2025 Bursaries You Can Still Apply for in South Africa

Applying for higher education without financial backing is stressful. Many students miss out simply because they weren’t aware of bursaries that were still open. In 2025, although many bursary programmes have closed earlier in the year, several key ones remain open — or open soon — and there are strategies you can use even if deadlines seem tight.

In this article you’ll find:

• A curated list of bursaries still accepting applications (or whose windows are imminent)
• Detailed eligibility, required documents, and application steps
• A downloadable at-a-glance table of bursaries and deadlines
• Tips to strengthen your application
• What to do if you miss the deadlines

Important caveat: Bursary windows change and some sponsors adjust deadlines midseason. Always verify on official sponsor sites before submitting.

Note: This table is current as of the latest verified sources; always double-check the sponsor site for changes.

How we curated this list

We used multiple trusted sources:

• SA bursaries aggregator sites (e.g. ZA Bursaries)
• Sponsor official portals and announcements
• University financial aid pages
• Deadline collections like “Bursaries closing in October 2025” lists Zabursaries

We filtered for bursaries that either currently show open windows or very close upcoming deadlines, with preference for those that appear in more than one reliable source. However, deadlines may shift — always verify the latest info before applying.

Detailed bursary entries (deep dives)

Below are deep dives into selected top bursaries still open. Each gives you actionable info to apply.

Transnet Bursary (engineering, technical & commercial disciplines)

Closing date: 6 October 2025

Fields / Disciplines funded:

• Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Electronics)
• Specialist Commercial (Logistics, Supply Chain, Property, Horticulture, Geospatial)
• Maritime / mechanical (via Transnet National Ports Authority) in marine engineering or navigation

Eligibility criteria (typical):

• South African citizen
• Matric / Grade 12 pass with good marks in relevant subjects (Maths, Physical Science, English)
• Must be accepted or registered at a recognized tertiary / technical institution for the relevant programme
• Good academic performance (some minimum % thresholds)

What it covers:

• Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks / learning materials
• Monthly allowance / stipend / experiential training (vacation work)
• Students may be required to do vacation work or practical training within Transnet during breaks

Application process (step by step):

1. Go to Transnet bursary portal or download the application form from Transnet / Vuk’uzenzele / bursary sites
2. Fill in your personal details, study programme, and upload required documents (ID, matric certificate / latest results, academic record, proof of registration / acceptance, CV)
3. Ensure that documents are certified (usually within last 3 months)
4. Submit before the closing date online or via email/fax if sponsor allows (check instructions)
5. If shortlisted, attend interview (Transnet may require interviews in major centres)
6. Wait for award notifications and complete any further formalities

Tips / notes:

• Submit early; avoid last-minute server or upload issues
• Make sure the field you are applying to is exactly one of those Transnet funds
• Use quantitative and community impact evidence in your motivation letter
• Check the Transnet Bursary portal frequently for updates or changes

DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries & Environment) Bursary

Closing date: 3 October 2025

Fields / focus: Environmental sciences, conservation, forestry, marine biology, climate science and related disciplines (depending on departmental priorities)

What it covers: Varies depending on the specific bursary scheme; may include tuition, research grants, fieldwork costs, stipends

How to apply:

• Check DFFE’s official bursary and departmental pages for application forms and criteria
• Follow the specific criteria per bursary (often linked to research projects or departmental priorities)
• Submit supporting documents and research proposals if required

Notes / tips:

• These tend to be competitive; align your topic or field choice with DFFE’s strategic focus
• Reach out to departmental bursary offices early for clarifications

Standard Bank / StudyTrust Bursaries

Closing date: generally 30 September (typical window)

Fields / disciplines: Commerce, Business, Finance, Banking, IT, etc.

What it covers: Tuition, textbooks, allowances, possible internships or work exposure

How to apply:

• Fill one StudyTrust application which covers multiple bursaries from different sponsors StudyTrust
• Upload required supporting documents (ID, academic record, proof of acceptance, financial need documents)
• Check the list of bursaries that accept the StudyTrust application and choose field(s) accordingly

Tips:

• Since you only submit one application to cover multiple sponsor options, you gain efficiency
• Tailor your motivation to show fit for commerce / finance / the banking sector
• Submit before 30 September (or any earlier dates indicated)

Other bursaries to watch / apply

Here are some other bursaries with upcoming or open deadlines worth checking:

• Maize Trust Bursary — 1 October 2025
• SACTA Bursary — 1 October 2025
• City of Cape Town Bursary — 10 October 2025
• Auditor-General SA (AGSA) — up to 15 October 2025 (extension)
• EY Bursary — 31 October 2025
• ISFAP Bursary — 31 October 2025
• JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) — 31 October 2025

Each of these will require visiting the sponsor’s official site for full criteria, forms and submission instructions.

