How to Get a Bursary in South Africa After Grade 12: Complete Guide for Learners and Matriculants (2026)

Introduction

For thousands of South African learners, obtaining a bursary is the key to accessing higher education and building a successful career. The cost of university tuition, accommodation, books, transport, and living expenses continues to rise, making it difficult for many families to afford tertiary education. Fortunately, many companies, government departments, and private organizations offer bursaries to deserving learners who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, or skills in scarce fields.

Whether you are currently in Grade 12 or have already completed matric, there are numerous bursary opportunities available in South Africa. However, competition is high, and successful applicants usually understand the requirements, subject choices, academic performance expectations, and application processes needed to secure funding.

This guide explains how South African learners can qualify for bursaries, the pass rates commonly required, the important school subjects to take, and some of the leading companies and organizations that offer bursaries.

What Is a Bursary?

A bursary is financial assistance provided to students to help pay for their studies at a university, university of technology, or other approved institution. Unlike a student loan, most bursaries do not need to be repaid if the student successfully completes their studies and meets the bursary conditions.

Many bursaries cover:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Accommodation
Textbooks
Meals
Laptop allowances
Living expenses
Transport costs

Some bursaries also include vacation work, mentorship programmes, internships, and guaranteed employment after graduation.

Who Can Apply for a Bursary?

Most South African bursaries are available to:

South African citizens
Grade 12 learners
Learners who have completed matric
University students
Students with financial need
Learners with strong academic performance

Many bursaries focus on scarce skills such as:

Engineering
Information Technology
Accounting
Finance
Science
Medicine
Education
Mining
Agriculture

Companies invest in these fields because South Africa needs qualified professionals in these industries.

What Pass Rate Do You Need to Get a Bursary?

The required pass rate depends on the bursary provider.

Minimum Requirements

Many bursaries require:

Bachelor Pass in Grade 12
60% average or higher
Strong Mathematics and English marks

For highly competitive bursaries, learners often need:

70% or higher overall average
70% or higher in Mathematics
70% or higher in Physical Sciences
Strong English results

For example, Investec’s tertiary bursary programme requires applicants working towards a matric exemption (Bachelor Pass) with at least 70% in Mathematics and English and a minimum of 60% in other subjects.

The Sasol Mainstream Bursary requires approximately:

70–79% in Mathematics
70–79% in Physical Sciences
60–69% in English

for engineering and science-related qualifications.

Competitive Pass Rates

The following averages generally improve your chances:

Average	Chance of Receiving a Bursary
50% – 59%	Low
60% – 69%	Moderate
70% – 79%	High
80%+	Very High

Although some bursaries accept lower marks, learners with strong academic records are often prioritized.

Important Subjects That Increase Your Chances

1. Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the most important subjects for bursary applications.

It is required for:

Engineering
Accounting
Actuarial Science
Data Science
Computer Science
Statistics
Finance

Many major bursaries specifically require Pure Mathematics and do not accept Mathematical Literacy.

2. Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences is essential for:

Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Mining Engineering

Many STEM bursaries require strong Physical Sciences results.

3. Accounting

Accounting is highly valued by financial institutions and accounting firms.

It can improve your chances when applying for:

CA(SA) programmes
Accounting bursaries
Banking bursaries
Financial management programmes

4. English

Good communication skills are important in every profession.

Many bursary providers require at least 60% to 70% in English.

5. Life Sciences

Life Sciences is useful for:

Medicine
Nursing
Pharmacy
Veterinary Science
Biotechnology

Top Companies That Offer Bursaries

1. Sasol Bursary Programme

Sasol is one of South Africa’s largest bursary providers.

Fields funded include:

Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mining Engineering
Geology
Chemistry
Data Science
Metallurgy

Applicants generally need strong Mathematics and Physical Sciences marks.

2. Investec Bursary Programme

Investec funds students pursuing finance-related qualifications.

Fields include:

Accounting
Economics
Finance
Investment Management
Business Science
Actuarial Science

Applicants typically require:

70% Mathematics
70% English
60% in other subjects

and must demonstrate financial need.

3. NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding for eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.

NSFAS assists students from low-income households and covers approved qualifications. Only South African citizens and permanent residents studying at public institutions qualify.

4. Funza Lushaka Bursary

Funza Lushaka supports future teachers studying education.

Priority subjects include:

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Technology
African Languages
Foundation Phase Teaching

Students generally need a Bachelor’s Pass and suitable subject marks for their chosen teaching specialization.

5. Eskom Bursary Programme

Eskom regularly funds studies in:

Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Information Technology
Energy-related fields

Strong Mathematics and Science results are usually required.

6. Transnet Bursary Programme

Transnet supports studies in:

Logistics
Engineering
Finance
Supply Chain Management
Information Technology

7. Vodacom Bursary Programme

Vodacom offers bursaries in:

Computer Science
Information Technology
Data Science
Engineering
Commerce

8. Standard Bank Bursary Programme

Fields funded include:

Accounting
Finance
Actuarial Science
Economics
Mathematics

9. Nedbank Bursary Programme

Nedbank invests in future professionals in:

Banking
Finance
Information Technology
Commerce

10. Harmony Gold Bursary Scheme

Harmony Gold supports studies in:

Mining Engineering
Metallurgy
Geology
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering

How to Apply for a Bursary Successfully

Step 1: Research Early

Start looking for bursaries while you are still in Grade 11 or Grade 12.

Many bursaries open applications between March and September each year.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Most bursaries require:

Certified ID copy
Grade 11 results
Grade 12 June results
Final matric results (if available)
Proof of income
Motivation letter
University acceptance letter
Proof of residence

Step 3: Apply to Multiple Bursaries

Never apply for only one bursary.

Experts recommend applying to as many bursaries as possible because receiving funding is highly competitive.

Step 4: Apply Before the Deadline

Late applications are normally rejected automatically. Always submit your application before the closing date.

Step 5: Apply to University

Receiving a bursary does not automatically guarantee admission to university. You must still apply separately to universities and colleges.

Common Reasons Why Learners Fail to Get Bursaries

Many applications are unsuccessful because learners:

Miss the closing date
Submit incomplete applications
Have poor Mathematics marks
Fail to upload supporting documents
Do not meet citizenship requirements
Apply for fields not funded by the bursary
Provide incorrect information

Attention to detail can significantly improve your chances of success.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Achieve a Bachelor Pass

Most major bursaries prefer applicants with Bachelor Passes because they qualify for university admission.

Focus on Mathematics and Science

Learners with strong Mathematics and Science results are highly sought after because many companies fund engineering, technology, and science degrees.

Develop Leadership Skills

Many bursary providers look for learners who:

Serve as prefects
Participate in sports
Volunteer in communities
Lead school projects

Build a Strong Motivation Letter

Explain:

Your career goals
Financial circumstances
Academic achievements
Community involvement

Keep Your Records Organized

Create a folder containing:

Certified documents
School reports
Certificates
University acceptance letters

This makes applying for multiple bursaries much easier.

Best Degrees That Attract Bursary Funding

The following qualifications attract the most bursary opportunities:

Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Mining Engineering
Accounting
Actuarial Science
Computer Science
Data Science
Information Technology
Medicine
Pharmacy
Education
Statistics
Mathematics

Students pursuing scarce skills generally have access to more bursary opportunities than those studying oversubscribed fields.

Conclusion

South African learners have access to many bursary opportunities that can transform their future. The key to securing funding is preparing early, achieving strong academic results, selecting the right subjects, and applying to multiple bursary programmes before their deadlines.

Subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting, and English remain among the most important for bursary applications. Companies such as Sasol, Investec, Eskom, Transnet, Vodacom, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and government programmes such as NSFAS and Funza Lushaka continue to invest millions of rand each year into deserving South African students.

If you are currently in Grade 12 or have already completed matric, start your bursary search today. With the right preparation, academic dedication, and persistence, you can secure funding that will help you achieve your dream career and contribute to South Africa’s future growth.