Bursaries in North West 2026

60 bursaries available to students in North West. Includes both nationwide bursaries and North West-specific opportunities. Updated May 2026.

If you're from North West, or heading to a university or TVET college in the province, here's the good news: most South African bursaries are open nationwide, so where you live rarely limits where you can apply. The same NSFAS funding, SETA programmes, corporate bursaries and university financial aid that students reach for in Gauteng or the Western Cape are open to you too. So your real job isn't to hunt for "North West-only" funding, it's to apply widely and apply well, casting your net across every bursary you genuinely qualify for.

Bursaries in this space typically cover tuition, registration, accommodation, books, a laptop or device, and often a monthly living allowance, and many ask you to work back a year of service for each year they fund. They come from a mix of providers: corporates in sectors like mining, energy, agriculture and finance (all strong in North West); government departments and state-owned entities; SETAs funding scarce and critical skills; universities and TVET colleges through their own financial aid offices; and private trusts and foundations. Eligibility usually rests on a blend of solid marks, the right subjects (Maths and Physical Science matter most for technical fields), proven financial need, South African citizenship, and acceptance into an accredited programme.

There are province-linked routes worth chasing too. Keep an eye on the North West provincial government and its departments, which sometimes support students in priority fields like health, education and agriculture, and remember that mining and agribusiness companies operating in the province often run community or area-based bursaries for students from the towns where they're based. Funza Lushaka remains the national go-to for aspiring teachers, and your local municipality or a community trust may quietly offer support, so it's always worth asking. Timing matters more than most students realise: many corporate bursaries open in the second half of the year for the following academic intake, while NSFAS and university applications run on their own cycles, so build a simple calendar and apply early rather than scrambling near the close. A strong application is honest, complete and well organised, so get your documents certified, write a clear motivation that ties your studies to your goals, and don't let a "no" discourage you, treat each one as practice for the application that says yes.

Quick tips

  • Apply broadly: since most SA bursaries are nationwide, submit to every one you qualify for rather than waiting for a North West-specific option.
  • Watch sector employers in the province (mining, energy, agriculture, finance), as they often fund students from their host communities.
  • Many corporate bursaries open in the second half of the year for the next intake, so check each provider's dates and apply early.
  • Keep a ready folder of certified copies (ID, latest results, proof of income, proof of acceptance) so you can move fast on every application.
  • Aspiring teachers should look at Funza Lushaka, and always ask your municipality or local trusts whether they offer student support.
CorporateFeatured🔥 Trending

Sasol Bursary Programme

Sasol

Full Bursary

Sasol's flagship bursary programme funds South African students in engineering, IT, and commerce — covering tuition, accommodation, and vacation employment.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books+1 more
Chemical EngMechanical EngElectrical Eng+5 more
Open now · 63d remaining
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Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Full Bursary

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is South Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship-focused bursary, open to any field of study. No workback obligation.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books+1 more
BusinessFinanceEconomics+7 more
Applications closed
No workback
GovernmentFeatured🔥 Trending

Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary

Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

Full Bursary

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a government-funded full bursary for education students who commit to teaching in public schools after graduation.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books
Education
Open now · 94d remaining
CorporateFeatured

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.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance📚Books
AccountingFinanceEconomics+5 more
Open now · 94d remaining
CorporateFeatured

Anglo American Bursary

Anglo American

Full Bursary

Anglo American funds mining engineering, geology, and related engineering students with a full bursary including vacation employment at their operations.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books+1 more
Mining EngGeologyChemical Eng+4 more
Open now · 33d remaining
GovernmentFeatured

Eskom Bursary Programme

Eskom

Full Bursary

Eskom bursaries fund engineering, IT, and finance students across South Africa — covering the full cost of study plus vacation employment.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books+1 more
Electrical EngCivil EngMechanical Eng+4 more
Open now · 33d remaining
Government

Nexa: From Climate Risk to Health Resilience - Global Climate and Health Innovation Funding Opportunity

South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

The SAMRC invites South African researchers and innovators to apply for a funding opportunity focused on climate risk and health resilience.

Full Cost
EnvironmentMedicine
Applications closed
No workback
Government

The Funza Lushaka Bursary

Department of Basic Education

Full Bursary

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a national government initiative designed to promote teaching as a profession and increase the supply of qualified educators in South African public schools.

