Urgent: The Vodacom External Bursary Programme for 2027 is open, and the deadline is only weeks away. If you are a high‑performing student worried about tuition, accommodation or phone costs, this could lift many of those pressures right now.
What the bursary offers
Vodacom will pay for most university costs for eligible first‑, second‑ or third‑year undergraduates. The package can include:
- Full registration and tuition fees
- University‑run accommodation (or a capped amount for private housing)
- Meal allowance and textbook allocation
- A laptop and a mobile phone
- Orientation workshop, structured vacation‑work placement and work‑readiness training for final‑year students
- Access to a wellness programme delivered by Lyra Wellbeing Services
Who can apply
To be considered you must:
- Be a South African citizen by birth
- Study full‑time at a recognised South African tertiary institution
- Be in your first, second or third year of an undergraduate qualification
- Choose a study area that falls under Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Business or Commercial studies
- Meet the minimum academic result for your level (see below)
- Upload your most recent academic transcript with the application
Academic results you need
Grade 12 entrants must have a university exemption and an average of at least 70 % across all subjects.
Current university students must be in year 1 or above and hold an average of at least 65 %.
Calculate your average carefully – one high mark cannot make up for a low overall percentage.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
All applications are submitted online via the official page.
- Check that you meet the citizenship, study‑level and academic requirements.
- Gather your latest transcript (Grade 12 results or most recent university results).
- Visit the Vodacom External Bursary Programme page.
- Click the “Apply online” button and create a profile.
- Enter every required personal and academic detail.
- Upload the complete, clear copy of your transcript.
- Review the information and submit before 31 August 2026.
Vodacom advises using a desktop, laptop or tablet with Google Chrome for the best experience.
Tips to improve your chances
- Only submit the most recent transcript – older records may be rejected.
- Double‑check that your average meets the 70 % (Grade 12) or 65 % (university) threshold.
- Make sure your chosen qualification is listed under the funded fields.
- Use an active email address and keep the confirmation receipt.
- Apply early; creating a profile at the last minute can lead to technical glitches.
- Read every mandatory field – leaving one blank will stop the submission.
What happens after you apply?
Vodacom will email you a confirmation that your application was received. The Bursary Management Team will then review your academic record. Keep an eye on your inbox for any requests for additional information.
Remember, the bursary is awarded on academic merit. Meeting the minimum criteria lets you be considered, but it does not guarantee funding.
Final thoughts
The 2027 Vodacom External Bursary Programme gives high‑achieving students a strong financial safety net and valuable workplace exposure. If you are in the first three years of an eligible undergraduate programme, check your average, gather your transcript and submit before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
Need more opportunities?
Explore other learnerships, internships and bursaries at SETACareers – a trusted source for South African students.