Pursuing higher education is an important step for many young people and working professionals in South Africa. However, rising costs such as tuition fees, accommodation, books, and daily living expenses can make studying unaffordable for many families.
Student funding plays a vital role in making higher education more accessible by helping students cover these costs. With the right financial support, students can focus on their studies, reduce financial stress, and improve their chances of academic success.
South Africa offers a range of student funding options through both government and private sources. These include bursaries, scholarships, grants, and student loans, designed to support students at different stages of their education.
In this article, we explore the different types of student funding in South Africa in detail, the institutions that offer financial assistance, and a step-by-step guide to applying for funding.
Table of Contents
Student Funding In South Africa
In South Africa, student funding is divided into government and private schemes available to students every academic year. Most funding options are only available to South African citizens, though some may also be available for permanent residents.
When students apply for funding, they usually receive the required amount for one year of study. To continue receiving funding, students must maintain their academic standing and reapply every year until graduation.
While various funding sources are available in South Africa, students sometimes face challenges securing financial aid. Issues can include limited funds, late disbursements, deadlines, etc.
Read more on What is a Student Loan? Exploring Different Types, Eligibility Criteria and More.
Challenges Students Might Face
While student funding opens doors to higher education, the process of applying for and managing funding is not always easy. Many students struggle to understand different funding options, eligibility requirements, and application timelines. This can lead to missed opportunities or delays in receiving financial support.
In addition, financial pressure can affect a studentā€™s academic performance and overall well-being. Being aware of common challenges in advance allows students to plan better and seek guidance early. It also helps them explore backup options if their first choice of funding is not approved.
The following are some of the key challenges faced by students, along with relevant solutions:
1. Insufficient funds – It is possible that certain government scholarships or bursaries might have their funding cut, which leaves many deserving students without the funds required to complete their education.
Solution: Students are encouraged to explore multiple funding options.
2. Late payments – Some bursaries, such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), release funds monthly. This affects when a student can purchase study-related materials.
Solution: Students must learn to budget effectively for study-related materials.
3. Deadlines – Unlike student loans, scholarships and bursaries do not have a rolling application process. Students must keep track of the available funding options and submit applications before the deadline. If students miss the deadline, they will not be eligible for funding.
Solution: Students should note the deadlines and begin the application process a few weeks in advance.
4. Unemployment – If the economy is facing a downturn, individuals who have secured loans might find it difficult to begin repayments.
Solution: Students should research their programme and career paths and choose a field that promises long-term growth.
5. Limited support for non-degree programmes – It is difficult for students to secure funding for vocational and short programmes.
Solution: Students can choose to work part-time to help pay for their programme.
Read more on How to Apply for Student Loans? Exploring Essential Requirements and Documents.
What Are The Options For Student Funding?
To promote higher education and meet the country’s skills demand, South Africa offers various funding options for students. These are available for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and help cover all the costs of pursuing higher education.
Student funding can take the form of need-based assistance for deserving students that does not need to be repaid. It can also be student loans, which require repayment once students graduate.
Some of the funding options available to students in South Africa are listed below.
1. Scholarships
These are awarded to students based on their academic performance and are generally awarded by universities.
2. Bursaries
This is a need-based financial aid offered by the South African government and many private corporations to help students from impoverished backgrounds gain access to higher education. Students who accept private bursaries usually need to work with the company upon graduation.
3. Grants
These are project or study-specific funding that allow students to complete research in niche areas. Universities, the government, and private companies can award these.
4. Student Loans
In South Africa, individuals can apply for student loans from private banks, education finance providers, and through government schemes. Student loans need to be repaid. Therefore, individuals need to research before finalising a loan provider.
5. Employer Sponsorship
Some companies in South Africa help to sponsor employees for postgraduate education, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This sponsorship requires employees to work for the company in a senior role upon graduation.
Read more on Student Bursaries Explained: Guide For International And Overseas Applicants.
What Are The Types Of Student Funding?
While many funding sources are available in South Africa, students need to first decide which type of funding will best meet their needs. This is important since it can determine if the financial assistance amount needs to be repaid.
At the same time, the course of study and the institute to which the student has been admitted can also determine the funding options available. Some private bursaries are only available to students who pursue specific programmes. This is because companies want to pay for an education that provides knowledge in the field in which they operate.
The following is a list of the different types of funding for students:
1. Merit-Based – These scholarships can be awarded for undergraduate and postgraduate studies to students who display academic and professional excellence.
2. Need-Based – This type of student funding helps encourage students from impoverished backgrounds to enroll in university programmes, which can lead to a better standard of living.
3. Full-Funding – This covers the entire cost of education, including tuition, accommodation, and study materials. In South Africa, this is primarily provided through student loans, which must be repaid after graduation.
4. Partial Funding – It is possible to apply for partial funding and pay for the remaining expenses from personal savings. This helps reduce the amount of student loan debt to be repaid after graduation.