Full Cost
Education
Applications closed
International

Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027/2028 for Postgraduate Study in Ireland

Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme

Full Bursary

A fully-funded fellowship for South African postgraduate students to study in Ireland, aiming to nurture future leaders and develop in-country capacity.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+2 more
HumanitiesComputer SciEducation+3 more
Applications closed
No workback
Government

NSFAS Bursary

National Student Financial Aid Scheme

Full Bursary

The NSFAS bursary provides financial assistance to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing higher education, covering a range of study costs.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+2 more
AccountingComputer SciEducation+4 more
Open now · 353d remaining
No workback+NSFAS
Foundation

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Mastercard Foundation

Full Bursary

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative enabling talented, service-oriented young people to pursue higher education and cultivate leadership potential for a better Africa.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+3 more
EducationBusinessIT+2 more
Open now
No workback
International

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Full Bursary

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are for candidates from eligible lower and upper middle-income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+2 more
Open now
No workback
International

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Full Bursary

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for candidates from least developed and lower middle-income Commonwealth countries, to undertake Master’s study at a UK university.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+2 more
Open now
No workback
International

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Full Bursary

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships enable doctoral candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue full-time PhD studies at a UK university.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+2 more
Open now
No workback
SETA

Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme

BANKSETA

Full Bursary

This programme assists Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), including Cooperative Financial Institutions (CFIs), in the banking and alternative sector to gain entrepreneurial skills and knowledge over a 3-month period.

🎓Tuition🤝Mentorship
BusinessFinanceEconomics
Open now
No workback
Corporate

Sanlam Actuarial Bursary

Sanlam

Sanlam offers funding and support for students who are enrolled to study or are currently completing their actuarial science degrees.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance
Actuarial
Open now
No workback
SETA

MQA Bursary Scheme - Continuation Application 2026

Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)

Full Bursary

The MQA Bursary Scheme offers existing beneficiaries an opportunity to renew their funding for the 2026 academic year, supporting careers in the mining and minerals sector across South African HEIs and TVETs.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation📚Books💵Living Allowance+1 more
Mining EngGeologyEnvironment+3 more
Applications closed
No workback
Government

NIHSS Postgraduate Bursary (Humanities & Social Sciences)

National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)

NIHSS funds postgraduate research in humanities, social sciences, law, and education. One of the few dedicated postgraduate bursaries for humanities students in South Africa.

💵Living Allowance🎓Tuition
HumanitiesSocial WorkPsychology+3 more
Applications closed
No workback+NSFAS
SETA

CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary Discretionary Grant 2026/2027

Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority

Full Bursary

The CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary supports unemployed South African youth accepted into accredited public tertiary institutions, covering studies in the chemical sector for those with academic potential and financial need.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+1 more
Chemical EngFood ScienceEnvironment+2 more
Open now
No workback+NSFAS
Corporate

Netcare Clinical Scholarship

Netcare

Full Bursary

The Netcare Clinical Scholarship provides bursaries to South African medical specialists for doctoral or post-doctoral training and research in academic medicine.

Full Cost🤝Mentorship
Medicine
Open now
No workback
International

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Full Bursary

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a six-month programme designed to ignite and elevate promising startup ventures from eligible Commonwealth countries.

💵Living Allowance🤝MentorshipFull Cost
Business
Open now
No workback
International

Commonwealth Distance Learning Master's Scholarships

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Full Bursary

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships support candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake part-time Master’s study in the UK via distance learning.

🎓Tuition📚BooksFull Cost
Open now
No workback
International

Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Full Bursary

Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships enable PhD candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake part of their doctoral study at a UK university.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance🚌TransportFull Cost
Open now
No workback
International

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Full Bursary

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are for mid-career professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake short programmes of professional development in the UK.

💵Living Allowance🚌Transport🤝MentorshipFull Cost
Business
Open now
No workback
SETA

TETA Unemployed Bursaries

Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)

TETA offers bursaries to unemployed South African individuals to facilitate skills development and training within the country's vital transport sector.

Open now
No workback
Corporate

PwC Chartered Accountant Bursary

PwC South Africa

Full Bursary

PwC offers comprehensive bursaries for South African students pursuing a Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification, providing financial support and a structured path to professional development.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+4 more
AccountingFinance
Open now
Government

South African National Space Agency (SANSA) 2027 Postgraduate Bursaries

South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

Full Bursary

SANSA provides postgraduate degree bursaries to contribute to the development of skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+1 more
Computer SciElectrical EngEnvironment+3 more
Open now · 63d remaining
No workback
Corporate

Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Bursary Programme 2026/2027

Old Mutual

Full Bursary

Old Mutual invites exceptional South African learners pursuing or interested in Chartered Accounting studies to apply for their bursary programme.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+3 more
AccountingFinance
Applications closed
Government

South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme 2026 (Economics)

South African Reserve Bank (SARB)

Full Bursary

The SARB invites aspiring economists to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Scheme, specifically supporting undergraduate studies in Economics.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+1 more
EconomicsFinanceStatistics
Open now · 63d remaining
No workback
International

Rhodes Southern Africa Scholarships Programme 2027

Rhodes Trust

Full Bursary

A fully-funded postgraduate award for talented Southern African students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+2 more
HumanitiesComputer SciEconomics+3 more
Closes in 5 days
No workback
Corporate

Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2026

Vodacom Foundation

Full Bursary

This academic merit bursary from Vodacom Foundation supports ambitious, driven South African students in their first, second, or third year of study.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+4 more
Computer SciITElectrical Eng+3 more
Open now · 33d remaining
No workback
Government

South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) Scholarship Programme 2026

South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)

Full Bursary

SANRAL offers a scholarship programme for young South Africans, supporting studies in fields related to civil infrastructure and roads.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+2 more
Civil EngQSConstruction+2 more
Open now · 63d remaining
Foundation

CECIL Renaud Overseas Scholarships 2027

The Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust

Full Bursary

Dr Cecil Renaud's Trust offers scholarships for young South Africans to pursue postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+2 more
HumanitiesComputer SciEconomics+3 more
Open now · 63d remaining
No workback
University

University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) 2027

University of Pretoria

Full Bursary

A fully-funded scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Pretoria, supported by the Mastercard Foundation.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+3 more
AccountingAgricultureComputer Sci+7 more
Open now · 63d remaining
No workback
International

German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027

German Bundestag

Full Bursary

A fully-funded scholarship for young African graduates to gain parliamentary experience in Berlin, Germany, with a monthly stipend.

Full Cost🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance🚌Transport
LawEconomicsBusiness+1 more
Applications closed
No workback
Corporate

Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027

Sasol Foundation

Full Bursary

The Sasol Foundation offers a comprehensive, fully funded bursary programme for young South Africans pursuing studies in various fields critical to industry.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+3 more
Chemical EngElectrical EngMechanical Eng+7 more
Applications closed
Corporate

SAICA’s Thuthuka Bursary Fund 2027

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)

Full Bursary

Thuthuka Bursary Fund by SAICA supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds aspiring to become Chartered Accountants in South Africa.

Full Cost🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation+3 more
AccountingFinance
Open now · 33d remaining
No workback+NSFAS
Government

South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme 2026 for Economics Students

South African Reserve Bank (SARB)

Full Bursary

The SARB invites aspiring economists to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Scheme, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+1 more
EconomicsFinanceStatistics
Open now · 63d remaining
No workback
Foundation

SAICA’s Thuthuka Bursary Fund 2027 for aspiring Chartered Accountants

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Thuthuka Bursary Fund

Full Bursary

Thuthuka bursary is open to financially needy African, Coloured, and Indian students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants (CAs).

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance+3 more
AccountingFinance
Open now · 33d remaining
No workback+NSFAS
Corporate

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Bursary

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

PwC offers bursaries for accounting and finance students pursuing a CA(SA) qualification. One of the most prestigious routes into the Big Four accounting firms.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance📚Books
AccountingFinanceActuarial+1 more
Applications closed
Corporate

Glencore / Merafe Resources Engineering Bursary

Glencore / Merafe Resources

Full Bursary

Glencore and Merafe Resources fund mining engineering, geology, and related engineering students with a full bursary and vacation employment at South African mining operations.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books+1 more
Mining EngChemical EngMechanical Eng+2 more
Open now · 63d remaining
Government

Department of Agriculture Bursary (DALRRD)

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Full Bursary

The Department of Agriculture funds agriculture, environmental science, and veterinary science students with a full bursary including workback in government agriculture programmes.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books
AgricultureEnvironmentVeterinary+1 more
Open now · 94d remaining
Foundation

Shoprite/Checkers Foundation Bursary

Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd Foundation

The Shoprite Foundation funds commerce, IT, and food science students. NSFAS-compatible and requires no workback obligation.

🎓Tuition📚Books
BusinessAccountingFinance+2 more
Open now · 63d remaining
No workback+NSFAS
Foundation

Women in Engineering Bursary (WISA/ECSA)

Various Engineering Companies (WISA Programme)

Multiple engineering companies offer bursaries exclusively for women in engineering. Targeted at addressing gender equity in South Africa's engineering sector.

