Bursaries Closing in March 2026 in South Africa

Bursaries are a type of financial reward that helps students pay for higher education in South Africa. While most bursaries for 2026 have closed, there are some that are still accepting applications. 

These bursaries closing in March make it possible for students who are beginning university in a later intake. Missing these deadlines may mean waiting another full year for the next opportunity.

In this article, we will cover March closing bursaries, the programmes they cover, and their exact deadlines.

What is a Bursary?

A bursary is a form of financial assistance awarded to students to help cover the costs of higher education. Unlike student loans, bursaries do not need to be repaid. 

Funding can be directed towards specific fields of study that align with national skills shortages. Corporate bursaries often focus on disciplines linked to their industry. They also typically include a work-back clause. This guarantees employment for graduates and helps the company build their workforce.

The financial coverage of a bursary varies by provider. Some bursaries cover only tuition fees, while others may include full expense coverage. These can include housing, textbooks, registration fees, and living allowances. 

Bursaries Closing in March

Bursaries in South Africa are awarded by the government and private corporations. Some are also provided by trusts. Private bursaries typically cover specialised fields of study and include a work-back clause.

Government and trust-backed bursaries generally cover all fields of study. It is important for students to review the exact bursary requirements before they begin the application process.

The table below includes the names of bursaries closing in March 2026 with exact deadlines:

Bursaries With Unconfirmed Deadlines

In addition to bursaries with confirmed deadlines, there are open bursaries that have not yet released their deadline. This means that students can still apply for these bursaries. The deadlines for this could be released later in the year.

Below is the list of bursaries with unconfirmed deadlines:

• Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) Bursary
• Heribert Nasch Bursary
• Hulamin Bursary
• JG Afrika Bursary
• Kearney Bursary
• Moshal Scholarship Program
• Milkor Bursary
• Mineral Processing Guru (MPG) Bursary
• PG Group Bursary
• Shell Bursary
• WBHO Bursary
• Worley Bursary
• WSP Bursary 

Bursaries With Ongoing Applications

There are also bursaries in South Africa that accept applications throughout the year. This means that if you miss the March deadline by any chance, you still have options.

Some bursaries with ongoing applications are:

• Bester Bursary & Graduate Development Programme 
• BBD Bursary
• Advance Africa Scholarship 
• TTI Bursary
• MINDS Scholarship
• Career-Wise Bursaries

Eligibility Criteria for the Bursaries Closing in March 2026

Before submitting an application, students must carefully review the eligibility requirements set by each bursary provider. Meeting the minimum requirements is necessary before an application will be considered for evaluation.

Students should note that meeting the criteria does not guarantee the bursary. While specific criteria may differ, these are some common criteria:

• Applicants must be South African citizens. Certain bursary providers may also consider permanent residents.
• Applicants should currently be in Matric or have successfully completed Matric.
• A solid academic record is required.
• Applicants must be registered at, or have applied to, a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Students should be enrolled in a full-time programme.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need through appropriate supporting documentation.

BED Documents Required for the March Bursaries

Preparing the correct documentation is one of the most important parts of applying for bursaries closing in March 2026. Students can face rejection if documents are missing, outdated, or incorrectly submitted.

Students are encouraged to have copies of the required documents prepared before they begin the application process. Most bursaries request a standard set of certified supporting documents. 

These include:

• South African ID
• Latest academic records
• Proof of registration or acceptance to an approved university
• Motivational letter
• Proof of household income
• Proof of residence

How to Apply for the March Bursaries?

Applying for bursaries that close in March requires close attention to detail. Because many major funding programmes share similar deadlines, students often submit multiple applications. An organised and structured approach can prevent errors and improve the overall quality.

Students can follow these steps when applying for bursaries closing in March 2026:

1. Research and shortlist suitable bursaries
2. Confirm eligibility
3. Gather certified documents
4. Complete the application form correctly
5. Write a tailored motivation letter
6. Submit before the deadline
7. Track your application

Conclusion

Bursaries closing in March 2026 offer valuable financial support for students planning to begin or continue higher education. Students can choose from government- and private-sponsored bursaries that cover a wide range of programmes.

It is important for students to make a note of the deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents. They need to take a structured approach to complete the application and submit it before the deadline.

Explore our CHE-accredited programmes on the Regenesys Education website.

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