The Vodacom Bursary Programme funds students who want to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees that support the country’s growing digital economy.
Vodacom is one of Africa’s largest telecommunications companies and invests heavily in developing digital talent through education funding.
The bursary helps high performing students who have financial need to complete university studies in fields linked to technology and data.
Students who receive the bursary gain both financial support and access to workplace training opportunities.
The programme also exposes bursars to the telecommunications and technology industry through vacation work and career development initiatives.
What does the Vodacom bursary cover?
The Vodacom bursary offers comprehensive financial support for the full duration of a student’s undergraduate degree.
The funding package covers most major study expenses. Some bursary benefits include the following:
- Full tuition and registration fees.
- Accommodation in university residences or a capped allowance for private housing.
- Textbook and study material allowance.
- Meal allowance to cover living expenses.
- A laptop and cellphone for academic use.
Students also receive additional development opportunities during their studies.
These include the following benefits.
- Orientation workshops for new bursary recipients.
- Holiday work placements within Vodacom.
- Work readiness training for final year students.
- Access to the company wellness programme.
These benefits help prepare students for careers in the technology and telecommunications sector.
Vodacom Bursary Eligibility Requirements
Vodacom selects students who show strong academic performance and financial need.
Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements before applying.
The main requirements include the following.
- You must be a South African citizen by birth.
- You must study full time at an accredited South African university.
- Matric students must achieve at least 70 percent across all subjects.
- University students must maintain a minimum average of 65 percent.
- You must demonstrate financial need.
- You must be entering the first, second, or third year of an undergraduate degree.
Vodacom accepts both new university students and those already studying.
Second year students with strong academic results often qualify for consideration.
Which degrees does the Vodacom bursary support?
The bursary mainly focuses on STEM fields that support digital technology and telecommunications.
These fields help build the future workforce for South Africa’s digital economy.
Common funded study areas include the following.
- Computer Science.
- Information Systems.
- Computer Engineering.
- Electronic Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
- Actuarial Science.
- Data related science degrees.
Students studying these degrees develop skills that are essential for software development, network infrastructure, and advanced digital systems.
Vodacom prioritises degrees that support technology innovation and digital transformation.
How to apply for the Vodacom bursary
Applications are completed online through the Vodacom bursary portal.
Students must register an account before submitting an application.
The application process includes the following steps.
- Visit the Vodacom bursary application portal.
- Confirm that you meet all programme requirements.
- Create an online application profile.
- Complete the bursary application form.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Applicants usually receive an email confirmation once their application has been submitted successfully.
Shortlisted candidates may then go through additional screening or interviews.
Documents required for the Vodacom bursary
Applicants must upload supporting documents during the online application process.
These documents help verify identity, academic performance, and financial need.
They include the following:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified Matric certificate or latest results.
- Full academic transcript if already studying.
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a university.
- Fee statement from the university.
- Proof of financial need.
- Parental consent form if the applicant is under 18.
Missing documents can lead to an application being disqualified during the screening process.
Students should prepare all documents before starting the application.
When do Vodacom bursary applications open?
Vodacom usually opens bursary applications once each year. The application period normally begins during mid year.
Recent intakes opened in June and closed at the end of August.
Students seeking funding for the 2027 academic year should watch the portal in June 2026.
Late applications are usually not accepted once the deadline passes.
It is recommended to apply early to avoid technical problems during the final days of the application window.
Does the Vodacom bursary include job opportunities?
The Vodacom bursary programme focuses on developing future digital professionals.
Students funded through the programme gain industry exposure during their studies.
Bursars participate in structured vacation work programmes at Vodacom.
These placements allow students to gain practical experience in real technology environments.
Final year students also receive work readiness training to prepare them for employment.
Many graduates from the programme move into careers in telecommunications, software development, and digital infrastructure.
