Finishing matric opens doors, but without money many students miss out on university. If you want to start studying in 2027, a bursary could pay your tuition and other costs – and you can find current listings on Student Office right now.
What the bursary opportunity is
A bursary is a paid scholarship that covers part or all of your study expenses. For 2027 each provider may fund tuition, books, accommodation, transport or a monthly allowance, but the exact benefit varies. The offer is a new intake unless the sponsor says otherwise, so assume the rules may have changed from previous years.
Who can apply – eligibility
Only apply if you meet the official criteria listed in the latest advertisement. Typical requirements include:
- Matriculating in 2026 or early 2027
- Specific minimum matric average or subject results (check the current advert)
- Chosen field of study that the bursary supports
- Residence in the province or institution required by the sponsor
- Any financial need test if the provider asks for household income
- Age limits, if any, stated by the sponsor
Do not rely on information from old articles or third‑party sites – only the provider’s own advert is binding.
What you gain – benefits
When you are accepted you may receive one or more of the following:
- Full or partial tuition fees
- Books, stationery and learning materials
- Accommodation or housing allowance
- Transport or meal vouchers
- A monthly stipend (only if the sponsor explicitly mentions it)
Read the official description to know exactly what is covered.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Identify the sponsor. Find the organisation that offers the bursary – a company, government department, university or NGO.
- Locate the original advert. Open the current online announcement on the sponsor’s website or the official portal.
- Check eligibility. Verify that your qualification, results and residency match the stated criteria.
- Confirm the deadline. Use the date shown on the official advert, not an old blog post.
- Gather required documents. Typical items are:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Matric result slip (or latest academic results)
- Proof of admission or application to your chosen institution
- Household income proof, if required
- Academic transcripts (for students already in higher education)
- Proof of residence, when requested
- Any other files listed in the advert
- Submit through the official portal. Fill out the online form on the sponsor’s site or the dedicated portal. Do not use unofficial links.
- Save proof of submission. Keep the confirmation email, reference number or a screenshot for your records.
For national funding you can start at the official NSFAS site, and for specific bursaries follow the provider’s own application page (e.g., NSFAS application guide).
Tips to improve your chances
- Read the latest advert carefully; copy‑pasting from old lists will cause mistakes.
- Double‑check the closing date a few days before you submit – sponsors sometimes extend or move deadlines.
- Upload only the documents requested. Extra personal files can delay processing.
- Proofread your application for spelling, missing fields or wrong file formats.
- Submit at least two days before the deadline to avoid technical glitches.
- Keep a folder of all correspondence and receipts in case you need to follow up.
Final checklist for matriculants
- Is the bursary for the 2027 academic year?
- Who officially announced it?
- Does my chosen qualification match the eligible fields?
- Do I meet the academic (matric) requirements?
- Is the closing date confirmed on the official advert?
- What exact expenses does the bursary cover?
- Is a monthly stipend mentioned explicitly?
- Which specific documents do I need to upload?
- Am I using the sponsor’s official application portal?
- Have I saved proof that my application was submitted?
Applying for a bursary can turn your university dream into reality, but it only works if you verify every detail first. Use the official advertisement as your guide, follow the steps above, and you’ll be ready to submit a strong, complete application.