Student Resource Centre
Guides for South African students
Everything you need to apply well: bursary applications, NSFAS, university admission, CVs, motivational letters, interviews and study techniques. All free, all written for the South African system.
How to Apply for Bursaries
A step-by-step guide to applying for South African bursaries: what to prepare, how to apply, and how to avoid the mistakes that get applications rejected.
6 min readNSFAS Guide
Everything South African students need to know about NSFAS funding: who qualifies, what it covers, when applications open and how to appeal a rejection.
7 min readUniversity Application Guide
How to apply to South African universities and TVET colleges: APS scores, deadlines, application fees, and what to do if you are not accepted.
6 min readCV Writing Guide
How to write a strong one-page student CV for bursary applications, even with no formal work experience.
5 min readMotivational Letter Guide
A clear structure for writing a bursary motivational letter that explains who you are, why you need funding and why you deserve it.
5 min readInterview Tips
How to prepare for a bursary interview: common questions, what to wear, and how to answer confidently online or in person.
5 min readStudy Tips
Practical study techniques for South African students who need to maintain the academic average their bursary requires.
5 min readRequired Application Documents
The full document pack South African bursary funders ask for, how to get documents certified, and how to scan and name your files properly.
6 min readCommon Bursary Application Mistakes
The mistakes that get South African bursary applications rejected before they are assessed — and exactly how to avoid each one.
6 min readNSFAS, Bursaries, Scholarships and Learnerships Explained
A plain explanation of the difference between NSFAS, bursaries, scholarships, learnerships and internships in South Africa, and which one fits your situation.
6 min readUniversity Funding Guide
Every realistic way to pay for a South African university degree: NSFAS, missing-middle funding, bursaries, scholarships, student loans and institutional aid.
7 min readTVET College Funding Guide
How to fund a TVET college qualification in South Africa: NSFAS for TVET students, SETA bursaries, learnerships, and what allowances you can expect.
6 min readApplication templates
Download a CV template, motivational letter, personal statement and application checklist.
4 downloadsFrequently asked questions
- Is SA Bursary Finder free to use?
- Yes. Searching, browsing and applying through SA Bursary Finder is completely free and no account is required. We never charge students for bursary information.
- Do I need to create an account to apply?
- No. Every bursary listing links directly to the funder's official application page, where you apply on their portal. You do not need an account with us.
- Are these real bursaries?
- Yes. Every listing is linked to an official application page from the organisation offering the funding. Listings without a working official application link are not published.
- When do bursary applications open in South Africa?
- Most bursaries for the following academic year open between March and September, with many closing between June and October. Some funders accept applications year-round, so check each listing's closing date.
- Can I apply for more than one bursary?
- Yes, and you should. Most funded students applied for between five and fifteen bursaries. Just be sure you meet the eligibility criteria for each one.
- What documents do I need for a bursary application?
- Typically a certified copy of your ID, your latest academic results, proof of household income, proof of registration or acceptance, a CV and a motivational letter.
- Does NSFAS stop me from getting a private bursary?
- You cannot usually hold NSFAS and a full private bursary that covers the same costs at the same time. If you receive a private bursary you must inform NSFAS, and many students use private bursaries to cover costs NSFAS does not.
- Should I ever pay someone to apply on my behalf?
- No. Legitimate bursaries never charge an application fee and never require payment for a 'guaranteed' award. Treat any such request as a scam.
- What happens if I miss a bursary deadline?
- A closed application cannot normally be reopened, and funders rarely make exceptions. If you have missed one, move on to bursaries that are still open — deadlines are spread across the year, and our Closing soon page shows what is still accepting applications. Set a reminder for the same bursary next year, because most funders run annual cycles with similar dates.
- How do I know an application link is official?
- An official link goes to the funder's own domain — the company, foundation, government department or university offering the money — and never asks for a payment. We link every listing to the funder's own application page and re-check those links regularly. If a link is broken or redirects somewhere unexpected, please report it on our Contact page.
- Do you charge for bursary information or applications?
- No. Everything on SA Bursary Finder is free, and you apply directly on the funder's own site. We never ask for a fee, and no legitimate South African bursary charges an application fee.
- How often is the bursary information updated?
- Listings are reviewed on an ongoing basis. New opportunities are added as funders open them, closing dates are updated when funders extend them, and bursaries that have closed are archived so you are not sent to a dead application page.
- What is the difference between a bursary and a learnership?
- A bursary pays for your studies, sometimes with a work-back obligation after you graduate. A learnership is a paid, structured programme that combines classroom learning with workplace experience and ends in a registered NQF qualification, with a monthly stipend while you learn.