Government Bursaries in South Africa 2026
Government bursaries are funded by national departments, SOEs (state-owned enterprises), and parastatals like Eskom, Transnet, and national departments. They typically require workback service.
Government bursaries are funded by the people who run the country's services and infrastructure — national and provincial departments, state-owned enterprises and parastatals. Because their goal is to build the skills the country actually needs, this funding tends to cluster around priority and scarce-skill fields like engineering, health sciences, accounting, IT, agriculture, the built environment, water, energy and public administration. These funders are often generous: a full government bursary can cover tuition, registration, accommodation, meals and books, and sometimes a monthly living allowance, which makes them some of the most complete packages a South African student can get. The trade-off is usually a workback agreement — once you qualify, you commit to working for the department or entity for a set period, often roughly matching the years they funded. That is less a catch than a graduate job waiting at the end, but read the contract so you understand the commitment before you sign.
Eligibility is usually built around being a South African citizen, with strong matric or NSC results (especially Maths and Science for technical fields), genuine financial need, and registration for an approved qualification at a public university or TVET college. Selection can be slower and more formal than with corporates, because budgets are public money and applications often pass through panels and verification. Expect to supply a certified ID, your results, proof of household income and an acceptance or registration letter, and to apply through an official channel rather than email. Many departments open intakes in the second half of the year for the following academic year, though some run their own windows, so timing matters.
Approach these funders the way you would a serious, long-term partner. Apply to a handful that genuinely match your field and marks rather than blanketing every department, follow the exact instructions on the official notice, and keep certified copies of everything ready in advance. A clear motivation that connects your studies to public service — why this field, why this department, what you want to contribute — goes a long way, because these bursaries are as much about future employees as about funding. Treat NSFAS as your baseline safety net and layer government bursaries on top where you qualify.
Quick tips
- →Confirm the workback terms before you accept — know how many years you'll owe and where you may be placed.
- →Apply through the official department or SOE channel only, and keep certified copies of your ID, results and proof of income ready.
- →Lead with priority and scarce-skill fields if your marks fit — that's where most government funding sits.
- →Start looking in the second half of the year for the next academic intake, but check each funder's own window, as some differ.
- →Write a motivation that links your studies to public service and the funder's mandate, not just your need.
Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a government-funded full bursary for education students who commit to teaching in public schools after graduation.
Eskom Bursary Programme
Eskom
Eskom bursaries fund engineering, IT, and finance students across South Africa — covering the full cost of study plus vacation employment.
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.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary
Department of Basic Education
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.
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.
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.
South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme 2026 (Economics)
South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
The SARB invites aspiring economists to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Scheme, specifically supporting undergraduate studies in Economics.
South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) Scholarship Programme 2026
South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)
SANRAL offers a scholarship programme for young South Africans, supporting studies in fields related to civil infrastructure and roads.
South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme 2026 for Economics Students
South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
The SARB invites aspiring economists to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Scheme, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Department of Agriculture Bursary (DALRRD)
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
The Department of Agriculture funds agriculture, environmental science, and veterinary science students with a full bursary including workback in government agriculture programmes.
Provincial Health Department Bursary (Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health)
Department of Health (Provincial)
Provincial health departments fund medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students who commit to working in public healthcare after graduation.
National Skills Fund (NSF) Bursary
National Skills Fund (NSF) — DHET
The NSF funds students in scarce and critical skills fields — including medicine, engineering, social work, and agriculture — at university and TVET level.
Transnet Engineering Bursary
Transnet SOC Ltd
Transnet offers engineering bursaries to South African students studying mechanical, electrical, civil, and industrial engineering — with vacation employment at their logistics operations.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are government bursaries in South Africa?
Government bursaries are funded by national departments, SOEs (state-owned enterprises), and parastatals like Eskom, Transnet, and national departments. They typically require workback service.
How do I apply for a government bursary?
Each bursary has its own application process. Click on any bursary below to view full requirements, deadlines, and a link to the official application portal.