If you've ever been concerned about how you'll pay for university, college, or even postgraduate courses, you're not alone. Higher education in South Africa has never been more expensive, and with the cost of living rising, it's easy to feel as if your aspirations are just beyond reach.
But here’s the truth: There is funding out there. And not just from NSFAS.
Every year, thousands of rands in scholarships and bursaries remain unclaimed in South Africa. Why? Because many students are unsure where to look or believe they will not qualify.
Well, that ends today.
Whether you're applying for your first degree or looking to study overseas, here are 10 excellent scholarship and bursary opportunities every South African student should know about in 2025.
1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Let’s start with the obvious — NSFAS is the most widely known student funding body in South Africa.
Covers tuition, accommodation, transport, meals, and books
Available for students in public universities and TVET colleges
Household income must be below R350,000 per year
If you're eligible and haven’t applied yet — do it today.
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary (for Teaching)
Want to become a teacher? The Funza Lushaka bursary is one of the best routes into education.
Covers full tuition, accommodation, meals, and more
For BEd and PGCE students
Requires that you teach at a public school after graduation
3. Department of Health Bursaries (Provincial)
Most provinces in South Africa offer health bursaries to students studying medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or other health-related fields.
Full bursary + monthly stipend
You’ll be required to work in the public health sector afterward
Check your province's Department of Health website
4. Standard Bank Bursary Programme
Standard Bank funds top-performing students in a wide range of disciplines.
Covers tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and meals
Fields: Commerce, IT, Engineering, Actuarial Science, and more
Must have strong academic record and financial need
5. SAICA Thuthuka Bursary (Chartered Accountants)
If you're passionate about numbers and planning to become a CA(SA), this is for you.
Full cost bursary + mentorship + support programs
For African and Coloured students pursuing a BCom CA-stream degree
Available at select universities (UJ, UP, UKZN, etc.)
6. Vodacom Bursary Programme
Vodacom isn’t just about airtime — they’re also investing in the next generation of tech leaders.
Full tuition, devices, allowance, accommodation
Fields: STEM, Engineering, IT, and Computer Science
Applications usually open early in the year
7. The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship (Entrepreneurship)
If you’re a young entrepreneur or innovator, this fellowship could change your life.
Full university funding + mentorship + access to entrepreneurial network
For high-potential matriculants and first-years
Heavy focus on leadership and impact
8. Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship (Postgraduate)
This one’s a big deal — and highly competitive.
Full postgraduate tuition + leadership development + residence allowance
For South Africans and other Africans under age 30
Honors or Masters-level study at any SA university
9. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa-Wide)
Want to study at prestigious universities like UCT, ALA, or even overseas? This program offers full funding to exceptional African students.
Tuition, airfare, visa fees, accommodation, stipend
Study locally or abroad (US, UK, Canada)
Focused on leadership and giving back to Africa
10. Your Municipality or Local Bursary Office
You might be shocked to find out that your local municipality might have bursaries — especially if you’re from a rural area or under-served province.
Ask at your local municipal office
Requirements are usually: proof of residence, acceptance letter, academic record
Sometimes open to adult learners or bridging students too
Final Thoughts
Getting a degree in South Africa does not have to mean drowning in debt or abandoning your goals.
Whether you want to work in medical, education, technology, or business, there is a scholarship or bursary for you.
The most important thing you can do now is to apply early, smartly, and to more than one.
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