10 Bursaries in South Africa to Apply for Before 31 August 2026
If you are hoping to study in 2027 and still need funding, August is one of the busiest bursary months of the year. A lot of good opportunities close before the end of the month, so it is worth setting aside an afternoon to get your documents ready and submit as many applications as you qualify for. Below are 10 real bursaries currently open in South Africa, all with closing dates on or before 31 August 2026.
A quick note before the list: always confirm the exact closing date and requirements on the bursary provider’s own website before you apply, since details can change and some organisations close applications early once they receive enough submissions.
1. Capitec External Bursary Programme
Capitec’s bursary supports students at any DHET or CHE registered tertiary institution in South Africa. It is open to a wide range of qualifications rather than a single field, which makes it worth applying for even if your course does not fit a niche category.
Closing date: 12 August 2026
2. SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory offers a fully funded scholarship for students studying BSc or BEng degrees, particularly those with strong Mathematics and Physical Science results. Funding can run for one to four years depending on your year of study, and it connects successful applicants to South Africa’s radio astronomy and SKA programme.
Closing date: 14 August 2026
3. Knight Piésold Civil Engineering Bursary
This bursary supports academically strong civil engineering students who need financial assistance, at accredited universities in South Africa and several neighbouring countries. It is a good option if you are studying civil engineering and want a bursary tied to a company you could realistically work for after graduating.
Closing date: 15 August 2026
4. Hortgro Bursary
Hortgro supports students studying towards careers linked to South Africa’s fruit and horticulture industry. If you are studying agriculture, horticulture, or a related science and have an interest in this sector, it is worth a look.
Closing date: 15 August 2026
5. Wilmar SA Bursary
Wilmar SA runs a bursary programme for South African students, aimed at developing future talent for the company. As with most corporate bursaries, check the specific fields of study covered before applying.
Closing date: 16 August 2026
6. Columbus Stainless Bursary
Columbus Stainless, a stainless steel producer, offers bursaries aimed at engineering and technical fields that feed into its own operations. This is a strong option if you are studying metallurgy, engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Closing date: 28 August 2026
7. PwC South Africa Chartered Accountant Programme Bursary
PwC’s bursary is aimed at Grade 12 learners and university students working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, including those completing a CTA or PGDA. It is one of the more established accounting bursaries in the country and comes with a clear path into PwC’s training programme.
Closing date: 31 August 2026
8. SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund
The Thuthuka Bursary Fund is SAICA’s flagship transformation bursary for African and Coloured students working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. It covers full funding at a SAICA accredited university and includes a structured path through articles to full CA(SA) qualification.
Closing date: 31 August 2026
9. Masakh’iSizwe Bursary (Western Cape Government)
This bursary is run by the Western Cape Government and supports students from the province studying towards scarce and critical skills. If you live in the Western Cape, it is worth checking your eligibility even if you are studying outside the province.
Closing date: 31 August 2026
10. Implats Bursary
Impala Platinum Refineries offers bursaries mainly in mining, engineering, and related technical fields, aimed at building a pipeline of skilled graduates for the company. This is a solid option if you are studying towards a mining or engineering related qualification.
Closing date: 31 August 2026
How to Give Yourself the Best Chance
Apply to more than one bursary on this list if you qualify for them, since bursaries are competitive and there is no rule against holding multiple applications at once until you are offered one. Get your certified ID copy, latest academic results, and proof of household income ready now so you are not scrambling in the last few days before a deadline. Read each bursary’s specific field and eligibility requirements carefully, since applying for a bursary in a field you are not studying wastes your time and theirs. Finally, keep a simple list of what you applied for, when, and what documents you sent, so you are not caught off guard if a provider follows up or asks for something you already submitted elsewhere.
Final Word
Ten solid bursaries, all closing before 31 August 2026, are sitting open right now across engineering, accounting, agriculture, and general study fields. Set a reminder, gather your documents this week, and apply to every one you genuinely qualify for. Funding for 2027 is being decided this month, not next year.
Looking for another opportunity?
Search Youth Opportunities Hub for jobs, bursaries, internships, learnerships, scholarships and more.
