No doubt, pursuing a university education in South Africa is financially challenging; there are many things to pay for.
As an ex-student of the University of Pretoria, I had a lot to pay for and I saw many students struggle with these fees.
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Many students needed financial aid like bursaries to complete their studies.
Bursaries provide a valuable opportunity to help students ease the financial demands of university education.
I witnessed many students get by every day with funds from different bursaries they benefited from.
The amazing part?
These bursaries were awarded not just based on merits but also on needs – some got it because they needed the funds the most.
Therefore, you can get bursaries even if you’re not the smartest student in the room.
In addition, unlike loans, a bursary as a financial grant given to students does not need to be repaid.
Did I forget to say that bursaries can be awarded based on your academic achievement, level of financial need, merit, special talent, or other specific factors?
Yes, that’s right!
The criteria for awarding bursaries are decided by the bursary provider and you only get picked if you meet all the criteria.
If you need a bursary for your university in South Africa, we have shared below, the steps to secure the right bursary for your university education.
Who qualifies for a bursary in South Africa?
Criteria for bursaries differ, it depends on the bursary providers.
To qualify for a bursary in South Africa, you must be:
- A South African citizen: Most bursaries in South Africa are available only to South African citizens or permanent residents.
- A student with financial need: Some bursaries are open to not just South African citizens or permanent residents but also to low-income families who cannot afford a university education.
- An academic achiever: You can also qualify for a bursary if you have excellent academic records or specific talents needed by the organizers.
- A student in a specific field: You can qualify for a bursary if you’re a student in a high-in-demand field like engineering, science, medicine, education, or technology.
- A student from a disadvantaged group: Some bursaries are awarded to only students from marginalized communities like black South Africans, women, minority groups, and people with disabilities.
- A student of a particular community or a student involved in an extracurricular: Bursaries can also be awarded to you if you’re from a particular community or involved in a particular extracurricular activity.
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You can also qualify for a bursary if you’re not in any of these groups but meet the eligibility requirements set by the bursary provider.
Who offers bursaries in South Africa?
Bursaries in South Africa are offered by:
- Government Agencies: In South Africa, different government agencies like the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and provincial education departments, offer bursaries to support students.
- Private Companies: Many companies and large corporations like Sasol, Vodacom, and Eskom, also offer bursaries to students (especially those pursuing a university education in fields relevant to their industry).
- Indigenous Universities and Colleges: Many Universities and Colleges also have bursaries for students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific study areas.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities like the Nelson Mandela Foundation offer bursaries to help underprivileged students get an education
- Professional Associations: In South Africa, many professional associations offer bursaries to students in their respective fields. Examples include the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- Community and Religious Organizations: Other groups that offer bursaries in South Africa are religious groups and communities. They usually offer it to their members only.
Many companies offer bursaries with the expectation that the recipients will work for the company after graduation.
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If you need bursaries for your university education, below is how to get a bursary for your university in South Africa.
How to get a bursary for university in South Africa
To get a bursary for your university in South Africa, search for available bursary opportunities.
Step 1. Search for available bursaries
You can start your search online. Many websites list available bursaries for university education in South Africa.
To find them, check Google.com.
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Go to Google.com and type the phrase “Bursaries in South Africa or any related phrase”.
This will bring lots of results.
You can open each page and check available bursaries.
Other online resources where you can find available bursary opportunities for university education in South Africa include:
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- Bursaries-Southafrica.co.za
- Zabursaries.co.za
- Studytrust.org.za
- StudentRoom.co.za
- Resbank.co.za
- WeatherSa.co.za
- Graduates24.com
- Sasolbursaries.com
Aside from online resources, check universities for available opportunities.
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University financial aid offices
If you have a university you’re interested in, reach out to their financial aid office and enquire about any available bursary opportunity.
They’ll help you with a list of available bursaries and other funding options specific to the institution.
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Government and private bursaries
The South African government offers bursaries as well, so, check with the Department of Higher Education and Training for government bursaries.
Additionally, check many private companies in South Africa, many of them offer bursaries to students pursuing studies in fields relevant to their industry.
We have examples like the Sasol Bursary Scheme and the Vodacom Bursary.
When you find available bursaries, check the eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Check the requirements of each bursary
To ensure you’re eligible for a bursary, check the requirements.
Check if you meet the bursary’s
- Academic requirements: You need to meet the bursary’s minimum academic requirements to be eligible to apply for it.
- Field of study: Check if you’re in the field of study that the bursary supports.
- Financial criteria: Determine if your level of financial need meets the bursary’s criteria.
- Demographic requirements: Some bursaries target people of a particular demographic like women, people with disabilities, or disadvantaged communities. Are you among these people?
