Computer Science Bursaries in South Africa 2026
Computer science, software engineering bursaries. Browse 18 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
Computer science is one of the most in-demand fields in South Africa, and there's real funding behind it. Bursaries in this space usually cover tuition fees, and many of the better ones go further — paying towards accommodation, prescribed textbooks, a laptop or tech equipment, data, and sometimes a monthly living allowance. Some come bundled with vacation work, mentorship or the prospect of a job after you graduate. They're generally aimed at students studying computer science, software engineering, information systems, IT and related degrees and diplomas at universities and TVET colleges — whether you're a school-leaver heading into first year or already partway through your qualification.
These bursaries are funded by a wide mix of organisations. Banks, telecoms, software and consulting companies invest here because they need skilled developers and engineers, so corporate bursaries are common in this field. You'll also find funding from SETAs (the MICT SETA covers ICT-related skills), government departments and state-owned enterprises, universities' own financial-aid offices, and private trusts and foundations focused on growing tech talent. Because the country has a recognised shortage of digital skills, computer science tends to attract a healthy number of bursary opportunities — which can work in your favour.
Eligibility usually comes down to a few things: strong matric or NSC results, with Mathematics being especially important (pure Maths rather than Maths Literacy is often required), plus good marks in subjects like Physical Science or Information Technology. Many bursaries are need-based, so they'll ask for proof of household income, and most require you to be a South African citizen. If you're already at university, a solid academic record matters. Apply early — many corporate bursaries open in the second half of the year for the following academic year, so don't wait until your results come out. Get your ID, academic results, proof of income and a short motivation ready in advance, and remember that NSFAS can fund public university and TVET studies alongside or instead of a private bursary if you qualify.
Quick tips
- →Take Mathematics seriously — most computer science bursaries and degrees expect pure Maths rather than Maths Literacy, so it's often the make-or-break subject.
- →Apply early and apply widely; many corporate tech bursaries open in the second half of the year, and even strong students apply to several to improve their odds.
- →Have your documents ready before you start: certified ID, latest academic results, proof of household income, and a short, honest motivation letter.
- →Show your interest in tech — mention coding projects, school IT achievements or anything that proves genuine curiosity, as funders like students who already tinker.
- →Check whether you also qualify for NSFAS, which funds public university and TVET studies and may work alongside or instead of a private bursary.
Related fields:
Sasol Bursary Programme
Sasol
Sasol's flagship bursary programme funds South African students in engineering, IT, and commerce — covering tuition, accommodation, and vacation employment.
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is South Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship-focused bursary, open to any field of study. No workback obligation.
Standard Bank Bursary Programme
Standard Bank
Standard Bank bursaries support commerce, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Recipients join Standard Bank's vacation programme and are fast-tracked into the graduate pipeline.
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027/2028 for Postgraduate Study in Ireland
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
A fully-funded fellowship for South African postgraduate students to study in Ireland, aiming to nurture future leaders and develop in-country capacity.
NSFAS Bursary
National Student Financial Aid Scheme
The NSFAS bursary provides financial assistance to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing higher education, covering a range of study costs.
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) 2027 Postgraduate Bursaries
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
SANSA provides postgraduate degree bursaries to contribute to the development of skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Rhodes Southern Africa Scholarships Programme 2027
Rhodes Trust
A fully-funded postgraduate award for talented Southern African students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2026
Vodacom Foundation
This academic merit bursary from Vodacom Foundation supports ambitious, driven South African students in their first, second, or third year of study.
CECIL Renaud Overseas Scholarships 2027
The Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust
Dr Cecil Renaud's Trust offers scholarships for young South Africans to pursue postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) 2027
University of Pretoria
A fully-funded scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Pretoria, supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027
Sasol Foundation
The Sasol Foundation offers a comprehensive, fully funded bursary programme for young South Africans pursuing studies in various fields critical to industry.
Old Mutual Bursary Programme
Old Mutual Limited
Old Mutual funds actuarial science, finance, statistics, and IT students. Financial need is not required, making this accessible to middle-income families.
FNB (First National Bank) Bursary
First National Bank (FNB)
FNB funds finance, accounting, actuarial science, and IT students with tuition and a living allowance. Part of the FirstRand Group talent pipeline.
MICT SETA Bursary & Learnership
Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA (MICT SETA)
MICT SETA offers bursaries and learnerships for ICT and media students at both university and TVET level. NSFAS-compatible with no workback.
NRF Postgraduate Funding (Honours, Masters & PhD)
National Research Foundation (NRF)
The NRF funds postgraduate research students (Honours through PhD) across science, engineering, humanities, and social science fields. No workback, no financial need requirement.
Telkom Foundation Bursary
Telkom Foundation
The Telkom Foundation funds ICT, computer science, and electrical engineering students. Notably, this bursary has no workback obligation and is NSFAS-compatible.
MTN South Africa Bursary
MTN South Africa
MTN funds engineering, ICT, and data science students with a full bursary including vacation employment at South Africa's largest mobile network.
Discovery Bursary Programme
Discovery Limited
Discovery offers a high-value bursary for actuarial science, statistics, data science, and finance students. Merit-based with no financial need requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Computer Science bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 18 computer science bursaries currently listed on our platform, including corporate, government, and SETA-funded opportunities. They range from partial tuition bursaries to full cost-of-study awards.
When do Computer Science bursary applications open?
Most corporate bursaries open between August and October for the following academic year. Some government bursaries accept applications year-round. Always check the official provider website for exact dates.
What marks do I need for a Computer Science bursary?
Academic requirements vary by provider. Most computer science bursaries require a minimum average of 60–70%. Some merit bursaries require 75%+ while others prioritise financial need over marks.