Bursaries Available for 2025 Studies in South Africa

By | July 28, 2025
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Are you planning to study in South Africa in 2025 but worry about how you’ll cover the cost? Don’t worry you’re not alone! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through key bursary opportunities, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and tips for applying successfully.

Why This Matters

With university fees rising and competition fierce, securing a bursary can be a game changer—covering tuition, accommodation, books, and even meals or laptops. Knowing where to look and how to apply early can put you ahead of the pack.

Major National Funding Schemes

1. NSFAS – National Student Financial Aid Scheme

The government’s main student aid programme, NSFAS, supports eligible undergraduate students in public universities and TVET colleges. It covers:

Applications are usually open between September and November for studies starting the following year (i.e. apply late 2024 for 2025 studies). Watch their official NSFAS site for precise dates.

2. Funza Lushaka Teacher Bursary

Administered via NSFAS, this bursary targets students training to become teachers—especially in high‑demand subjects like maths, science, languages, and accounting. It covers full funding, including practical training costs Wikipedia.

External and Corporate Bursaries for 2025

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) External Bursary

  • Open June to September 2025 for 2026 funding—but some apply earlier, so check their site.
  • Covers full tuition, accommodation, laptop, meals, and transport allowances.
  • Fields: Engineering, Finance, Law, Data Science, Computer Science, etc.
  • Eligibility: SA citizens under 26, household income under R600,000. Prioritizes Quintile 1–3 schools, HDI, and disabilities IDC+1mqa.org.za+1.

MQA (Mining Qualifications Authority) Bursary Scheme

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (Postgraduate)

  • A highly prestigious scholarship for Honours or Master’s study at South African universities.
  • Covers tuition, accommodation, travel, allowances, plus leadership training.
  • Open to African citizens under 30 who show academic excellence and leadership potential DSAC+15Wikipedia+15The Times+15Ninety One.

AIMS (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences)

  • Offers a full scholarship (including travel, lodging, tuition and stipend) for their 10‑month Master’s programme in Mathematical Sciences.
  • Open to African students aiming for research or STEM careers Wikipedia.

Corporate & Trust Bursaries Featured on Bursaries Mzansi

Your website Bursaries Mzansi lists many corporate bursaries for the 2025 cohort. Notable examples:

Also check specific bursaries like:

👉 You can explore full details or apply via your site’s posts like [Shell Bursary 2025], [WSP Bursary 2025], [TTI Bursary 2025], etc., linking to those internal pages on Bursaries Mzansi.

Deadlines & Timeline Summary

Program/FunderIntake YearApplication WindowFunding Covers
NSFAS (incl. Funza Lushaka)2025Sept–Nov 2024Tuition, housing, allowances
IDC External Bursary2026June–Sept 2025Fees, laptop, meals, transport
MQA Bursary (mining sector)202622 June–31 July 2025Fees, accommodation, books, meals
Mandela Rhodes (postgrad)2025–2026Varies; apply early 2025Full master’s programme support
AIMS Master’s Scholarship2025Rolling / earlyTravel, tuition, stipends
Corporate Trust & Company Bursaries2025Varies (often early-mid 2025)Varied: tuition, stipend, support

Tips to Maximize Your Bursary Chances

  1. Start early: Most opening windows for 2025 studies have passed, but prepare documents now. Many corporate bursaries open early 2025 and close mid‑year.
  2. Get certified docs ready: IDs, parents’ income proof, matric results, or latest transcripts (especially for NSFAS and IDC).
  3. Tailor your application: Highlight financial need, academic performance, leadership/community involvement, and field relevance.
  4. Apply for multiple bursaries: For example, apply to NSFAS, IDC, MQA (if eligible), and company bursaries like Shell or WSP.
  5. Utilize internal links: On your site, ensure internal content is well linked, e.g., “Shell Bursary 2025 details” links to the Shell post, “WSP Bursary 2025 guide”, etc.
  6. Keep track of deadlines: Add reminders for potential bursaries starting mid‑2025 with deadlines between June–August.

More Resources

Final Thoughts

Securing funding for tertiary studies in 2025 is absolutely possible with the right approach. Combine government schemes (NSFAS, Funza Lushaka) with corporate bursaries and trust-funded scholarships to cover tuition, living expenses, and more.

Harness the resources on Bursaries Mzansi, where you’ll find up‑to‑date posts on Shell, WSP, Kearney, Vulamathuba, and many others. By applying to multiple bursaries, customizing your applications, and submitting all documentation on time, you stand a strong chance of funding your studies.

Wishing you success in your applications and a bright academic journey in 2025!

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About KUHLE GODOBO

Kuhle Godobo is a seasoned content writer specializing in SEO-based content for educational technology platforms, the IT sector, and various other niches. Holding a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Kuhle boasts a strong educational foundation. His insightful articles have been featured on numerous esteemed education portals globally.