The Electrum has opened its 2026 year-round bursary program and they are inviting all applicants to apply now. All interested applicants should apply using the details below.
Electrum, a Cape Town-based tech company, provide enterprise payments technology to retailers, mobile network operators and financial institutions. One of the most successful FinTech companies in South Africa, Electrum process over a billion transactions each year, with big name customers like Shoprite; Pick n Pay; Clicks; Capitec and Massmart.
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED & COVERAGE VALUE
Electrum have 3 bursary programmes available for studies within the fields of Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields:
1) AAA Electrum Academic Bursary: covers studies in: Computer Science, Computer Engineering and related fields. Provides cover for the following study related expenses: tuition fees (for final year of study), textbooks, new laptop and accommodation. The bursary also provides the bursary recipient with an internship position and mentorship. Students are required to work for the company for 1 year after completing their studies.
2) All About Awesome Women in Tech Bursary: covers female students for studies in: Computer Science, Computer Engineering and related fields. Provides cover for the following study related expenses: tuition fees (for final year of study), textbooks, new laptop and accommodation. The bursary also provides the bursary recipient with assistance with CV building, coaching on interview techniques and career guidance from mentors.
3) Electrum Foundation Bursary: covers studies in: Computer Science, Computer Engineering and related fields, for students who are in financial need. Provides cover for the following study related expenses: tuition fees and textbooks.
MORE ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – SELECTION
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to a 2 hour technical interview – if you have not received any feedback, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
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):
1) AAA Electrum Academic Bursary
- Must be studying towards a qualification in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field of study
- Must be in your 2nd or final year of undergraduate studies or Honours year of study
- Must be studying at Stellenbosch University or the University of Cape Town
- Must have achieved a minimum result of 65% for all Computer Science modules
- Must maintain a minimum overall average of 65%
- Must have NOT failed any subjects
- Must have good communication skills
2) All About Awesome Women in Tech Bursary
- Must be a Female
- Must be studying towards a qualification in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field of study
- Must be in your 2nd or final year of undergraduate studies or Honours year of study
- Must be studying at Stellenbosch University or the University of Cape Town
- Must have achieved a minimum result of 65% for all Computer Science modules
- Must have good communication skills
- Female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply
3) Electrum Foundation Bursary
- Must be studying towards a qualification in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field of study
- Must be in your 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate studies or Honours year of study
- Must be studying at Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Western Cape, Cape Peninsula University of Technology or UNISA
- Must NOT have the financial means to fund your studies
- Must have good communication skills
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY
Students who meet the above minimum requirements, can apply by submitting clear copies of the following documentation (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):
- Latest university transcripts (on tertiary letterhead)
- Full Curriculum Vitae
Documents must be submitted via email to: careers@electrum.co.za
Please ensure that you indicate which bursary you are applying for, by inserting one of the following into your email subject line:
1) “AAA Electrum Academic Bursary – Your Full Name”
2) “All About Awesome Women in Tech Bursary – Your Full Name”
3) “Electrum Foundation Bursary – Your Full Name”
CLOSING DATE
None – applications are open throughout the year.
(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 Electrum directly:
Tel: 021 448 6422
Email: careers@electrum.co.za
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.