South Africa Bursaries 2026 | December 2025 Closing Dates
Looking for bursaries in South Africa for 2026? ZACareers has compiled a comprehensive list of bursaries and scholarships closing in December 2025. These opportunities are ideal for students planning to start or continue their tertiary studies in 2026. Apply early to secure funding for your academic journey!
Whether you’re interested in engineering, accounting, law, medicine, or general undergraduate and postgraduate studies, this list includes bursaries offered by government departments, private companies, and trusts across South Africa.
Top Bursaries Closing in December 2025 for 2026
| Bursary Provider | Closing Date | Field of Study / Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Absa Historical Debt Relief Bursary | 1 December 2025 | Undergraduate students in finance, accounting, or related fields |
| Agbiz Centenary Bursary | 1 December 2025 | Agriculture, agribusiness, and related studies |
| FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Honours Bursary | 1 December 2025 | Honours students in finance, economics, or business |
| Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) Bursary | 2 December 2025 | Teaching and education studies |
| Morton and Partners Bursary | 2 December 2025 | Engineering, finance, or legal studies |
| Polokwane Municipality Bursary | 5 December 2025 | Local government-related studies |
| South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) Bursary | 5 December 2025 | Architecture and built environment studies |
| ADSA Bursary | 8 December 2025 | Dental and health sciences |
| Breede Valley Municipality Bursary | 8 December 2025 | Public administration or local development |
| Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) Bursary | 8 December 2025 | Transport, logistics, and engineering |
| Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary | 12 December 2025 | Various undergraduate fields |
| Tsitsikamma Wind Farm Trust Bursary | 13 December 2025 | Renewable energy and environmental studies |
| Barberton Mines High School Scholarship | 19 December 2025 | High school students planning tertiary studies |
| WAAW Foundation Scholarship | 19 December 2025 | STEM studies for female students |
| PPS Foundation Bursary | 20 December 2025 | Actuarial, financial, and insurance studies |
| Bakwena Bursary | 31 December 2025 | Engineering and technical studies |
| Moshal Scholarship Program | 31 December 2025 | Leadership-focused bursaries for high-achieving students |
⚠️ Tip: Some bursaries are highly competitive, so make sure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline.
Bursaries with No Confirmed Closing Date
Some bursaries are open-ended or close based on application review. Check each bursary provider’s website for updates:
-
18twenty8 Bursary
-
Bester Bursary & Graduate Development Programme
-
Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) Bursary
-
Heribert Nasch Bursary
-
Hulamin Bursary
-
JG Afrika Bursary
-
Kearney Bursary
-
Moshal Scholarship Program
-
Milkor Bursary
-
Mineral Processing Guru (MPG) Bursary
-
PG Group Bursary
-
Shell Bursary
-
WBHO Bursary
-
Worley Bursary
-
WSP Bursary
-
Advance Africa Scholarship
-
BBD Bursary
-
Career Wise Bursaries
-
MINDS Scholarship
-
TTI Bursary
💡 Pro Tip: Some bursaries may accept applications throughout the year. Set up alerts or subscribe to bursary newsletters to never miss an opportunity.
How to Apply for Bursaries in South Africa for 2026
-
Check Eligibility: Review requirements like minimum grades, field of study, and residency.
-
Prepare Documents: Gather academic transcripts, ID documents, motivation letters, and recommendation letters.
-
Submit Before Deadline: Late submissions are usually not considered.
-
Follow Up: After submitting, monitor emails or bursary portals for interviews or additional steps.
Why Apply for South African Bursaries?
-
Reduce Financial Stress: Cover tuition, books, and living expenses.
-
Access Quality Education: Fund studies at top universities and colleges.
-
Career Opportunities: Many bursaries include internships or mentorship programs.
-
Support for Underrepresented Groups: Some bursaries target women, rural students, or historically disadvantaged groups.
Quick Summary
-
Bursary Season: Most December 2025 deadlines are for 2026 studies.
-
Fields Covered: STEM, finance, education, agriculture, engineering, architecture, and more.
-
Providers: Government, private corporations, trusts, and NGOs.
-
Action: Apply early, meet requirements, and maximize your chances.
.png "South Africa Bursaries 2026")
