Bursary Finder 2026 — NSFAS, ISFAP & Corporate Bursaries for SA Students
Career Helper's free Bursary Finder matches you to South African bursaries, scholarships, and government funding based on your APS score, subjects, and career interests. We cover NSFAS, ISFAP, Funza Lushaka, and 50+ corporate bursaries from Sasol, Eskom, Anglo American, Allan Gray, Discovery, and more — all in one place, updated for 2026 applications.
Types of Bursaries Available in South Africa
| Bursary Type | Who Qualifies | What It Covers |
|---|
| NSFAS | SA citizens, household income < R350 000/year | Tuition, accommodation, books, transport, living allowance |
| ISFAP | "Missing middle" — household income R350 001–R600 000/year | Tuition, accommodation, books at qualifying universities |
| Funza Lushaka | Education students (BEd, PGCE) at public universities | Full tuition + allowances; teach at public school after graduation |
| Corporate Bursaries | Merit-based, subject to APS and subject requirements | Tuition, books, accommodation; often includes vacation employment |
| Provincial Bursaries | Residents of specific provinces; merit or need-based | Tuition support; amounts vary by province |
Top Corporate Bursaries for 2026
- Sasol Bursary — Engineering, Science, and Commerce students. Requires Mathematics and Physical Sciences at 70%+. Includes vacation employment.
- Eskom Expo / Eskom Bursary — Engineering and IT students. Strong preference for Mathematics and Science achievers.
- Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship — Entrepreneurship-focused students across all fields. Highly selective; covers full tuition and mentoring.
- Anglo American Bursary — Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, and Geology students. South African citizens only.
- SAMRC Bursary — Medical and Health Sciences research students. Postgrad-focused but undergraduate bursaries also available.
- Absa / Standard Bank / FNB Bursaries — Commerce, Finance, IT, and Engineering students. Apply in Grade 12 for entry-year funding.
How to Use the Bursary Finder
- Calculate your APS — Use the free APS Calculator to find your score for all 26 SA universities.
- Take the Career Interest Quiz — Your RIASEC profile helps match you to bursaries aligned to your career direction.
- Filter by field — Select your intended career field (Engineering, Health, Commerce, Education, etc.) to see relevant bursaries.
- Check closing dates — Many bursaries close in March–June for the following year. Apply early.
- Apply to multiple bursaries — There is no penalty for applying to several bursaries simultaneously.
NSFAS Application Tips for 2026
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is South Africa's largest student funding programme. Applications for the 2026 academic year open in September/October 2025 at nsfas.org.za. SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify — no income test required. All other applicants must upload proof of income for all household members. Submit early: NSFAS closes applications when the budget is reached, not just when the date passes.