Government bursaries are funding opportunities provided or supported by the South African government to help students afford tertiary education.
These bursaries can cover tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, living allowances, and more.
They include national schemes, targeted professional funding, and department‑specific awards.
Students across all fields should explore these opportunities early, as each bursary has its own application period and eligibility requirements.
Government Bursaries in South Africa for 2027
Here are the widely recognised government bursary programmes for South African students in 2027:
- NSFAS Bursary – National Student Financial Aid Scheme supports students with tuition, accommodation, allowances, and more at public universities and TVET colleges.
- Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme – Full funding for students training to become teachers, with a requirement to teach in public schools after graduating.
- Department of Military Veterans Bursary – Provides educational funding for registered military veterans and their dependants, covering tuition, materials, and allowances.
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development Bursary – Bursary for studies related to agriculture and rural development disciplines.
- Department of Public Works Bursary – Funding for studies in built environment and infrastructure‑related fields.
- Department of Social Development Bursary – Supports students pursuing social work and related human services fields.
- Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary – Bursary for water resource and related science/engineering studies.
- Department of Tourism Bursary – Funding for students in tourism and hospitality management programmes.
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment Bursary – Supports environmental science and resource management studies.
- Department of Sport, Arts & Culture Bursary – Funding for related creative, cultural, and sport management programmes.
- National Treasury Bursary – Bursary for accounting, economics, and financial management related qualifications.
- Compensation Fund Bursary – Funding tied to workplace compensation, occupational safety, or insurance management studies.
- Department of Mineral Resources Bursary – Bursary for mining and geological science related fields.
Some bursaries listed above are administered directly by departments, while others are distributed through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Who qualifies for government bursaries in South Africa
Most government bursaries have shared eligibility criteria:
- You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- You must be studying or have provisional acceptance at a recognised public university or TVET college.
- You must meet the academic requirements (usually passing Matric or equivalent).
- Some bursaries require financial need evidence, such as proof of household income.
- Certain programmes have programme‑specific conditions (for example, Funza Lushaka requires a commitment to teach in public schools).
Always check the official bursary page for details as requirements vary by programme.
When do government bursary applications open for 2027
Government bursary application timelines typically follow an annual pattern:
- NSFAS bursary applications usually open around September and close in January of the following year.
- Funza Lushaka applications often open in October and close between November and January for new applicants.
- Department‑specific bursaries usually open between March and August each year but vary by department and funding availability.
It is important to monitor department websites and funding portals for exact dates.
What government bursaries cover
Government bursaries may provide financial support for:
- Tuition fees at public universities and TVET colleges.
- Accommodation and living allowances.
- Study materials such as textbooks and laptops.
- Transport or meal allowances.
- Specialist support for priority skills areas.
Coverage varies by bursary scheme and is detailed on each official portal.
How to apply for government bursaries in South Africa
Follow these steps to apply:
- Identify the government bursary that matches your study field and eligibility.
- Visit the official application portal linked on the programme’s website.
- Create an account if required and complete the online form.
- Upload certified copies of required supporting documents such as ID, latest academic results, and proof of household income.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
For NSFAS and Funza Lushaka, applications are submitted online through their respective official portals.
Documents needed for government bursary applications
Government bursary applications usually require:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Latest academic results or Matric certificate.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Household income documentation for means‑tested bursaries.
- Additional forms if specified by the bursary provider.
Make sure all copies are certified on or after the date specified by the bursary provider.
Contact details for government bursary providers
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Official portal
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Contact Centre: 08000 67327
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006 - Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
Application portal
Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
Phone: 012 357 3000
Call Centre: 0800 202 933 - Department of Basic Education
For other government bursaries, visit the respective department’s official website and bursary pages for updated application details and contacts.
