If you’re a South African student dreaming of completing your studies without the constant stress of tuition fees, the 2025 Nedbank External Bursary Programme could be your golden opportunity.
Nedbank is one of South Africa’s biggest financial institutions, and each year, it invests in the country’s future by offering bursaries to deserving students. The programme is designed to provide financial support to students who show academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:
- What the bursary offers
- Who can apply
- How to apply successfully
- Tips to stand out in your application
- Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Nedbank External Bursary Programme?
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme is a financial aid initiative that supports South African students who require assistance to fund their studies at public universities or universities of technology.
The bursary primarily targets fields of study that align with Nedbank’s business needs and South Africa’s broader economic development goals. This means the programme often focuses on disciplines like:
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Data Analytics
- Risk Management
- Engineering
- Mathematics and Statistics
This programme is not only about paying tuition—it’s about helping students excel academically while reducing financial pressure.
External resource: For Nedbank’s official bursary information, you can visit their careers and bursary page.
2. What Does the Bursary Cover?
The Nedbank External Bursary is comprehensive. If awarded, you can expect coverage for:
- Full tuition fees (as charged by your institution)
- Registration fees
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- Accommodation costs (in university residences or private accommodation, within reasonable limits)
- Meal allowances
- In some cases, a stipend for living expenses
This means you can focus more on your studies and less on part-time jobs or financial stress.
3. Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
Before you jump into applying, you need to know who qualifies for this bursary. For the 2025 intake, Nedbank typically requires:
- South African citizenship – You must have a valid South African ID.
- Academic merit –
- For first-year students: A minimum overall average of 65% in your Grade 12 final results.
- For current tertiary students: A minimum overall average of 65% in your latest results.
- Financial need – Applicants must provide proof that they cannot afford their studies (family income below a specified threshold).
- Field of study – Must be in one of Nedbank’s priority study areas.
- Full-time study – The bursary is for full-time studies at a public university or university of technology in South Africa.
4. How to Apply for the 2025 Nedbank External Bursary
Applying is a step-by-step process. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need the following documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Grade 12 final results (if in matric, use your latest available results)
- Latest tertiary academic record (if applicable)
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or SASSA letter)
- Acceptance letter or proof of application to a recognised South African public tertiary institution
- A motivation letter explaining why you deserve the bursary and how you plan to use your qualification to benefit the community
(Tip: See our guide on How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter for Bursary Applications for extra help.)
Step 2: Apply Online
Applications are usually done online through Nedbank’s official bursary portal. Make sure you:
- Create a profile
- Complete all sections of the application
- Upload your supporting documents in the correct format (PDF/JPEG, under size limits)
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
The deadline for 2025 applications is expected to be around mid-August 2025 (exact date to be confirmed on the official Nedbank bursary page). Late applications are not accepted.
5. How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Competition for Nedbank bursaries is fierce. Here are pro tips to give you the edge:
- Start early – Don’t wait until the last week to prepare your documents.
- Polish your motivation letter – Make it personal, authentic, and aligned with Nedbank’s values.
- Highlight leadership and community service – Nedbank loves applicants who show they can make a positive social impact.
- Double-check your application – Incomplete or inaccurate applications are rejected.
- Show commitment to your field of study – Explain why your chosen field is important for South Africa’s development.
6. Selection Process
Once you apply, Nedbank follows a multi-step selection process:
- Screening – Checking if you meet all the eligibility criteria.
- Shortlisting – Based on academic merit, financial need, and motivation.
- Interviews/Assessments – Some applicants may be invited for interviews or online assessments.
- Final selection – Successful candidates receive official bursary offer letters.
7. Why Choose Nedbank’s Bursary Over Others?
There are many bursaries in South Africa (check our full list of 2025 bursaries), but Nedbank stands out because:
- It offers full coverage for study-related expenses.
- It focuses on careers with high employability.
- Recipients often get exposure to internships and graduate programmes within Nedbank.
- The programme promotes diversity and inclusion in higher education.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply if I’m in Grade 12 right now?
Yes! If you meet the minimum academic requirements and plan to study full-time in 2025 at a public university, you can apply.
Q2: What if I’m already studying at university?
You can still apply, provided you meet the academic and financial requirements.
Q3: Will I have to work for Nedbank after graduation?
Some bursaries have work-back agreements. Nedbank may offer graduate opportunities, but check the specific terms in your bursary contract.
Q4: Can I apply for other bursaries at the same time?
Yes, but if you receive multiple offers, you’ll have to choose one primary funding source.
9. Final Thoughts
The 2025 Nedbank External Bursary Programme is more than just financial assistance—it’s a stepping stone to a successful career and a way to contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.
If you meet the requirements and are serious about your studies, this could be the opportunity that changes your life. Don’t let the application deadline pass you by—start preparing your documents now, write a strong motivation letter, and take the leap.
Quick Links for Students:
