A bursary is a financial reward given to qualified students to help ease the cost of higher education. These can be awarded to students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in public and private universities in South Africa.
Private institutions provide students with the opportunity to pursue accredited, high-quality education. However, it is not always possible for students to afford higher education. To help make education more accessible, many organisations and corporations offer bursaries to support learning.
In this article, we will provide a list of bursaries for private institutions, the types available, and who can apply for them.
Table of Contents
Understanding Bursaries for Private Institutions
Affording private education can be a major financial burden for many individuals. Thankfully, bursaries available for private institutions provide some much-needed relief. A bursary is a non-repayable sum of money awarded to a student to help cover educational costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, multiple private organisations, government bodies, and NGOs are increasing their bursary funds and expanding eligibility criteria.
While bursaries used to be primarily need-based, nowadays, academic merit and other achievements can also qualify candidates in South Africa.
Bursaries can cover partial or complete educational costs, including tuition and living expenses. Private organisations typically award only a few bursaries to qualified students annually.
However, since thousands of students apply for them, it is important to apply early and submit all the required documents.
Know How Does A Bursary Differ From A Student Loan?
Eligibility Criteria for Bursaries
Eligibility for a bursary is determined by factors specific to the organisation offering it. Students need to review the bursary criteria before submitting their applications. At the same time, they must also pay attention to the application process, as it varies by bursary.
Listed below are some eligibility criteria that organisations use when distributing bursaries:
- South African National: Most bursaries are awarded to South African nationals, while some might also be awarded to permanent residents.
- Academic Performance: Successful bursary applicants must display strong academic performance in their previous studies. These can be the matric exams or undergraduate programmes.
- Financial Need: While bursaries require students to display academic standing, they must also show need. To this end, applicants are required to submit proof of income and bank statements.
- Field of Study: Some bursaries are awarded to students pursuing particular fields of study, such as teaching or STEM programmes.
- Area of Residence: Some bursaries are awarded to students from particular communities to help uplift them and improve educational outcomes.
To be eligible for a bursary, interested students must carefully review the criteria and required documents. It is also important to keep track of the deadlines, so you do not miss submissions.
Read on What are the Bursary Requirements In South Africa?
The Application Process for Bursaries for Private Institutions 2026-2027
When applying for bursaries for private institutions, students need to review the application steps carefully. This ensures that students are aware of the requirements, deadlines, and documents required for the application.
In South Africa, there is no common application process for all bursaries. Therefore, students need to research and submit individual applications. Listed below are the steps students can use to apply for bursaries for private institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year:
- Research bursaries.
- Check eligibility.
- Shortlist bursaries and make a list of deadlines.
- Arrange for all the required documents.
- Complete the application form with the correct details.
- Await confirmation.
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Types of Bursaries for Private Institutions
Bursaries for private institutions can vary depending on the source and coverage of the bursary. Source refers to the organisation awarding the bursary, while coverage refers to what the bursary pays for
A] Types of Bursaries by Source
When students apply for bursaries, they will notice that the criteria differ depending on who is awarding the bursary. This can also reflect on the field of study or area of residence that they sponsor.
These types of bursaries include:
- Corporate Bursaries: These are awarded by private companies to help attract exceptional talent to particular fields, such as mining or banking. These usually have a work-back agreement.
- Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Bursaries: These bursaries are awarded in specific fields to address skill shortages.
- Trusts and Foundations: These bursaries are offered to help improve community development and access to education.
- Private Institution Bursaries: Some private higher education institutions award bursaries to students enrolling in their programmes.
B] Types of Bursaries by Coverage
Bursaries can also be identified by the amount of coverage they offer. Students should apply for bursaries that help to cover their required expenses. Bursaries for private institutions by coverage can be identified as:
- Full Bursary: These bursaries cover all educational costs for the duration of the study. In addition to tuition, they cover books, living, transportation, and the cost of study materials.
- Partial Bursary: These typically cover tuition or tuition and books, but do not cover any additional costs.
- Top-up Bursary: These bursaries are designed to cover any remaining costs after students have secured other forms of funding or have pending fees.
- Fixed/Capped Bursary: These bursaries help cover tuition costs up to a set amount.
Find out How to Write A Motivational Letter For A Bursary: Tips and Examples here!
Private Bursaries in South Africa for Specific Fields
Numerous bursaries are available to students in South Africa to help ease the cost of higher education. One of the most effective ways to search for bursaries is to apply for those awarded to specific fields of study.
If corporations award these, they will typically have a work-back agreement that guarantees employment post-graduation.
The table below lists bursaries that are available for specific fields of study:
| Field of Study | Who Is It For? | Example Bursaries |
| Business | Students studying business, finance, or marketing | MANCOSA Bursary, FOSKOR Bursary, ETDP SETA Bursary, Grandslots Bursary |
| Accounting | Students in accounting, finance, or taxation | Monocle Foundation Bursary, Standard Bank Bursary, Stanlib Bursary, Tronox Bursary, AWS Skills Development Bursary |
| Engineering | Students in civil, electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering | South African Civil Aviation Authority Bursary, J.P. Morgan Bursary, SANSA Bursary, Armscor Bursary South Africa 2025 |
| Medical | Students in medicine, nursing, or healthcare | EXXARO Bursary, ADSA Bursary, Armscor Bursary, Ninety One Bursary, Rio Tinto / RBM Bursary |
| Law | Students pursuing law or legal studies | Bowmans Bursary, Bushbuckridge Municipality Bursary, Calvin and Family Group (CFG) Bursary, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Bursary, FOSKOR Bursary |
Tips for a Successful Bursary Application
Bursaries can ease the cost of higher education for many qualified students. Therefore, students should pay extra attention when applying for bursaries. Incomplete applications or missing documents can result in rejection.
This, in turn, could derail plans for commencing higher education programmes in the upcoming academic year. Listed below are some tips that students can follow for a successful bursary application:
- Maintain consistent and strong academic progress.
- Participate in extracurricular activities
- Highlight leadership roles
- Write a strong personal statement
- Pay strict attention to the deadlines
- Complete the application form with correct information
- Attach the required documents.
A successful bursary application shows that you meet the requirements and present a strong profile that stands out from other applicants. By following these tips and working hard, you can improve your chances of getting the financial support you need for your studies.
Know How to Write a Bursary Appeal Letter? Tips and Sample Template
Conclusion
Higher education can put financial stress on students, however, bursaries for private institutions help make it possible to enrol in accredited programmes. The bursaries available for the 2026-2027 academic year help reduce tuition costs, and many also contribute to education-related expenses.
At Regenesys Education, it is possible to enrol for higher education without any bursaries. We offer flexible payment plans for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Additionally, we work closely with loan providers to help reduce costs for qualified students.
Visit the Regenesys Education website and enrol for our accredited programmes today!
Bursaries for Private Institutions in South Africa 2025-2026 – FAQ
What are bursaries?
Bursaries are financial awards provided to students to help cover the cost of their education. Institutions, companies, organisations, or foundations usually offer these non-repayable bursaries.
Are there bursaries that fund private institutions?
Yes. Many private institutions in South Africa offer bursaries, often funded by the institution itself or in partnership with companies and professional associations. These bursaries can help cover tuition, books, accommodation, and other study-related costs.
What are private college bursaries?
Private college bursaries are financial awards specifically for students studying at private colleges or universities. Providers offer partial or full bursaries based on need, merit, or field of study to make private education more affordable.
Are bursaries only available for undergraduate studies?
Depending on the provider, bursaries can be available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Some are specifically for students pursuing advanced degrees or research programmes.
Do I need to maintain a specific academic performance to keep my bursary?
Yes. Most bursary providers require students to maintain certain academic standards. The institution can withdraw the bursary if you fail to meet the required standards.
