African Global Skills Academy Bursary — 2026 Intake

Apply now: African Global Skills Academy Bursary 2026
Deadline: 31 January 2026 (11:59 PM SAST)
Location: South Africa (national)

Program overview

The African Global Skills Academy Bursary 2026 supports talented South African learners who want to study high-demand skills that drive economic growth across Africa. The bursary provides funding, mentoring, and workplace-readiness training to help recipients complete tertiary qualifications and transition into entry-level careers or internships.

This program is aimed at future-focused students pursuing diplomas or degrees in fields such as Information Technology, Software Development, Engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil), Data Science, Business & Finance, and Health Sciences.

Who should apply

You should apply if you:

Are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Are a Grade 12 learner (matriculant) for 2025, or a current undergraduate student (1st–3rd year) enrolling or continuing study in 2026.
Intend to study a qualifying full- or part-time program at an accredited South African university, university of technology, or TVET college in 2026.
Demonstrate financial need (household income threshold applies) and good academic potential (see minimum marks below).
Commit to the Academy’s mentoring and workplace-readiness components.

Priority study fields

The bursary prioritises applicants in:

Information Technology & Software Development
Data Science / Analytics / AI fundamentals
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial)
Business, Finance & Accounting (BCom, CTA)
Health Sciences (Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical sciences)
Renewable energy / Environmental technology

(Other fields will be considered on merit and skills-demand alignment.)

Benefits & coverage

Bursary awards are offered as full or partial funding packages depending on need and merit. Typical bursary cover may include:

Full tuition fees (for full bursary recipients) or partial tuition support.
Annual study allowance for books, stationery and learning materials (up to R7,000 per year for full bursaries).
Accommodation or living allowance contribution (means-tested).
Transport or travel allowance where applicable.
Mentorship & career-readiness training, including CV workshops, interview coaching, and industry placements.
Vacation work / internship opportunities with partner companies (where available).

Bursary recipients sign a bursary agreement that outlines study and conduct expectations, reporting requirements, and obligations (e.g., maintaining minimum academic performance).

Eligibility criteria (minimum)

South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid ID.
Grade 12 certificate (for new entrants) with:
- Minimum 60% overall or equivalent; and
- For STEM/Engineering: ≥65–70% in Mathematics and Physical Science.
Current tertiary students must have passed at least 60% average in previous year modules.
Demonstrable financial need (household income below R350,000/year — means-tested). Exceptions considered for strong merit.
Commitment to attend mentoring sessions and accept internship/vacation-work placements if offered.

Note: Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee an award — selection is competitive.

Required application documents

Arrange digital copies (PDF/JPG) of the following:

Completed application form (online).
Certified copy of South African ID or passport.
Certified Matric certificate or latest official school results/term report (NSC results or statement of results).
Latest tertiary academic transcript (if currently studying).
Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit, or sworn declaration).
A short motivation letter (max 500 words) explaining career goals and why you need the bursary.
Two contactable referees (teacher, employer, or community leader) with phone/email.
Proof of registration or admission (if already accepted to a course) — provisional acceptance letter if available.

How to apply — step-by-step

Visit the application page: www.africanglobalskillsacademy.org/apply (or Linkon bursary listing).
Create an applicant profile and complete the online application form.
Upload all required documents (see list above).
Submit the application BEFORE 31 January 2026 (11:59 PM SAST). Late applications will not be considered unless an exception is granted for documented circumstances.
You will receive an email confirmation within 48 hours. If you do not receive confirmation, contact bursaries@africanglobalskillsacademy.org.

Selection process & timeline

Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed for eligibility, financial need, and alignment with priority fields (Feb 2026).
Assessment & Interviews: Shortlisted applicants are invited to an online or in-person interview and/or competency assessment (Mar 2026).
Final selection: Successful candidates will be notified by email and SMS (by late March 2026).
Funding & onboarding: Award letters and bursary agreements issued (April 2026). Funds are paid directly to the education institution or to the student per the agreement. Mentoring program starts May 2026.

Obligations of bursary recipients

Maintain a minimum academic pass (typically 60% average).
Submit academic results and progress reports at the end of each semester.
Participate in mentorship, career-readiness workshops and any internship/vacation work placements offered.
Notify the Academy of any changes (withdrawal, change of course, address).
Repay or forfeit parts of the bursary if found to have falsified information or breached conduct terms.

Selection criteria (what we look for)

Academic merit and potential (results, admission to relevant program).
Genuine financial need (ability to fund studies without support).
Alignment of course/field with high-demand skills and career potential.
Personal resilience, motivation, and community involvement.
Quality of referees and interview performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can international students apply?
A: Priority is given to South African citizens and permanent residents. International applicants may be considered only in special cases and where funding permits.

Q: Are TVET college students eligible?
A: Yes—bursary funds are available for accredited TVET college qualifications in priority skills.

Q: Is the bursary a loan?
A: No. This is not a loan. It is a bursary (no repayment required) but requires compliance with the bursary agreement.

Q: What if I change courses after I receive funding?
A: Course changes must be approved. Funding may be withdrawn if the new course does not align with Academy priorities.

Q: How many bursaries will be awarded?
A: The number varies each year depending on funding. In 2026 we expect to award between 20–50 bursaries (subject to funding availability).

Apply Online

Contact & support

Email: bursaries@africanglobalskillsacademy.org
Phone: +27 11 555 1234 (Mon–Fri, 09:00–16:00 SAST)
Office address: 12 Skills Way, Innovation Park, Johannesburg (use mailing address for documentation only)
Social: Follow us for updates — Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn: @AfricanGlobalSkills

Ready-to-share social copy (for socials or WhatsApp)

Short version (WhatsApp/SMS):
Apply now — African Global Skills Academy Bursary 2026! Full & partial funding for South African students in IT, Engineering, Business & Health. Deadline 31 Jan 2026. Apply: www.africanglobalskillsacademy.org/apply

Facebook/Instagram caption:
🔔 Bursary Alert — 2026 Intake 🔔
African Global Skills Academy is awarding bursaries for studies in high-demand skills (IT, Engineering, Business & Health). Full & partial funding plus mentorship and internship support. Apply before 31 Jan 2026. Link in bio / www.africanglobalskillsacademy.org/apply