the table grape industry. Relevant fields include agricultural programmes such as Viticulture and Oenology, Plant and Soil Sciences, Crop Production, and Grapevine Sciences. Postgraduate applicants may need to submit a research proposal.

NSFAS Funding Applications 2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is open for applications for students planning to study at public universities and TVET colleges in 2027. The financial threshold for non-SASSA applicants is generally a combined gross household income of R350,000 or less per year. Applications are processed online through myNSFAS.

Ruwacon Bursary 2027

Ruwacon offers bursaries for students pursuing studies in construction, engineering, and the built environment. Fields include Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, and Surveying. The programme targets students entering their second, third, or postgraduate studies in 2027. Recipients may gain practical exposure to construction sites.

What the Bursaries Offer

Successful applicants can expect a range of benefits depending on the specific bursary:

• Financial assistance for tuition and registration fees.
• Funding for prescribed textbooks and study materials.
• Monthly stipends or living allowances.
• Support for accommodation and meals.
• Opportunities for workplace experience and practical exposure.
• Development of skills relevant to scarce and critical fields.
• Potential for career growth within specific industries.

Programme Duration and Location

The duration of these bursary programmes varies. Some are for a single academic year, while others may cover the entire duration of a qualification. The locations are primarily within South Africa, with some bursaries specifying particular provinces like the Western Cape, Free State, or North West Province.

Minimum Requirements

While specific requirements differ for each bursary, common criteria include:

• South African citizenship.
• Residency in a specific municipality or province (e.g., Witzenberg Municipality, Free State, North West Province).
• Age limits, often between 18 and 35 years old.
• Academic performance, such as a minimum percentage average or specific subject passes.
• Household income thresholds, particularly for means-tested bursaries.
• Intention to study full-time at a recognised public tertiary institution.
• For some bursaries, specific fields of study are mandatory.
• For the ABB Education Trust Bursary, preference is for Black female students.

Competencies Required

Beyond academic qualifications, certain personal attributes are often valued:

• Strong academic potential.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Commitment to completing studies.
• Community involvement or leadership potential.
• Adaptability and resilience.

Who Should Apply?

These bursaries are ideal for ambitious South African students and Grade 12 learners who are passionate about their chosen fields of study and require financial assistance to pursue their tertiary education. They are particularly suited for individuals aiming to enter sectors with high demand for skilled professionals, such as engineering, finance, health sciences, and IT. If you meet the specific requirements and are dedicated to your academic journey, these opportunities can provide the necessary support.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents, which are commonly requested:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Certified copy of your Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or latest academic results.
• Certified copies of any tertiary qualification certificates, if applicable.
• Academic transcripts or record of results.
• Proof of residence.
• Proof of household income (e.g., payslips, affidavit, tax return).
• A motivational letter, if required by the bursary.
• Proof of acceptance or registration at a tertiary institution, if available.

How to Apply

Application methods vary. For NSFAS, applications are online via the myNSFAS portal. For other bursaries, applicants should visit the official bursary advertisement or the respective municipality or company website for specific application instructions and links. Ensure all required documents are prepared and submitted accurately before the closing date.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Ensure you meet all the minimum requirements before applying.
• Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
• Certified copies of documents are often required.
• Apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute issues.

Closing Date

The closing dates for these bursary applications range from 13 November 2026 to 20 November 2026. It is crucial to note the specific date for each bursary you are interested in and submit your application accordingly.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.