5. Funding for specific fields of study – This type of funding helps promote education in a specific field, such as Accounting or Teaching. It is often offered in areas where the country is facing a skills shortage. The government or private sector can award this type of student funding.
6. Funding for students from specific geographical areas – In South Africa, municipal and provincial student funding is also available to help promote higher education.
Read more on Insights into Financial Aid: Comparing Scholarships and Bursaries.
Student Funding For Private Colleges
Various funding options are available for students attending private colleges and educational institutions such as Regenesys Education. It is registered under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and accredited by the Centre of Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Students attending Regenesys Education programmes can apply for private bursaries and student loans to help pay for higher education. They can also apply for student loans from banks or private institutions.
Regenesys Education has partnered with leading financial aid institutions to help students pay for higher studies and manage their costs. There are various flexible repayment options available for student loans.
How To Apply For Student Funding?
Applying for student funding requires careful planning and organisation, as most funding options have strict requirements and fixed deadlines. Students should begin by researching available funding options and understanding the eligibility criteria.
While application processes may differ slightly between providers, they generally follow a similar structure. Starting early, keeping track of required documents, and following each step carefully can improve the chances of securing the financial support needed for studies.
Here is the step-by-step process to follow:
1. Research student funding options – The first step is for students to research the types of funding available for their field of study. They can check government and private funding options.
2. Check criteria – Next, students must check if they meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned for the funding. This can include academic standing, study format, financial need, etc.
3. Prepare necessary documents – It is important to prepare the documents before students begin their applications. It makes it easier when students have everything prepared beforehand. Most applications require these documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of household income
- Proof of admission or proof of registration at a higher education institution
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Parent or guardianā€™s financial statements (if applying for need-based funding)
- Certified copy of matric certificate (for undergraduate studies)
- Bank details
4. Fill out the application form – Students need to fill out individual applications for each financial aid programme. Most applications can be submitted online. This makes it easier for students and the aid provider to track applications and check documents.
5. Submit before the deadline – It is important for students to submit their application with all the required documents before the deadline.
6. Track progress – Once students have submitted the application, they can track the progress of their funding and submit any additional documents that might be required.
Read more on Online Bursary Applications for 2026 Undergraduate Studies in SA.
Which Are The Organisations & Institutions Offering Student Funding?
Student funding plays an important role in improving access to higher education and helping students qualify for in-demand skilled roles. It also improves earning potential and supports a better standard of living. Funding is provided by government departments, private companies, banks, and financial institutions that support education and skills development linked to economic growth.
Each organisation offers funding for specific fields of study and educational levels. By exploring both government and private options, students can find funding that aligns with their academic goals and financial needs.
The following are some organisations that provide student funding in South Africa:
1. Government Scholarships and Bursaries
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
- Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA)
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary
- City of Johannesburg Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary to Study Medicine in Cuba
- Stellenbosch Municipality Bursary
2. Private Bursaries
- Sasol Bursary: Bursaries in STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Anglo-American Bursary: Aimed at students studying engineering, geology, and other mining-related fields.
- Telkom Bursary: Focus on IT, telecommunications, and engineering.
- Standard Bank Bursary: Available for finance, economics, and business-related fields.
- Absa Fellowship Bursary: Available for science, technology, engineering, and social science.
3. Student Loans
- Standard Bank
- Absa
- Capitec
- FNB
- Fundi
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Conclusion
Student funding in South Africa plays an important role in making higher education accessible to South African students who might otherwise struggle to afford tuition fees and related costs. With a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, bursaries, grants, and student loans, students can access the support they need to pursue their academic and career goals.
The South African government, private-sector companies, and various educational institutions offer funding opportunities to meet the diverse needs of students, ranging from merit-based scholarships to need-based bursaries and student loans.
Students should check out the Regenesys Education website for more information regarding various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Regenesys Education also offers financial aid schemes in partnership with leading providers.
Contact us to speak with a career adviser today and learn how to get student funding from Regenesys Education.
FAQs
What are the main types of student funding in South Africa?
In South Africa, the main types of funding include bursaries, grants, scholarships, and student loans.
What are the options for student funding for private colleges?
Students studying at private colleges can apply for bursaries, student loans, and employer sponsorship to help fund their education
How to apply for student funding?
Once students have shortlisted the funding programmes applicable to them, they can submit their application along with all required documents on the individual website.
What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
Scholarships are usually merit-based, while bursaries are need-based. Students who are awarded scholarships and bursaries do not have to repay the amount.
What are some challenges when applying for student funding?
Common challenges include limited funding availability, delayed payments, strict eligibility criteria, and missed application deadlines. It is important to research multiple funding sources to ensure you have access to financial support.
How to get funding for private institutions?
You can get funding for a private college by applying for private bursaries, taking out student loans from banks or other finance providers, or securing employer sponsorship if you are working.
