Looking to fund your tertiary studies in South Africa? These bursaries offer funding for tuition, accommodation, laptops, living allowances — and some even link you to industry experience and future careers. Below are bursaries still open or with critical closing dates in early 2026.
Gauteng City-Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary 2026
This government-funded bursary supports Gauteng residents enrolled or planning to study in 2026. It aims to build a skilled workforce in priority areas like IT, Engineering, Finance and Tourism. Funding includes tuition, accommodation allowances, study materials, and living expenses.
Free State Office of the Premier Bursary 2026
Now open for applications, this fully funded bursary helps Free State students cover university fees, accommodation, meals, books and more. Candidates should be SA citizens, residents of the Free State, and pursuing full-time study in critical fields. The deadline is 16 January 2026.
KZN Provincial Government Bursary 2026
Offered by KwaZulu-Natal government departments, this bursary supports priority fields like Engineering, Transport, Agriculture, Finance and Urban Planning. Funding includes tuition, textbooks, accommodation or a stipend. Eligible students must be KZN residents accepted for full-time study. The closing date is 15 February 2026 — don’t miss out!
West Wits Mining Bursary 2026
Designed for students pursuing degrees in Mining, Engineering, Geology or Finance, this bursary offers full funding for tertiary qualifications. Applicants email their documentation directly; specificity and ambition count. Deadline: 30 January 2026.
Armscor Bursary 2026 — Engineering & Science
The Armscor bursary supports South Africans in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields aligned with the defence sector. Funding covers full tuition, textbooks, accommodation, allowances — and even vacation work opportunities in some cases.
BBD Software Bursary & Beyond Programme 2026
This bursary is perfect for tech-minded students studying IT, CS, Software Engineering or related fields. Beyond financial support, it offers industry mentorship, networking and a pathway toward employment. Application is online with no announced closing date yet, so early submission helps.
Find out how to apply: https://uniwise.co.za/blog/bbd-software-bursary-2026-study-it-with-funding-career-growth/
Nestlé Future Talent Bursary 2026
Supporting a wide range of high-demand skills — from Engineering and Computer Science to Brand Management and Media — this bursary helps cover tuition and study costs for eligible South African students.
Details & application: https://uniwise.co.za/blog/nestle-future-talent-bursary-south-africa-2026-how-to-apply/
Funza Lushaka Bursary for Teacher Training 2026
A key opportunity for aspiring teachers! This government bursary funds Teaching degrees (like BEd) — including tuition, accommodation, meals and materials — in exchange for a service teaching obligation after graduation. Closing date was 24 January 2026, so apply as soon as possible if eligible.