Don’t Miss Out: Bursaries Closing September 30, 2026, for 2027 Studies

For students aiming for higher education in 2027, the clock is ticking. Many valuable bursary opportunities are set to close by September 30, 2026. These financial aids can make a significant difference in pursuing degrees in fields ranging from engineering and IT to law and agriculture. Acting quickly is key to securing funding for your academic journey.

This article highlights several prominent bursary programs with approaching deadlines, offering a chance for South African students to fund their studies for the 2027 academic year.

Key Bursary Opportunities Closing Soon

Several organizations are offering financial support for the 2027 academic year, with most application windows closing on September 30, 2026. It’s important to note that the Volkswagen Group Africa bursary has an earlier deadline of September 28, 2026.

1. Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) Bursaries 2027

Volkswagen Group Africa is offering bursaries for undergraduate students for the 2027 academic year. Applications must be submitted by midday on September 28, 2026. This program is a great opportunity for students pursuing various fields.

2. Tomorrow Trust Bursaries 2027

The Tomorrow Trust is providing undergraduate bursaries for students from under-resourced communities. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2026. This bursary supports STEM-related qualifications like BSc Sciences, Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Science. Funding can cover tuition, textbooks, equipment, accommodation, and living expenses, along with mentorship and career development support.

3. Standard Bank Group Bursaries 2027

Standard Bank Group is inviting academically strong and financially deserving South African students to apply for its 2027 bursary program. The closing date for applications is September 30, 2026. This bursary offers full-cost funding for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students, generally requiring an academic average of at least 65%.

4. Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursaries 2027

The IDC’s External Bursary Scheme for 2027 is open for applications until September 30, 2026. This bursary supports selected qualifications in Finance, Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Science, and Law at South African public universities and universities of technology. It may cover tuition, accommodation, a laptop, meals, transport, and other study expenses.

5. South African Reserve Bank (SARB) External Bursaries 2027

The South African Reserve Bank is offering external bursaries for undergraduate studies in 2027, with applications closing on September 30, 2026. Fields of study include Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Finance, Information Technology, and Law, among others relevant to SARB’s work.

6. SARB Economics Bursaries 2027

For students specifically interested in economics, the South African Reserve Bank also offers a dedicated Economics Bursary. The application deadline is September 30, 2026. This program supports studies in Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Mathematical Statistics, and Economic Science.

7. South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) External Bursaries 2027

SANRAL is offering external bursaries for Matric learners and matriculants planning to start their first undergraduate qualification in 2027. The application deadline is September 30, 2026. Supported fields include Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Human Resources Management, and Public Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Both full and partial bursaries are available.

8. South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Postgraduate Bursaries 2027

Postgraduate students can apply for bursary funding from SANSA for 2027 until September 30, 2026. This program supports Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields related to space science, engineering, remote sensing, environmental science, and GIS.

9. Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) Bursaries 2027

The DLRRD invites students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities to apply for its 2027 bursary program by September 30, 2026. Funding is available for qualifications in Geomatics, Geographic Information Systems, Surveying, Town Planning, and Urban Planning. The bursary assists with tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and a living allowance.

10. National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) Bursaries 2027

The NHFC is offering bursaries for financially disadvantaged South African students for 2027, with applications closing on September 30, 2026. This program supports undergraduate students from their second year onwards, as well as postgraduate students. Study areas include the Built Environment, Construction Economics, and Development Studies, relevant to housing, property, and finance.

11. Amazon Operations Bursaries 2027

Amazon Commercial Services South Africa is offering a full-cost Operations Bursary Programme for students completing their final year of a four-year degree or an Honours degree in 2027. The deadline is September 30, 2026. Supported fields include Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Data Science, and Finance. Applicants need a 70% academic average, and successful recipients may be expected to intern with Amazon after graduation.

12. South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) Postgraduate Bursaries 2027

SANSOR is providing bursary funding for postgraduate students for 2027, with applications closing on September 30, 2026. This program supports Honours, Master’s, and PhD research relevant to the South African seed industry, including fields like Agronomy, Biotechnology, Genetics, and Plant Pathology.

13. Amandla Omoya Trust Bursaries 2027

The Amandla Omoya Trust invites students living within a 50km radius of the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm to apply for its Community Bursary Programme by September 30, 2026. This bursary is for students studying or intending to study at NQF Level 6 or higher, including degrees, national diplomas, and qualifying technical or vocational programs.

14. CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursaries 2027

CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year, with applications closing on September 30, 2026. This program supports academically deserving and financially needy students pursuing technology-related studies, including those from the “missing-middle” income group.

Prepare Your Application

It is advisable for students to submit their applications well before the September 30, 2026, deadline. Many bursary programs require supporting documents such as academic records, proof of household income, certified identification, and university admission or registration proof. Always check the specific eligibility criteria for each bursary before applying. Regularly visiting bursary pages can also help you find newly announced funding opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions