SITFE Bursary 2026

By | January 10, 2024

The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) was founded as a private sector initiative in the year 1965 has opened its 2026 academic year bursary application and is inviting all interested applicants to apply. Below is more information this bursary.

Closing Date: 17th January 2026

Bursary Requirements:

  • You must reside within KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga province (known as the “sugarcane growing provinces”)
  • You must fall into 1 of these categories:
    • You must have registered or applied to study towards an Agriculture, Engineering or Science qualification, at a public University, University of Technology or Agricultural College (Owen Sitole College of Agriculture or Cedara College of Agriculture) in South Africa
    • OR
    • You must be a child of a sugarcane farm worker, who has registered or applied to study in ANY field of study, at a University, University of Technology or Agricultural College
  • You must be from the “Missing Middle” group (i.e. you must have a total combined family income of between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum)
  • Your family income must be from sugarcane growing areas, where mills and sugar industry administrative infrastructure are situated
  • Preference will be given to students in their 1st year of study

Bursary Coverage:

Bursaries are available for studies within the fields of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, at any public University, University of Technology or Agricultural College (Owen Sitole College of Agriculture or Cedara College of Agriculture) in South Africa.

Method of Application:

Download and complete the SITFE Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)

Supporting Documents:

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric final trial results and statement of results, if not studying yet (certified copy)
  • Tertiary final exam results, if currently studying (certified copy)
  • Proof of connection to the sugar industry connection, if applicable (certified copy)
  • Proof of parents or guardians household income (payslips if employed, pension receipts if on pension, affidavit if unemployed) (certified copy)
  • Death certificate if a parent is deceased (certified copy)
  • Proof of application or registration at an University, University of Technology or Agricultural College for 2026
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Applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:
1) Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za
(Insert the words “SITFE Bursary Application 2026” in the email subject line).

2) Post:
Agricultural College bursaries:
Hirst Simpson Agricultural Bursaries
(Cedara College) Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education
c/o South African Sugar Association
PO Box 700
Mount Edgecombe
4300

OR

Owen Sithole Agricultural Bursaries
Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education
c/o South African Sugar Association
PO Box 700
Mount Edgecombe
4300

University of Technology bursaries:
University of Technology Bursaries
Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education c/o South African Sugar Association
P O Box 700
Mount Edgecombe
4300

University bursaries:
University Merit/Non-Merit Bursaries
Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education
c/o South African Sugar Association
P O Box 700
Mount Edgecombe
4300

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

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To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
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  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
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NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

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📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
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  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
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🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

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  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
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  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
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You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

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  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
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📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.