Bursaries for 2025: Top Picks to Kickstart Your Career

In South Africa, the dream of pursuing higher education often collides with a harsh reality—the rising cost of tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and transport. As inflation continues to affect household budgets, many bright and ambitious students cannot afford the fees required by universities and colleges. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) supports many, but with limited resources and a growing number of applicants, not everyone gets the help they need.

That’s where bursaries step in as game-changers.

Bursaries for 2025 in South Africa are more than just financial relief, they are lifelines to brighter futures, especially in 2025 when job markets are increasingly competitive and qualifications are key to upward mobility. These funding opportunities are offered by corporations, government departments, and non-profit organisations that aim to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. Whether you’re pursuing a career in finance, agriculture, engineering, or even the arts, there’s likely a bursary designed for your field.

This article will walk you through the top bursaries available in South Africa for 2025, from well-known names like Shoprite, Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Sanlam, and FirstRand to sector-specific bursaries offered by organisations like FASSET and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. You’ll learn what each bursary covers, who qualifies, how to apply, and where to find more information.

Why Bursaries for 2025 Matter

South Africa’s Economic Landscape & The Cost of Education

The cost of living and education in South Africa continues to rise. From increasing tuition fees at major institutions like Wits, UCT, and UKZN, to the cost of residence, books, and transport, studying full-time can easily cost tens of thousands of rands per year. For students from low- to middle-income households, these costs can feel insurmountable.

Add to this the unemployment rate among the youth, and it becomes clear why many students face a major dilemma: either go into debt, delay their studies, or abandon their academic dreams altogether. This makes financial aid not just helpful, but necessary.

Bursaries for 2025 are a fantastic way to get your foot in the door academically, but what about landing your first job? If you’re preparing for the workforce, don’t miss our guide on Job Jack: How to Find a Job in South Africa (2025 Guide), packed with tips for first-time job seekers.

Bursaries: More Than Just Money

Unlike student loans, bursaries do not require repayment, making them a smart and safe way to access tertiary education. But modern bursaries are also evolving beyond simple funding, many now include a full package of support:

• Mentorship programs to help guide students academically and professionally.
• Internships or vacation work that offer valuable work experience.
• Guaranteed job placements or graduate programs after successful completion of studies.
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals and alumni.
• Entrepreneurial training, especially in bursaries for 2025, like the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship.
  

In essence, bursaries are investments not just in your education, but in your entire career path.

Who Can Benefit from Bursaries for 2025?

Whether you’re just finishing high school or already at university, there’s likely a bursary tailored to your stage of education:

• Matriculants: Many corporate bursaries for 2025 actively seek high-performing Grade 12 learners with strong academic records and leadership potential.
• Undergraduates: If you’re already enrolled in a tertiary institution, bursaries for 2025 can help cover the remainder of your studies, reduce financial pressure, and improve your focus.
• Postgraduates: With the growing need for specialised skills, honours and master’s bursaries (like the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary) are now more accessible, offering a chance to deepen your knowledge and boost your employability.

Securing a bursary isn’t just about affording school, it’s about unlocking a future full of possibilities.

Top Bursaries for 2025 to Apply For

South Africa offers a variety of bursary programmes designed to support students in diverse fields, from commerce to engineering, agriculture, technology, and more. Below are the top bursaries for 2025, each offering more than just financial relief; they’re gateways to personal growth and career success.

Shoprite Bursary

Fields Covered:

• Accounting (CA Stream – SAICA).
• Retail Business Management.
• Supply Chain & Logistics.
• Biological and Agricultural Sciences.
• Food Science.
  

What You Get:

• Full tuition coverage.
• Accommodation expenses.
• Monthly grocery allowance.

Why Apply:
Shoprite is one of Africa’s largest retailers and offers a solid support system, especially for students aiming to enter the corporate retail and supply chain sectors.

Deadline: 30 April 2025

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship

Fields Covered:

• Commerce, Arts, Science, Engineering, Health Sciences (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science), Law, Humanities.

What You Get:

• Comprehensive financial support.
• Personal mentorship.
• Entrepreneurial development and training.
• Access to a powerful alumni network.

Why Apply:

This bursary isn’t just about funding, it’s about nurturing future entrepreneurs and changemakers. It’s ideal for students who dream big and want to make a meaningful impact.

Deadline: 30 April 2025

Sanlam Actuarial Bursary

Field Covered:

• Actuarial Science.
  

What You Get:

• Full tuition and accommodation.
• Book and living allowances.
• Support for board exams.
• Vacation work.
• Guaranteed job placement upon graduation

Why Apply:

Deadline: 30 June 2025

If numbers, risk analysis, and problem-solving excite you, this is one of the best actuarial science bursaries in the country. Sanlam is a leading financial services group with global reach.

FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary

Field Covered:

• Honours-level Postgraduate Studies (e.g., Accounting, Actuarial Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Law, and more).

What You Get:

• Full one-year honours bursary.
• Prioritises students from households earning under R600,000 annually.

Why Apply:

Perfect for students needing help to complete their final year of study before entering the workforce. A great opportunity for those in high-demand fields.

