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Bursaries & Financial Support

Studying in South Africa costs money you may not have yet. This page explains the funding that exists, who qualifies and exactly what to prepare — so you apply before the deadline instead of after it.

Where the funding comes from

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

Who qualifies
SA citizens at public universities and TVET colleges with a combined household income up to R350 000 a year (R600 000 for students with a disability).
What it covers
Tuition, registration, prescribed books, accommodation or transport and a living allowance.
When to apply
Applications usually open in September and close in January for the following academic year.

Corporate & SETA bursaries

Who qualifies
Students in scarce-skill fields — engineering, accounting, IT, health sciences, education, agriculture.
What it covers
Full or partial tuition, often with vacation work and a job offer after graduating.
When to apply
Most open between March and August for the next academic year.

Learnerships & apprenticeships

Who qualifies
Matriculants and unemployed youth (18–35) who want to earn while they study.
What it covers
Accredited training plus a monthly stipend, usually 12 months.
When to apply
Advertised throughout the year by SETAs and large employers.

Government & provincial funds

Who qualifies
Students in provincial priority fields, including teaching (Funza Lushaka) and nursing.
What it covers
Tuition, accommodation and a small allowance, with a work-back agreement.
When to apply
Annual cycles, mostly October to January.

Documents to have ready

  • Certified copy of your ID (and your parents' or guardian's IDs)
  • Latest school results or academic transcript
  • Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letter or affidavit if unemployed)
  • Proof of registration or acceptance letter from the institution
  • Proof of residence and banking details
  • A short motivational letter and updated CV

Avoid bursary scams

A genuine bursary never asks you to pay an application fee, buy a form or pay for "processing". Never send money or your banking PIN. Grab Employment never charges job seekers or students — all our support runs by email at contact@grabemployment.com.

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