Section: University & Provincial bursaries

Often, universities or provincial / municipal governments still accept bursary applications later than corporate programmes. Here’s how to tap into them:

• University funding / top-ups: Even if your main bursary failed, universities often have internal funding (university bursary offices, “shortage funding”) you can apply for (e.g. Stellenbosch’s SUFO, UCT financial aid offices). (See SU’s site: SU Funding Opportunities) FinAid
• Municipal or provincial bursaries: e.g. City of Cape Town, other municipalities. These often open mid-year or later; use the municipal website’s “youth / bursary / financial aid” sections. (City of Cape Town’s bursary was in the October list)
• Government departmental bursaries: As with DFFE above, provincial departments (Health, Education, Infrastructure) may run bursaries with varying deadlines. Check their websites.

When looking, filter by “bursary 2025 / 2026” rather than by year only — many programmes run for the next academic year.

Deadline Calendar & Timeline

Below is a rough “deadline window” calendar for bursaries in 2025 — many tend to fall in late September — mid October.

• September — Standard Bank / StudyTrust bursary windows, provincial bursaries begin to close
• 1–10 October — Many corporate bursaries (Maize Trust, SACTA, City of Cape Town) close
• Up to 6 October — Transnet Bursary close date
• Mid to end October — AGSA, EY, JSE, ISFAP
• If any late/rolling bursaries — check sponsor sites beyond October

Tip: Submit as early as possible within the window — file system or network issues often occur near last minute.

Application Checklist

Before you submit any bursary, have the following ready (certified and scanned, where required):

1. Certified ID / Passport
2. Latest academic records / results / matric certificate
3. Proof of acceptance / registration with a tertiary or TVET institution
4. Proof of household income (parents’ payslips, affidavits, tax documents)
5. Motivation / motivation letter / personal statement
6. CV / résumé (with achievements, volunteer work, leadership)
7. Referee contacts / recommendation letters (if required)
8. Certified copies of supporting documents (make sure certifications are recent, e.g. within 3 months)
9. Proof of disability (if applicable)
10. Any research proposal / project plan (for postgraduate or research-linked bursaries)

5-step apply flow (example):

• Step 1: Identify bursary → confirm eligibility → download or access the application form
• Step 2: Gather and certify documents, write motivation, prepare CV
• Step 3: Fill in form carefully; double-check details
• Step 4: Submit early (before deadline) via the method specified (online, email, hard copy)
• Step 5: Track your application (most sponsor sites show status) and follow up if needed

How to Increase Your Chances

• Tailor your motivation to the sponsor’s mission (e.g. Transnet needs engineers / logistics; EY wants accountants)
• Quantify your achievements (e.g. “Raised R5,000 for community project,” “1st place in provincial mathematics competition”)
• Show community / leadership / social impact — many sponsors weigh this heavily
• Proofread your application; avoid typos or vague statements
• Submit early — avoid last minute technical/portal issues
• Follow up after submission (a polite email checking status, if allowed)
• Prepare for interviews — possible questions: “Why should we invest in you?”, “How will you contribute after you complete your studies?”
• Network — contact bursary offices, scholarship administrators if you have questions

Bonded Bursaries & Return-of-Service Obligations

Some bursaries require you to “pay back” by working for the sponsor (or in a designated sector) for a number of years after graduation. These are called bonded bursaries or return-of-service agreements.

What to watch for:

• The length of the service (e.g. 1 year per year of funding)
• Where you must work (geographic, department, the sponsor etc.)
• Exit penalties (what happens if you don’t fulfil the bond)
• How the contract is structured (written contract, signed before funding)

If offered a bursary, ask for the bond or contract in writing, read it fully, and ask clarifying questions before you accept.

What to Do If You Missed All Deadlines

• Apply for NSFAS / government funding (if still open or for the next cycle)
• Look for late or rolling bursaries or scholarship calls (some small trusts run year-round)
• Use institutional / university funding / top-ups
• Consider short courses / certificate courses which cost less and may open up funding later
• Employer sponsorship / part-time work + study
• Crowdfunding / sponsorship from community / NGO support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Yes — many bursaries allow multiple applications. Just ensure there’s no conflict or double funding clauses, and that you manage submission times well.

What if my documents are not certified?
You must get them certified — often by a commissioner of oaths, police station, magistrate. Some sponsors reject uncertified docs outright.

Will a bursary always cover accommodation?
Not always. Some bursaries cover only tuition and study materials; others include accommodation or living allowances. Always check what the specific bursary covers.

What happens if I fail a subject while funded?
Often your continuation depends on academic performance. You may lose renewal of the bursary. Read renewal conditions carefully.

Is NSFAS still open for 2025?
The 2025 cycle has passed — the application window for 2025 was from 20 September 2024 to 15 December 2024. FundiConnect However, there are TVET trimester / semester windows still open in some cases (e.g. Trimester 3) for continuing students. UTVet+1

What if the bursary application portal crashes?
Submit well before the deadline. Take screenshots of your submission confirmation. Contact the bursary office immediately with evidence if the portal fails.

Conclusion & Next Steps

You still have time to apply for several high-value bursaries in South Africa for 2025 / 2026 — especially Transnet, DFFE, EY, AGSA, StudyTrust / Standard Bank and others. Use the table above to prioritize which ones to apply for based on your field, and get your documents certified and motivation prepared now.