StudyTrust Bursaries South Africa 2026 – 2026

By | October 15, 2020
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StudyTrust, established in 1974, are an educational public benefit organisation which helps learners find study opportunities. The company administers bursaries and scholarships by various large companies, as well as providing mentorship to assist tertiary students with academic and personal development.
 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

StudyTrust are offering 3 types of bursary programmes, sponsored by a various blue-chip South African companies and international companies:

1) Bursaries for Universities of Technology students: for studies at public Universities of Technology in South Africa.

2) Bursaries for TVET and Agricultural students: for studies at public TVET and Agricultural institutions in South Africa.

3) Bursaries for University students: for studies at a public University in the following fields: Accounting and Auditing/ Actuarial Science/ Advertising and Media/ Aeronautical Engineering/ Agriculture and Forestry/ Biological Sciences/ Biotechnology/ Business and Management Studies/ Chemical Engineering/ Chemistry/ Civil Engineering/ Computer Science/ Consumer Science/ Data Science/ Economics/ Electrical and Electronic Engineering/ Entrepreneurship/ Finance/ Food Science/ Forensic Science/ General Management/ Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation and Tourism/ Human Resources/ Industrial and Organisational Psychology/ Industrial Engineering/ Information Systems/ Information Technology/ Insurance/ International Relations/ Investments/ Law/ Manufacturing Engineering/ Marketing/ Materials Science/ Mathematics/ Mechanical Engineering/ Mechatronic Engineering/ Mining Engineering/ Office Administration/ Operational Research/ Physics/ Project Management/ Quality Management/ Quantitative Management/ Retail Management/ Risk Management/ Sales/ Statistics/ Supply Chain Management/ Taxation/ Transport and Logistics
 

MORE ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses (across all 3 bursary programmes): tuition fees, study materials, prescribed books, accommodation, meals, transport, a living allowance and a laptop.

Students will also receive the following: individual attention, mentoring, financial support and personal development of skills and competencies to succeed as a student and in the working world.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
Universities of Technology students:

  • South African citizen
  • Completed Matric OR currently in Matric
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 50% in Matric
  • Achieved a minimum of 50% for every subject in Matric (Mathematical Literacy is accepted), if currently in Matric
  • Achieved a minimum of 50% for every tertiary subject, if currently studying at tertiary level
  • Intend on studying full time at a Universities of Technology in 2026
  • Intend on studying at a one of the following public Universities of Technology: Cape Peninsula University of Technology/ Central University of Technology/ Durban University of Technology/ Mangosuthu University of Technology/ Nelson Mandela University/ Tshwane University of Technology/ University of Johannesburg/ Vaal University of Technology
  • Total household income of NOT more than R650 000 per year
  • Current Universities of Technology Students who have participated in committees and outreach projects, as well as leadership positions attained, will have an advantage
  • The following skills will be beneficial to your application: Decision Making, Critical Judgment, Proactivity & Self-Motivation, Resilience/ Tenacity, Behavioral Competencies, Leading and Managing Change, Social Responsibility, Technical Competencies

TVET and Agricultural students:

  • South African citizen
  • Currently in Matric OR completed Matric
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 50% in Matric
  • Achieved a minimum of 50% for every subject in Matric (Mathematical Literacy is accepted), if currently in Matric
  • Intend on studying full time at a TVET and Agricultural in 2026
  • Intend on studying at a one of the following public TVET and Agricultural institutes: Boland College/ Buffalo City TVET College/ Capricorn TVET College/ Central Johannesburg TVET College/ Coastal KZN TVET College/ College of Cape Town/ Eastcape Midlands TVET College/ Ehlanzeni TVET College/ Ekurhuleni East TVET College/ Ekurhuleni West TVET College/ Elangeni TVET College/ Esayidi TVET College/ False Bay TVET College/ Flavius Mareka TVET College/ Gert Sibande TVET College/ Goldfields TVET College/ Ikhala TVET College/ Ingwe TVET College/ King Hintsa TVET College/ King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College/ Lephalale TVET College/ Letaba TVET College/ Lovedale TVET College/ Majuba TVET College/ Maluti TVET College/ Mnambithi TVET College/ Mopani South East TVET College/ Motheo TVET College/ Mthashana TVET College/ Northern Cape Rural TVET College/ Northern Cape Urban TVET College/ Nkangala TVET College/ Northlink TVET College/ Orbit TVET College/ Port Elizabeth TVET College/ Sedibeng TVET College/ Sekhukhune TVET College/ South Cape TVET College/ South West Gauteng TVET College/ Taletso TVET College/ Thekwini TVET College/ Tshwane North TVET College/ Tshwane South TVET College/ Umfolozi TVET College/ Umgungundlovu TVET College/ Vhembe TVET College/ Vuselela TVET College/ Waterberg TVET College/ West Coast TVET College/ Western TVET College
  • Total household income of NOT more than R650 000 per year
  • Current Universities of Technology Students who have participated in committees and outreach projects, as well as leadership positions attained, will have an advantage
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University students:

  • South African citizen OR have working rights in South Africa
  • Currently in Matric OR completed Matric
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 50% in Matric
  • Achieved a minimum of 50% for every subject in Matric (including Mathematics – Mathematical Literacy is NOT accepted), if currently in Matric
  • Achieved a minimum of 55% for every tertiary subject, if currently studying at tertiary level
  • Intend on studying full time at a public University in 2026
  • Intend on studying within one of the aforementioned fields of study
  • Total household income of NOT more than R650 000 per year
  • The following skills will be beneficial to your application: Decision Making, Critical Judgment, Proactivity & Self-Motivation, Resilience/ Tenacity, Behavioral Competencies, Leading and Managing Change, Social Responsibility, Technical Competencies

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY

Applications must be done online at:

Universities of Technology students: https://leap.ly/opportunities/432
TVET and Agricultural students: https://leap.ly/opportunities/433
University students: https://leap.ly/opportunities/434

You will be required to Register an account before you can Login and apply.
 

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 be disregarded):
Universities of Technology students:

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
  • Latest Universities of Technology results, if currently studying (certified copy)
  • Proof of household income

TVET and Agricultural students:

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
  • Latest TVET and Agricultural institute results, if currently studying (certified copy)
  • Proof of household income
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University students:

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Proof of working rights in SA, if not a South African citizen
  • Photograph of yourself (clear professional, head and shoulder)
  • Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
  • Latest University results, if currently studying (certified copy)
  • Proof of household income

CLOSING DATE

30 September 2026.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact Study Trust directly:
Bursary Applications & Enquiries
Tel: 011 403 1632 / 087 511 3373
Fax: 086 563 7495
Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

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.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

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.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • 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).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

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.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 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).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
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🖥️ 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.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ 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:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • 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).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

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:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 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.

 

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