What Is a Student Bursary? The Complete Guide for South African Students

By | August 15, 2025

If you’ve been searching for ways to pay for your studies, chances are you’ve come across the term bursary more than once.

It’s a word that pops up in student funding conversations, on university websites, and in the advice of teachers and parents. But here’s the problem — a lot of students aren’t 100% sure what it actually means or how to get one.

That’s where this guide comes in.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand:

  • What a student bursary is
  • How it’s different from a scholarship or loan
  • Who qualifies for one
  • How to find and apply for bursaries in South Africa

And yes — I’ll also share trusted resources, including our own Bursaries Mzansi listings, where you can find up-to-date bursary opportunities.

What Exactly Is a Student Bursary?

In simple terms, a student bursary is money given to you to help pay for your studies — and unlike a loan, you don’t have to pay it back, as long as you meet the terms.

Those terms vary depending on the bursary provider, but they often include things like:

  • Maintaining a certain academic average
  • Completing your studies in the agreed timeframe
  • Sometimes, working for the bursary provider after graduation

Think of it as a win-win: you get your education funded, and the provider invests in someone who could be their future employee or contribute to a field they care about.

Why Do Organisations Offer Bursaries?

Bursaries don’t just appear out of thin air. There’s usually a strategic reason behind them.

Here’s why organisations and government bodies fund students:

  1. To Fill Skills Gaps
    South Africa has shortages in critical professions like engineering, teaching, healthcare, and accounting. Bursaries help train more professionals in these areas.
  2. To Invest in Communities
    Many companies have corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes designed to give back — funding education is one of the most impactful ways they do this.
  3. To Secure Future Talent
    Some bursaries come with a work-back agreement, meaning you’ll work for the sponsor after graduation. This gives you guaranteed work experience and the sponsor a skilled employee.

Bursary vs Scholarship vs Student Loan

Students often confuse these three types of funding, so let’s clear it up:

TypeRepaymentAwarded ForTypical Conditions
BursaryNo (if conditions met)Financial need, sometimes academicsMaintain grades, finish studies, work-back period
ScholarshipNoAcademic or other excellence (sports, arts)Maintain high performance
Student LoanYes, with interestAnyone who qualifiesMust repay over agreed period

In short: Bursaries are mainly about helping students who need financial support, scholarships reward achievement, and loans have to be repaid.

For more funding tips, check out our guide on How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa.

Who Can Apply for a Bursary?

While every bursary has its own rules, most require you to:

  • Be a South African citizen (some exceptions apply)
  • Have good academic results — usually 60% or more in relevant subjects
  • Show financial need (especially for need-based bursaries)
  • Be accepted or applying to a recognised tertiary institution
  • Study in a field the bursary supports

Types of Student Bursaries

Bursaries aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here are the main categories you’ll find in South Africa:

1. Merit-Based Bursaries

Awarded for excellent academic performance.

2. Need-Based Bursaries

Designed for students from low-income households.

3. Corporate Bursaries

Offered by companies, often with a work-back requirement.

4. Government Bursaries

Such as NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme), which funds disadvantaged students.

5. Field-Specific Bursaries

Targeting in-demand careers like nursing, teaching, and IT.

You can find all of these in our Latest South African Bursary Listings.

What Do Bursaries Cover?

Depending on the provider, bursaries can cover:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Textbooks and materials
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Transport allowance
  • Study equipment (e.g., laptop)

Some bursaries cover everything — others are partial and require you to fund the rest.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bursaries

Pros:
✅ No repayment needed (if terms are met)
✅ May include mentorship and networking opportunities
✅ Can fully fund your studies

Cons:
❌ High competition for spots
❌ Strict eligibility requirements
❌ Some require you to commit to a company for years after graduation

How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa

Applying for a bursary can be intimidating, but breaking it into steps makes it much easier:

1. Do Your Research
Check Bursaries Mzansi for open applications.

2. Match the Requirements
Read the criteria carefully and apply only if you meet them.

3. Gather Your Documents
Commonly required:

  • Certified copy of your ID
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of household income
  • University acceptance letter

4. Write a Strong Motivational Letter
Tell your story — your challenges, your achievements, and your career goals.

5. Submit Before the Deadline
Late applications are usually rejected automatically.

Bursary Application Tips for Success

  • Apply to several bursaries at once — don’t wait for one response before trying others
  • Keep your marks high throughout the year
  • Get involved in leadership, sports, or community work
  • Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application before submission

Mistakes That Can Cost You a Bursary

🚫 Incomplete application forms
🚫 Missing required documents
🚫 Ignoring eligibility criteria
🚫 Using the same generic letter for all applications

Where to Find Bursaries

Here are a few reliable sources:

Final Word

A student bursary can be the key to unlocking your academic dreams without the stress of long-term debt.

It’s not just financial aid — it’s an opportunity to focus on your education, build your skills, and open career doors that might otherwise stay shut.

If you’re ready to start, head over to our South Africa Bursary Listings and apply today. Your future could be just one application away.

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