Standard Bank Bursary (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)

Hey there, future graduates and postgrad scholars! If you’re dreaming of taking your studies to the next level without the weight of hefty tuition fees, let me introduce you to the Standard Bank Group Bursary—a game-changer for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in South Africa

What Is the Standard Bank Bursary?

Let’s start with the basics. The Standard Bank Group Bursary is a comprehensive, fully funded bursary designed to support academically strong and financially deserving South African students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate (up to Master’s level) studies at a public university. It’s one of the ways Standard Bank is committed to nurturing the next generation of African talent. standardbank.comstudytrust.org.zaResearchBunny

Who Can Apply?

If you’re eligible, this could seriously shape your academic timeline. Here’s what you need to be:

• A South African citizen standardbank.comResearchBunny
• Registered for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies (masters inclusive) standardbank.comstudytrust.org.zaResearchBunny
• Have achieved an average of 65% or above in your recent examinations (e.g., mid-year/June results) standardbank.comOpportunities For AfricansResearchBunny
• Pursue studies in eligible fields like:
  • Accounting, Actuarial Science, Analytics, Commerce, Computer/Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, IT, Investments, Mathematics, Statistics, with more emerging areas such as Behavioural Economics, Psychology, Neuroscience studytrust.org.zaOpportunities For AfricansResearchBunny
• Have financial need (this is considered in the selection process) studytrust.org.zaResearchBunny

What’s Included? The Benefits

Here’s where the magic happens — the bursary really goes the extra mile:

• Full tuition fees for your course
• Accommodation—either in residence or capped private options studytrust.org.zaOpportunities For Africans
• Meals and study-related materials including books studytrust.org.zaOpportunities For Africans
• A laptop to support your academic work standardbank.comstudytrust.org.zaResearchBunny
• A monthly stipend for living costs standardbank.comstudytrust.org.zaResearchBunny
• Transport support (usually between home and campus several times a year) studytrust.org.za
• Medical aid and psychological mentoring/support standardbank.comResearchBunny

In one word? Holistic—because they know it’s not just tuition that students struggle with.

Undergraduate vs Postgraduate: What’s the Difference?

In essence, the support is similar—but here’s what distinguishes them:

Undergraduate Bursary

• Tailored to students who’ve completed their 1st year and need funding from the 2nd year onwards studytrust.org.zaOpportunities For Africans
• Same academic and financial eligibility criteria apply studytrust.org.zaOpportunities For Africans

Postgraduate Bursary

• Available for those pursuing full-time postgraduate studies up to Master’s level studytrust.org.zaRegenesysOpportunities For Africans
• Must meet university admission requirements and maintain the 65% threshold standardbank.comstudytrust.org.zaOpportunities For Africans

Application Timeline & Process

Important Dates for 2026:

• Opening Date: 1 May 2025 standardbank.comResearchBunnyOpportunities For Africans
• Closing Date: 30 September 2025 standardbank.comstudytrust.org.zaResearchBunny

How to Apply:

1. Go to the StudyTrust application portal, where Standard Bank bursaries are managed standardbank.comstudytrust.org.za
2. Fill out the online application form and upload required documents such as:
   • Certified ID copy
   • Academic transcripts (Grade 12 and tertiary results)
   • Proof of household income studytrust.org.zaOpportunities For Africans
3. Shortlisted candidates undergo a formal assessment including:
   • Psychometric evaluation
   • Interviews standardbank.comResearchBunny
4. Decisions are made considering both academic performance and financial need.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on your email after applying — communication often comes through there.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

• Zero tuition stress: Imagine focusing on your studies—not on how to pay for them.
• Ready–made academic tool kit: Laptop, books, meals, and even transport covered.
• Support beyond finances: Access to mentoring and psychological support can make all the difference.
• Career boost potential: After graduation, bursary recipients may be offered employment opportunities at Standard Bank Opportunities For Africansstudytrust.org.za
• Focus on priority sectors: If you’re studying in high-growth fields—like data science, engineering, economics—you’re in luck.

Tips for a Stronger Application

• Maintain or improve your academic average; 65% is the minimum, but higher is better.
• Prepare thoroughly for the psychometric evaluation and interview (practice online, get mock-interview tips).
• Submit all documents accurately and early, given deadlines always sneak up fast.
• Demonstrate your financial need clearly—transparency helps.
• Reach out for help if needed: the bursary site provides contact info (e.g., [email protected]) Opportunities For Africansstudytrust.org.za

Extra Resources — Click Here

• Official Standard Bank Group Bursary page (via Standard Bank site) — the most authoritative source for everything bursary-related. standardbank.com
• StudyTrust page with full details and fields of study — application hub and document checklist. studytrust.org.za
• OpportunitiesForAfricans summary of 2026 programme — opens May, closes Sept — good overview. Opportunities For Africans
• ResearchBunny bursary listing with deadline and overview — third-party summarised info. ResearchBunny

Essay-Style Summary (Final Thoughts)

Imagine this: you’re a student in South Africa, juggling deadlines, tuition emails, and wondering how you’ll navigate university without burning out financially. Then, you discover the Standard Bank Group Bursary—a golden ticket of sorts.

It’s not just a scholarship. It’s a full safety net that envelops tuition, accommodation, study materials, daily meals, even your laptop and transport. And beyond the tangible support, there’s mentoring, psychological backing, and sometimes a post-graduation employment path at Standard Bank.

All you need to do? Stay above that 65% grade mark, gather your documents, meet the deadline (1 May to 30 September), and apply through StudyTrust. Then, be ready to shine in psychometric assessments and interviews.

Whether you’re heading into engineering, data science, economics, commerce, or mathematics, this bursary is tailor-made to back your ambitions.

TL;DR (Final Highlight)

• What it is: Fully funded bursary for undergrads (from Year 2+) and postgrads (up to Master’s) at public universities in SA.
• Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, a laptop, stipends, transport, medical aid, mentoring.
• Who qualifies: South African citizens, ≥65% academic average, studying full-time in eligible fields, financially deserving.
• When to apply: 1 May – 30 September 2025 (for 2026 intake).
• How: Apply via StudyTrust, submit documents, pass assessments.