The NERSA Bursary Programme 2026 is now open for applications, and it is a great chance for South African students who want to study something related to energy and how it is managed in the country. This bursary is run directly by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, which is the body that controls and watches over electricity, gas, and petroleum pipelines in South Africa. The goal of this programme is to help students who are studying subjects that will prepare them to work in the energy field one day. If you are looking for a way to fund your studies and you are interested in energy, law, economics, or engineering, this could be a really good fit for you.
So what exactly is the NERSA Bursary Programme all about?
Basically, it is money given to students who are studying things that are useful for the regulation of energy in South Africa. By helping students at university level, NERSA hopes to train up a new generation of workers who can help keep South Africa’s energy systems running well and fairly. What makes this bursary a bit different from others is that NERSA handles everything themselves. There is no third party or outside company involved. This makes the whole process easier to trust and keeps things running smoothly.
Now let us talk about who can apply for the NERSA Bursary Programme 2026. You must meet certain requirements before you send in your application. First and most importantly, you need to be a South African citizen. You must have a valid South African ID, and you will need to include a copy of it when you apply.
This bursary is open to two main groups of students. The first group is matric learners who have already been accepted into a university or college for 2026. Even if you only have provisional acceptance, you can still apply. The second group is current undergraduate students who are already registered at a South African university or university of technology. If you are a postgraduate student, whether you can apply depends on your field and what NERSA says in the official advert.
What subjects does NERSA support?
They fund students who are studying things that connect to their work in energy regulation. This includes engineering courses like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering. It also includes subjects related to money and the economy, like economics, energy economics, accounting, and finance. If you are studying law, especially the kind that relates to energy, government rules, or business deals, you could also qualify. And if you are into technology and data, subjects like information technology and data analysis are also supported. Just make sure your course clearly connects to the energy field.
Your marks matter too
NERSA looks at how well you have done in school or university when deciding who gets the bursary. If you are a matric student, you should have good results, especially in maths and science if those are part of your subjects. If you are already at university, you need to show that you have been doing well and include your latest academic record. There is no exact percentage they give out publicly, but the better your marks, the better your chances.
What does the bursary cover?
If you get selected, NERSA will help pay for your tuition fees, your textbooks, and possibly your accommodation. They may also give you a monthly allowance for living costs. How much you get depends on your course, your school, and what you need. The money goes directly to your institution in most cases, so you do not have to worry about handling large sums yourself.
Here is how you apply
NERSA does not have an online form you can fill out on a website. Instead, you need to download the official PDF document from their website. This PDF has all the information you need and includes the application form inside it. You fill that out, attach all your documents, and then send everything in.
You can find the official form and document here: Download the NERSA Bursary Application Form
Make sure you only use this official form. If you use anything from a random website, your application might be thrown out.
What documents do you need?
You will need a certified copy of your South African ID, a certified copy of your matric certificate or your latest Grade 12 results, your full academic record if you are already at university, proof that you have been accepted or are registered at a school, and sometimes a CV. Make sure all your documents are clear and easy to read.
There are three ways you can send in your application. The first is by email. Just send everything to bursaries@nersa.org.za and make sure you put NERSA Bursary Programme 2026 in the subject line. The second way is by post. You can mail your application to the Human Resources Department at PO Box 40343, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007. The third way is to deliver it by hand at Kulawula House, 526 Madiba Street, Arcadia, Pretoria. Keep proof that you submitted your application just in case you need it later.
The closing date is 12 February 2026. If your application arrives after that date, it will not be accepted. So do not wait until the last minute. Try to submit as early as you can.
After the closing date, NERSA will go through all the applications. They will check if you meet the requirements, look at your marks, see if your subject fits what they need, and decide who to shortlist. Only shortlisted people will be contacted. Just because you qualify does not mean you will automatically get the bursary.
This bursary is a real opportunity for students who want to be part of South Africa’s energy future. The energy sector plays a big role in how the country grows and stays stable. By supporting students now, NERSA is helping to build a team of people who can keep things fair and working well in the years ahead.
A few tips before you apply. Only use official sources for your forms and info. Double check that all your documents are correct and nothing is missing. Send your application in early so you do not miss the deadline. And never pay anyone who says they can help you get the bursary. The application is free and you do everything yourself.
If you follow the instructions carefully and make sure your application is complete, you will have a good shot at being considered. Good luck to everyone applying.
