Are you looking for bursaries closing in October 2025? You’re in the right place! Every year, thousands of South African students miss out on amazing funding opportunities simply because they didn’t know the deadlines. And let’s be honest, keeping track of bursary closing dates can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you apply on time and boost your chances of securing financial aid. Whether you’re a high school student preparing for university, an undergraduate, or even a postgraduate student, October has plenty of bursaries with deadlines you can’t afford to miss.
So grab a notebook, check the list carefully, and start applying before it’s too late.
Why Bursaries Are Important
Before diving into the list, let’s talk about why bursaries matter.
- Financial Relief: Tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and other expenses can easily overwhelm students. A bursary can cover these costs fully or partially.
- Equal Opportunities: Bursaries are designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving everyone a fair chance at education.
- Career Development: Many bursaries come with internships, mentorship programs, and job placements after graduation.
- Recognition: Being awarded a bursary is a sign of excellence and commitment—it looks great on your CV.
For more details on bursaries in South Africa, you can explore our Bursaries Mzansi homepage where we share the latest bursary opportunities.
List of Bursaries Closing in October 2025
Here’s a roundup of the most popular bursaries in South Africa with October 2025 deadlines. Be sure to check eligibility requirements before applying.
1. Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary 2025
- Deadline: 15 October 2025
- Field of Study: Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Water Resource Management
- Who Can Apply: South African citizens, Matric/Undergraduates, students pursuing studies in water-related sectors
- More Info: Visit the DWS official website
2. Shoprite Bursary Programme 2025
- Deadline: 30 October 2025
- Field of Study: Retail Management, Logistics, Accounting, IT, Supply Chain
- Who Can Apply: High-performing Matric students and university students
- Value: Full tuition, mentorship, possible job placement after graduation
- More Info: Shoprite Careers Bursaries
3. South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Bursary 2025
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Field of Study: Economics, Finance, Banking, Actuarial Science, Statistics
- Who Can Apply: Students entering university in 2026 and those already enrolled in finance-related degrees
- More Info: South African Reserve Bank
4. Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) Bursary 2025
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Field of Study: Engineering, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance
- Who Can Apply: Matriculants and university students with strong academic records
- Value: Tuition and study material allowance
- More Info: Coca-Cola Beverages SA Careers
5. FASSET Bursary (Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority)
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Field of Study: Accounting, Finance, Business Studies, Auditing, Economics
- Who Can Apply: Unemployed youth and students in need of financial assistance
- More Info: FASSET Official Website
6. Ernst & Young (EY) Bursary 2025
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Field of Study: Accounting, Chartered Accountancy, Tax, Finance
- Who Can Apply: Students pursuing CA(SA) and related fields
- More Info: EY Careers
7. Sasol Bursary Programme 2025
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Field of Study: Engineering, Science, Technology, Mathematics (STEM)
- Who Can Apply: Matriculants with outstanding marks in Maths and Science
- More Info: Sasol Bursaries
8. Investec Bursary Programme 2025
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Field of Study: Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Mathematics, Actuarial Science
- Who Can Apply: South African citizens, academically strong students in financial studies
- More Info: Investec Bursary
9. Standard Bank Bursary 2025
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Field of Study: IT, Data Science, Engineering, Finance
- Who Can Apply: Students excelling in tech and finance fields
- More Info: Standard Bank Careers
10. Old Mutual Bursary Programme 2025
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Field of Study: Actuarial Science, Business, Finance, Commerce
- Who Can Apply: High-achieving students who want to pursue a career in finance
- More Info: Old Mutual Careers
Tips for Applying for Bursaries in October 2025
To increase your chances of success, keep these tips in mind:
- Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last day. Many applications close at midnight on the deadline date.
- Prepare Documents: Have your Matric results, academic transcripts, ID copy, and proof of residence ready.
- Write a Strong Motivation Letter: Explain why you need the bursary and how it aligns with your career goals.
- Apply to Multiple Bursaries: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The more you apply, the better your chances.
- Stay Updated: Bookmark bursary websites and check them regularly. You can also follow our Bursaries Mzansi updates for the latest news.
Other Helpful Resources
- NSFAS Official Website – For government-funded financial aid opportunities.
- Careers Portal – Updates on bursaries, internships, and learnerships.
- South African Universities Prospectus 2025 – Internal guide to university prospectuses.
- How to Apply for a Matric Certificate Replacement – Useful if you’ve lost your Matric certificate.
Final Thoughts
Bursaries are not just about financial assistance—they’re about opening doors to a brighter future. With so many bursaries closing in October 2025, now is the perfect time to take action.
If you’re serious about your education and career, start applying today. Remember: deadlines don’t wait, and missing them could mean missing out on life-changing opportunities.