NSFAS gets most of the attention, but it's far from the only funding option available to South African students. Sector-specific bursaries, private funders and company-sponsored study can cover students NSFAS doesn't reach — and in some cases, offer more generous support alongside a guaranteed job afterward.
Sector and government bursaries
Several government departments and public entities fund students specifically in fields they need more graduates in — Engineering, Health Sciences, Accounting and Education are common examples. These often come with a work-back condition: you're required to work for the funding body for a set number of years after you graduate, which is worth factoring into your decision.
Private and corporate bursaries
Many private companies, especially in banking, mining, engineering and accounting, fund students studying in fields relevant to their business — often specifically to build their own future talent pipeline. These can be highly competitive but frequently include extras like mentorship, vacation work and guaranteed graduate employment.
University-specific financial aid
Beyond NSFAS and external bursaries, most universities run their own merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid programmes. These are worth checking directly with your target university's financial aid office — they're not always as widely advertised as NSFAS or major corporate bursaries.
How to actually apply
- Start early. Many bursary applications open and close well before university application deadlines.
- Apply to more than one. Being turned down for one bursary has no bearing on another — treat each application independently.
- Match your subjects to the field. Sector-specific bursaries usually require you to already be pursuing (or committing to) a related qualification.
- Read the work-back terms carefully. A generous bursary with a long, inflexible work-back commitment is a real trade-off — understand what you're agreeing to before you sign.
Still working through NSFAS specifically? Here's the full 2027 NSFAS application guide.