Deadline: Extended (Early applications recommended)

Other Notable Bursaries for 2025

• FASSET Bursary: For Finance and Accounting Services students.
• Sasria Bursary: For students in scarce-skill sectors.
• Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Bursary: For careers in mining, geology, and energy-related fields.
• MultiChoice Bursary: Supports studies in tech, broadcasting, and engineering.
• General Bursaries: Canon Collins Trust, Absa, Exxaro, and several provincial government bursaries offer support in fields like Journalism, Social Work, Sports Management, and more.
  

Where to Find More Info:
Check bursary platforms like:

• ZA Bursaries
• Graduates24
• StudyTrust
  

Bursaries for 2025 in South Africa: Common Requirements and How to Qualify

Before applying for bursaries for 2025, it’s essential to know what’s expected. While each bursary programme may have unique criteria, there are several common requirements across the board:

You Must Be a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident

Most bursaries for 2025 are strictly reserved for South African students. Be prepared to provide a valid South African ID or proof of residency.

Matric Certificate or Proof of Current Enrollment

Whether you’re in Grade 12 or already at university, bursary providers need proof of academic progress. You’ll typically need to submit:

• Latest academic transcripts.
• Matric results or report.
• University acceptance letter (if available).

Strong Academic Record

High marks are often a key requirement, especially in relevant subjects. For example:

• Actuarial bursaries require excellent performance in Mathematics.
• Commerce or Engineering bursaries look for strong results in subjects like Accounting or Physical Sciences.

Proof of Financial Need

Many bursaries, especially those aimed at disadvantaged students, require proof of household income. You’ll often need to submit:

• Parent or guardian’s salary slips.
• Affidavit of unemployment (if applicable).
• Proof of social grants (if any).

Supporting Documents

Typical documents include:

• Certified copy of ID.
• Academic records.
• Motivational letter or personal statement.
• Proof of acceptance at a tertiary institution.
• Reference letters (sometimes required).
• Signed bursary application form.

Additional Soft Skills or Attributes (for Some Programmes)

Bursaries like Allan Gray Orbis or Nedbank may assess:

• Leadership potential.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.
• Community involvement.
• Extracurricular achievements.

Being prepared ahead of time will increase your chances of getting accepted. It’s wise to start gathering your documents early and keep digital copies for easy access when completing online applications.

How to Apply for Bursaries for 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for bursaries can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you’ll increase your chances of success. Follow this simple guide to navigate the application process confidently and professionally.

Step 1: Research the Right Bursaries for 2025 for You

Start by identifying bursaries aligned with your field of study, academic performance, and personal background. Make a shortlist of at least 5 to 10 opportunities. Use trusted platforms like:

• ZA Bursaries
• Graduates24
• StudyTrust
• Company career pages (e.g. Shoprite, Sanlam, Allan Gray)

Tip: Double-check eligibility; some bursaries are only open to specific universities, provinces, or age groups.

Step 2: Gather Your Supporting Documents

Before you even begin filling in forms, prepare a folder (both physical and digital) with:

• Certified copy of your South African ID.
• Latest academic results or Grade 12 report.
• Proof of acceptance at a tertiary institution (if applicable).
• Household income documents (salary slips, affidavit, grant proof).
• A motivational letter or personal statement.
• Reference letters, if required.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), for postgraduate or competitive bursaries.

Tip: Ensure documents are certified within the last 3 months.

Step 3: Complete the Application Forms Accurately

Each bursary has its application process; some are online, others require email or postal submissions.

• Online portals (e.g. Shoprite, Standard Bank) often require you to register for an account.
• Email applications usually need attachments in PDF format and a clear subject line.
• Postal applications may ask for printed forms and certified hard copies.

Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Submitting late.
• Missing documents.
• Poor grammar in your motivational letter.
• Not tailoring your motivation to the bursary provider’s values.

Step 4: Track Your Deadlines

Create a deadline calendar with reminders at least two weeks before each cut-off date. Some bursaries for 2025 deadlines include:

• 30 April 2025: Shoprite & Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
• 30 June 2025: Sanlam Actuarial Bursary
• TBC: Others like FirstRand, Sasria, and MultiChoice (check regularly for updates)
  

Step 5: Submit & Follow Up

After submission:

• Keep confirmation emails or reference numbers.
• Follow up within 3 to 6 weeks if you haven’t received a response.
• Be ready for interviews or aptitude tests (some bursaries include assessments).
  

Final Tips & Encouragement: Don’t Let Fees Stop Your Future

Applying for bursaries for 2025 can be life-changing; it’s more than just money, it’s an investment in your dreams. Whether you’re the first in your family to attend university or a postgraduate pushing your limits, bursaries are designed to open doors.

Quick Tips for Success

• Apply for multiple bursaries for 2025, don’t put all your hopes into one.
• Write a personal and passionate motivational letter, share your story and goals.
• Start early, avoid last-minute stress.
• Keep copies of everything you submit.

Believe in Yourself

You don’t need to have everything figured out. What matters most is your drive to learn, your commitment to growth, and your willingness to take initiative. There are organisations out there ready to support you, you just have to make the move.

Your career starts here. Your future deserves funding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)