🎓Tuition📚Books🤝Mentorship
Civil EngElectrical EngMechanical Eng+3 more
Open now · 33d remaining
No workback+NSFAS
Corporate

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.

🎓Tuition📚Books💵Living Allowance
ActuarialFinanceAccounting+3 more
Open now · 63d remaining
Corporate

Deloitte South Africa Bursary

Deloitte South Africa

Deloitte SA offers accounting bursaries for students pursuing the CA(SA) qualification — one of the top routes to completing your articles at a Big Four firm.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance📚Books
AccountingFinanceActuarial
Closes in 2 days
Government

Provincial Health Department Bursary (Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health)

Department of Health (Provincial)

Full Bursary

Provincial health departments fund medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students who commit to working in public healthcare after graduation.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance🏠Accommodation
MedicineNursingPharmacy+4 more
Open now · 124d remaining
Government

National Skills Fund (NSF) Bursary

National Skills Fund (NSF) — DHET

Full Bursary

The NSF funds students in scarce and critical skills fields — including medicine, engineering, social work, and agriculture — at university and TVET level.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books
MedicineNursingMechanical Eng+5 more
Open now · 94d remaining
No workback
Corporate

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.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance📚Books
FinanceAccountingEconomics+3 more
Open now · 94d remaining
Corporate

Nedbank Bursary Programme

Nedbank Group

Full Bursary

Nedbank funds accounting, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Full bursary with vacation employment and a structured graduate pipeline.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance📚Books💼Vacation Work
AccountingFinanceActuarial+3 more
Open now · 63d remaining
SETA

MERSETA Bursary & Learnership Programme

Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA)

MERSETA funds engineering and manufacturing students at both university and TVET level. A key funding option for students in technical disciplines who need support alongside NSFAS.

🎓Tuition📚Books
Mechanical EngElectrical EngIndustrial Eng+2 more
Open now · 63d remaining
No workback+NSFAS
SETA

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.

🎓Tuition📚Books
ITComputer SciData Science+1 more
Open now · 33d remaining
No workback+NSFAS
Government

Transnet Engineering Bursary

Transnet SOC Ltd

Full Bursary

Transnet offers engineering bursaries to South African students studying mechanical, electrical, civil, and industrial engineering — with vacation employment at their logistics operations.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books+1 more
Mechanical EngElectrical EngCivil Eng+2 more
Open now · 63d remaining
Corporate

Harmony Gold Mining Bursary

Harmony Gold Mining

Full Bursary

Harmony Gold funds mining engineering, geology, and engineering students in South Africa with a full bursary including vacation employment at their gold mines.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books+1 more
Mining EngGeologyChemical Eng+2 more
Open now · 33d remaining
Government

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.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance
MedicineMechanical EngComputer Sci+7 more
Closes in 2 days
No workback+NSFAS
Foundation

Telkom Foundation Bursary

Telkom Foundation

Full Bursary

The Telkom Foundation funds ICT, computer science, and electrical engineering students. Notably, this bursary has no workback obligation and is NSFAS-compatible.

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation📚Books💵Living Allowance
ITComputer SciElectrical Eng+1 more
Open now · 94d remaining
No workback+NSFAS
Corporate

MTN South Africa Bursary

MTN South Africa

Full Bursary

MTN funds engineering, ICT, and data science students with a full bursary including vacation employment at South Africa's largest mobile network.

🎓Tuition📚Books💵Living Allowance
Electrical EngComputer SciIT+4 more
Open now · 63d remaining
Corporate

Discovery Bursary Programme

Discovery Limited

Full Bursary

Discovery offers a high-value bursary for actuarial science, statistics, data science, and finance students. Merit-based with no financial need requirement.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance📚Books💼Vacation Work
ActuarialStatisticsFinance+3 more
Closes in 2 days
Corporate

Absa Bank Bursary Programme

Absa Group

Full Bursary

Absa offers a full bursary for commerce, finance, accounting, and IT students. Includes tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance with vacation employment.

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance📚Books🏠Accommodation
AccountingFinanceEconomics+5 more
Open now · 78d remaining
Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there bursaries specifically for students in North West?

Yes. There are 60 bursaries available to students in North West. Many are nationwide (open to all South African students), while some are specifically for students from North West.

Do I need to study in the same province to get a provincial bursary?

Not always. Many nationwide bursaries accept students from all provinces regardless of where they study. Provincial government bursaries may require you to study at an institution in that province.