WELCOME TO THE BURSARY PAGE
Explore 4 major bursary opportunities in South Africa, all in one place. find application dates, eligibility requirement, required documents, and direct application links to help you to secure funding for your studie. start your jorney towards a brighter future today......
NSFAS ( National Student Financial Aid Scheme) :
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme( NSFAS) is a South African government bursary that provides assistance to eligible students who want to study at public universities and TVET colleges but cannot afford the cost of higher Education. It is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training to ensure that fincially deserving students have access to qualify education.
WHO QUALIFY FOR NSFAS:
Be a South African citizen or permanent resident ( where applicable)
Be accepted or registerd at a public university or TVET college
Meet the NSFAS financial eligibility requirements.
Satisfy the academic progression requirements if you are a returning student.
WHAT DOES NSFAS COVER?
Registration fees
Tuition fees
Learning material
Accommodaation
Meals and personal care allowances
Transport allowances for qualifying students
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
Receiving an offer from a university or TVET college does not automatically mean you are funded by NSFAS. You must submit a successful NSFAS application and be approved before funding is confirmed. student should also meet all registration and academic requirements to continue receiving funding.
FUNZA LUSHAKA BURSARY:
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a South African government bursary that support students who wants to become qualified teachers. It is available to eligible students studying Bachelor of Education ( BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education ( PGCE) At a public university in South Africa, particulary in priority teaching subjects.
WHO QUALIFIES?
Be a South African citizen
Be accepted into an approved BEd or PGCE Programme at a public university
Demostrate good academic performance
Meet the national selection Criteria
Be committed to teaching in Public school after completing your qualification
WHAT DOES THE BURSARY COVER:
Tuition fee
Accommodation or Transport
Meals
Learning material
Personal care allowance
Teaching practice support
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
The Funza Lushaka Bursary has a Service obligation. After graduating, recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary. Graduate are placed by the relevant Provincial Education Department based on available teaching post and cannot choose their placement.
ISFAP BURSARY ( Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme )
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme ( ISFAP) Is a bursary programme that provides financial support to academically deserving South African Student from poor and middle -income families who are studying qualification in Occupation of High Demand at selected partner universities. in addition to funding, ISFAP offers academic, career and personal support to help students succeed.
WHO QUALIFIES?
Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
Be accepted or enrolled at an ISFAP parner university
Be studying an approved qualification in a Occupation of High Demand
Demonstrate finacial need through the ISFAP means test
Meet the required academic standards
WHAT DOES ISFAP COVER?
Tuition fee
Accommodation
Meal allowance
Learning material
Monthly living allowance
Academic and pdychosocial support
career development and mentoring programmes
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
ISFAP funding is not automatic. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding, as selection depends on available funding, eligibility criteria, and the requirements of funding partners
ISFAP only funds student at partner universities and for approved programmes
NRF BURSARY ( National Research Foundation)
The National Research Foundation (NRF) provides bursaries and scholarships to support students pursuing postgraduate studies, including Honours, Master's and Doctoral degree, at public universities in South Africa. The bursary aims to develop future reseachers and professionals who will contribute to research, innovation, and national development.
WHO QUALIFIES?
Be accepted into an approved Honours, Master's or Doctoral programme at a public university
Meet the minimum requirements set by the NRF
Satisfy the eligibility criteria for the specific funding programme
Apply during the official NRF application period
WHAT DOES THE NRF BURSARY COVER?
Tuitition fee
Living allowance
Research support
Study material
Travel or conference support
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
The NRF Bursary is primary for postgraduate students and does not normally fund undergraduate qualifications
Funding is Competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an award
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving funding
©️ 2026 ApplySmart SA. All Right Reserved