- Geographic restrictions: Some bursaries are only available to students from particular regions or provinces. make sure you’re from that region or province.
- Check for other requirements not listed here.
Do this for every bursary on your list to narrow down your list.
If I’m looking for a bursary opportunity, I’ll check the eligibility requirements very well to ensure that I’m eligible before I apply.
This is what I expect you to do.
Ensure you’re eligible for any bursary opportunity you’re applying for.
Step 3: Prepare your application
Prepare to apply for all the bursaries you’re eligible for – there is no limit to the number of bursaries you can apply for.
I’ll apply to as many as I’m eligible for – this way, I’ll have more options.
The more you apply, the better your chances!
To apply, you need:
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Your academic documents
You’ll need your latest transcripts, certificates, and any other academic documents stated in the bursary’s application portal.
Do not forget that each bursary has its separate application requirements.
Apply for each separately.
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Personal Statement
Write a personal statement.
Your PS is your chance to tell your story.
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As an applicant, I will explain why I need the bursary, show my academic history, and how helpful the bursary will be to me.
I’ll be honest and passionate in my PS.
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Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are important.
Include at least two (I’ll include more than 2).
You can ask your teachers, employers, or community leaders to write for you – they are people who know you very well.
Here is what your recommendation letter will do for you:
It’ll highlight your character, achievements, and potential and provide proof of why you should be trusted.
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Include your financial documents
If you’re applying for need-based bursaries, you “must” include your financial document.
Now, understand this; the more in need of financial help you are, the higher your chances of success in a need-based bursary application.
I will include documents like my bank statements and proof of income in my application.
These documents will be used to determine my level of financial needs, so, in your application, include them.
Step 4. Submit your application
Upon completing the application form and uploading all the required documents, submit your application.
Each bursary has application instructions.
Make sure you follow the “application” instructions.
If you disobey the application guidelines, your application will be rejected.
If I’m applying, I’ll make sure I follow the application guidelines, so, I expect you to do the same.
Deadlines
Bursary applications have deadlines, ensure you meet the deadline.
Do not apply after the deadline.
To avoid missing deadlines, I’ll advise that you mark your calendar and set reminders on your phone.
Online and offline submissions
Some bursaries require online applications, while others need you to submit your application offline.
Make sure you know the preferred submission method for each bursary.
Step 5. After submission
After submitting your application, follow up with the bursary provider, and confirm if they received your application.
You can send an email to the providers, there is nothing wrong with that!
You can also ask about the timeline for decisions.
They’ll know that you’re interested and keep you informed.
Some bursaries require an interview
Yes, this is true, to get some bursaries, you’ll be interviewed by the providers.
You must excel in this interview if you want to be picked, so, practice common interview questions and their answers.
Make sure that before the interview, you can answer every question they may ask you.
TipsÂ
To get a bursary, start searching for and applying for them early.
In addition, apply to as many as you qualify for.
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The mathematics behind it is that “the more applications you submit, the better your chances of receiving a bursary”.
To avoid mixing things up, you can use a spreadsheet to track all the bursaries you want to apply for.
FAQs
Where can I apply for a bursary in South Africa?
You can apply for bursaries in South Africa through different university’s bursary application portals, private company websites, government departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and online bursary portals like SA Bursaries and Bursaries in South Africa.
What grades do you need to get a bursary in South Africa?
The grade you need to get a bursary in South Africa depends on the bursary requirements and target. For merit-based bursaries, you need high grades (usually a minimum of 70% or higher) but for need-based bursaries, you don’t necessarily need high grades but a qualifying level of financial needs.
How much does a bursary give you in South Africa?
A bursary can give you all your tuition fees plus extra cash for other expenses. The accurate amount varies between bursaries.
While some offer full sponsorship (they cover your full tuition fees, accommodation, and textbooks) others cover a part of your financial needs.
Which companies sponsor students in South Africa?
Companies that sponsor students in South Africa include:
Can a foreigner get a bursary in South Africa?
Although most South African bursaries are available to citizens and permanent residents, a foreigner can get a bursary in South Africa.
Some universities and private organizations in South Africa offer bursary opportunities to international students.
Can a permanent resident get a bursary in South Africa?
Of course, permanent residents in South Africa are eligible for bursaries in the country. Most bursary programs are not just open to citizens alone but also permanent residents.
Which universities offer scholarships for international students in South Africa?
Most South African universities offer scholarships for international students, they include:
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
Can foreigners get a student loan in South Africa?
It is not easy for a foreigner to get a student loan in South Africa, most student loans in the country are designed for citizens and permanent residents.
However, some banks and private organizations will be willing to offer loans to foreign students who meet their loan requirements.
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Getting a bursary is a great way to fund your education in South Africa.