UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES: A GUIDE TO BURSARIES

Makgala Folotsi

@Kgali_Lee

 

Tertiary education is an important tool one can possess, as people tend to say, “They can take everything from you but they can never take away your knowledge.” University tuition is expensive and not everyone can afford it. There are different ways in which students can get funding for school, primarily bursaries. Wapad has compiled a list of bursaries open for application for 2025.

Nedbank bursary: Closing date – 31 August 2024

The Nedbank external bursary programme supports academically deserving students with financial needs, to obtain their first undergraduate degree or honours degree at a public University or University of Technology. They aim to reduce the skills shortage, focusing on STEM and Green Economic skills. Their criteria for selection require students:

• must be a South African citizen, 
• must have a proven financial need,
• with an average of 65% in the year currently and a 65% average in the subjects aligned with the degree the student is planning to study.
• applicants with mathematics literacy will not be considered. 
• must have obtained admission to a South African public University or University of Technology.

A certified copy of their South African Identity Document, matric mid-year and final results. For first years or last academic years, current mid-year results and/or previous year results are expected. Financial checks affidavit must be signed by the applicant or parent(s)/guardian(s).  

For further information: https://www.nedbank.co.za/content/nedbank/desktop/gt/en/careers/youth-talent/the-bursary-programme.html

Capitec bursary: Closing date – 15 August 2024

Capitec Bank is offering a bursary to undergraduate or postgraduate studies in several fields. Follow the link for the full list https://www.graduates24.com/jobs/viewjob/10444. The bursary will cover registration fees, tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation and stipends. The bursary recipients will also receive academic support and mentorship, work readiness training and onboard experience to support the transition into the world of work, wellness programme services, job shadowing and insights into Capitec’s way of work, etc. The applicants must satisfy the following criteria before application:

• must be a South African.
• must have completed matric.
• must be studying full-time towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in the listed fields of study.
• must be studying at a recognised and accredited institution in South Africa.
• minimum overall average of 65% in the first year and above.
• must be willing to be based in the Western Cape (Bellville/Stellenbosch) and/or Gauteng (Sandton/Johannesburg).
• must have a clear credit score and criminal record, etc.

Standard bank bursary: Closing date – 30 September 2024

The Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme considers undergraduate and post-graduate studies in the following fields: agriculture, commerce, engineering, mathematics, science (actuarial, analytics, business, etc.), statistics & technology (financial, information) and disciplines in the emerging field of behavioural economics (economics, behavioural finance, sociology, psychology, neuroscience). The undergraduate degree bursary is specific to students in their first year requiring funding in their second year. The postgraduate bursary provides full-cost bursaries to financially and academically sound students. 

They require well-rounded applicants with strong academic results. The applicants must have an average of 65% and above in the latest exams and must be registered for full-time studies. Applicants will be required to take part in a formal assessment process including but not limited to a psychometric evaluation and interview. Financial need will also be considered. The bursary will cover the following:

• tuition fees.
• accommodation: university residences and private accommodation (with limits to private accommodation).
• meals: both self-catering and provided by the university.
• books and other study materials.
• a laptop.
• a monthly stipend.
• transport between home and campus, four times a year at the cost of a bus ticket.

For more information follow the link: https://www.graduates24.com/jobs/viewjob/10021. 

Bigen bursaries: Closing date – 30 September 2024

Bigen offers a bursary for engineering students related to the company’s services. It aims to grow young engineering talent through its bursary programme. The bursary will provide cover for tuition fees, registration fees, books and other necessary expenses (bursary does not cover accommodation). Recipients will also receive paid vacation work, regular communication, invitations to attend Bigen functions and inclusion in the Bigen Young Professionals Forum. Applicants must be: 

• a South African citizen.
• studying toward an engineering degree.
• studying at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
• achieved a minimum average of 70% in the first year of studies.
• achieved a minimum average of 65% in the second or third year of study.
• not a recipient of other bursaries or NSFAS.
• must have leadership acumen.

Follow the link for more information: https://www.graduates24.com/jobs/viewjob/10429. 

Industrial Development Corporation: Closing date – 30 September 2024

Bursary will be awarded to undergraduate studies in commerce and management studies, engineering, applied commerce and law. The bursary will cover tuition fees, accommodation, meal allowance, transport allowance and a once-off laptop. Students must be in financial need as an affordability assessment will be conducted. Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• must be a South African citizen.
• must NOT be older than 26 years old.
• must currently be in matric or have completed matric.
• must be studying or intend on studying full time towards a first undergraduate qualification, in one of the fields listed above (the bursary will NOT fund second qualifications).
• postgraduate funding will only be awarded to finance, accounting and law students (the bursary will NOT fund postgraduate qualifications in other fields).
• must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised public University, University of Technology or Technical and Vocational Education and Training College in South Africa (the bursary will NOT fund studies at private colleges).
• matric students must have achieved a minimum of 75% Admission Point Score (APS).
• tertiary students must have achieved a minimum of 65% APS.
• must have a combined household income of no more than R600 000 per annum.
• must have excellent academic performance.
• must be in financial need.
• must be unemployed.
• preference will be given to students living with a disability.
• preference will be given to students who are studying or matriculated from quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools (public schools), schools from previously disadvantaged communities, and rural areas.

There are many more bursaries offered by different companies and institutions, Thuthuka Bursary, Vodacom bursary and ISFAP bursary, just to name a few. All one has to do is look. Finding a bursary takes away a layer of stress, and provides more incentive to work harder.

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo