The African Global Skills Academy and Solarpop Bursary Programme 2026 is a fast‑acting chance to clear outstanding university or TVET fees before the year ends.
What the bursary is
AGSA has teamed up with Solarpop to pay students who already have a place at a recognised South African higher‑education institution but still owe money for the 2026 academic year. It is not a new‑student scholarship – it is direct help for current fees.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have a Matric certificate
- Be enrolled at a recognised university or TVET college
- Have an outstanding balance for the 2026 academic year
- Provide the required supporting documents (see below)
- Identify as African, Coloured, Indian or any other race; gender is not a barrier
- Be living with a disability (optional) and submit medical proof if applicable
Meeting these basics does not guarantee funding – a selection process will follow.
What you gain
The bursary pays directly towards the amount you owe the institution. It does not include a living, accommodation, transport or textbook allowance. Clearing the debt can:
- Allow you to register for courses without interruption
- Remove barriers to obtaining transcripts and other academic paperwork
- Help you stay on track to graduate on time
How to apply – step by step
- Gather all required documents (see the list below).
- Visit the official AGSA Solarpop Bursary application portal and select “Solarpop Bursary Programme”.
- Create an account using your South African mobile number – the number is used for login and SMS updates.
- Upload each certified document in the correct section.
- Write a short motivational letter (see tips).
- Review every entry, then submit before the deadline.
Documents you must upload
- Certified copy of your South African ID (must be certified within the last 6 months).
- Updated CV.
- Certified Matric certificate (also within 6 months).
- Certified proof of registration from your university or TVET college.
- Certified latest academic transcript (or a letter explaining why you cannot obtain it).
- Certified latest financial statement from the institution showing the exact amount you owe.
- Motivational letter (see next section).
- If you are applying as a person with a disability, include a medical report confirming the disability.
Tips to improve your chances
- Request the most recent financial statement before you start the online form – it is the key piece of evidence.
- Make sure every certified document shows your name, the institution’s name and is clearly legible.
- Keep your mobile number active; you will receive updates by SMS.
- In your motivational letter, briefly state:
- Your qualification and year of study
- The institution you attend
- Why the fees are unpaid
- How the debt is affecting your studies
- Your academic and career goals
- How clearing the balance will help you finish your program
- Do not exaggerate – stick to the facts that your financial statement can verify.
- Submit the application well before 30 October 2026 to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
Final thoughts and next steps
If you are already studying and have a 2026 fee balance, this bursary could remove a major obstacle. Review the eligibility checklist, collect and certify your documents, and submit your application through the official portal before 30 October 2026. After submission, expect contact within three weeks if you are shortlisted; otherwise, keep looking for other legitimate funding opportunities.