South African students and Grade 12 learners looking for funding for the 2027 academic year still have several bursary opportunities available, with applications closing between 23 and 31 October 2026.
The opportunities include funding for Engineering, Information Technology, Finance, Agriculture, Medicine, Geomatics, Tourism, Science, Commerce and many other fields.
Bursary Application Closing Dates: 23–31 October 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Students are encouraged to check the eligibility requirements carefully and submit applications before the respective deadlines.
1. George Municipality Bursaries 2027
George Municipality invites eligible students residing within the George municipal area to apply for its 2027 bursary programme.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 23 October 2026
Location: George Municipality, Western Cape
Priority fields include:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Finance
- GIS
- Environmental Management
- Renewable Energy
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Water and Roads Management
Applicants must permanently reside within the George municipal area and have a household income not exceeding R350 000 per year.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for George Municipality Bursaries 2027
Email: gmun@george.gov.za
2. Magalies Water Bursaries 2027 – X14 Opportunities
Magalies Water invites young South Africans aged between 18 and 35 to apply for 14 bursary opportunities.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 23 October 2026
Available fields include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Water Care
- Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology / Microbiology
- Information and Communication Technology
Applicants must have achieved at least a 65% Grade 12 average.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Magalies Water Bursaries 2027
Application Email: bursaries@magalieswater.co.za
3. Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals Bursaries 2027
Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals invites eligible South African Matric learners to apply for bursary funding for 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 24 October 2026
The bursary supports studies in fields including:
- Extractive Metallurgy
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Finance
- Economics
- Psychology
- Journalism and Communication
Applicants must be completing Matric in 2026, have at least a 65% overall academic average, demonstrate financial need and plan to enter first-year university studies in 2027.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Rio Tinto / RBM Bursaries 2027
Enquiries: RTgraduaterecruitmentsupport@riotinto.com
4. Astron Energy Bursaries 2027
Astron Energy invites eligible South African students to apply for its undergraduate and postgraduate bursary programme.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 26 October 2026 at 12:00 midday
Fields include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Data Analytics
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Accounting
- Finance
- Commerce
- Internal Audit
- Marketing
- Risk Management
The bursary provides funding for tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals and monthly allowances.
Applicants generally need at least a 70% overall academic average for their most recent full academic year.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Astron Energy Bursaries 2027
Enquiries: support@auraams.app
5. KZN EDTEA Engineering Bursaries 2027 – X6
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs offers six engineering bursary opportunities.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026 at 16:00
Eligible fields include:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Studies must be undertaken at either:
- University of the Witwatersrand; or
- University of Pretoria.
Applicants must be KwaZulu-Natal residents from disadvantaged backgrounds and generally be between 15 and 34 years old.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for KZN EDTEA Engineering Bursaries 2027
Applications must be posted or hand delivered. Email applications are not accepted.
6. City of Johannesburg Bursaries 2027 – X200
The City of Johannesburg invites young people permanently residing in Johannesburg to apply for 200 bursary opportunities.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026
Maximum Bursary Value: R40 000 per academic year
The programme supports full-time undergraduate studies at accredited South African tertiary institutions.
Applicants must permanently reside within Johannesburg. Postgraduate studies are not covered.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Bursaries 2027
7. Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Bursaries 2027
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development invites qualifying students to apply for its External Bursary Programme.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026 at 16:00
Funding is available for:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Veterinary Medicine
The bursary may cover:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Books
- Meals
- Monthly allowance
Funding is subject to the availability of funds.
The programme particularly targets previously disadvantaged students and applicants from poor and rural communities.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Bursaries 2027
8. Nkangala District Municipality Bursaries 2027
Nkangala District Municipality invites eligible residents to apply for bursary funding for 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026 at 13:30
Applicants must reside within the Nkangala District Municipality area and meet the applicable academic, age and financial requirements.
Completed applications may be hand delivered to Nkangala District Municipality or participating local municipal offices.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Nkangala District Municipality Bursaries 2027
Enquiries: 013 249 2049
9. AGSA / Solarpop Bursaries 2026
African Global Skills Academy, in partnership with Solarpop, invites eligible students to apply for funding towards outstanding tuition fees for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026
Fields of Study: All fields
Applicants must be studying at a recognised and accredited South African higher education institution.
Students living with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for AGSA / Solarpop Bursaries 2026
10. Mulilo Bursaries 2027
Mulilo invites qualifying students to apply for bursary funding for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 October 2026
Fields of Study: All fields of study
Applicants must permanently reside within:
- Emthanjeni Municipality
- Renosterberg Municipality
- Siyathemba Municipality
The bursary may provide:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Psycho-social support
- Academic tutoring
Applicants may study at an accredited tertiary or trade institution.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Mulilo Bursaries 2027
WhatsApp Enquiries: 083 666 8041
11. ISFAP Bursaries 2027
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme invites South African students to apply for its 2027 bursary programme.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 October 2026
ISFAP particularly supports qualifying students from the so-called missing middle who require financial assistance for approved undergraduate programmes.
Funding may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Books
- Travel, where applicable
Funding applies to approved programmes at selected public universities.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for ISFAP Bursaries 2027
12. South African Geomatics Council Bursaries 2027
The South African Geomatics Council invites qualifying students to apply for bursary funding.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 October 2026
Relevant study fields include:
- Geomatics
- Land Surveying
- Engineering Surveying
- Geographic Information Science
- Mine Surveying
- Geoinformatics
- Geospatial Science
Applicants must pursue an approved qualification linked to the geomatics profession and demonstrate academic potential and financial need.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for South African Geomatics Council Bursaries 2027
Application Email: bursary@sagc.org.za
Email Subject: SAGC Bursary 2027
13. KZN Tourism and Film Authority Bursaries 2027
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority invites qualifying KwaZulu-Natal students to apply for its 2027 bursary programme.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 October 2026
Applicants must provide documents including academic records, proof of registration or acceptance, household income information and a motivational letter.
Applications must be completed online.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for KZN Tourism and Film Authority Bursaries 2027
Enquiries: bursaries@visitkznsa.com
14. Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi South32 Bursaries 2027
South32 invites eligible students to apply for the Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi Bursary Programme.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 October 2026 at 23:59
Applications must be submitted through the Career Wise application platform.
Applicants must use the promotional code:
Hillside27
Supporting documents include ID, academic results and proof of residence.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in interviews and assessments.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi South32 Bursaries 2027
Promotional Code: Hillside27
Bursaries Closing by 31 October 2026 at a Glance
- George Municipality – 23 October 2026
- Magalies Water – 23 October 2026
- Rio Tinto / RBM – 24 October 2026
- Astron Energy – 26 October 2026 at 12:00
- Nkangala District Municipality – 30 October 2026 at 13:30
- KZN EDTEA – 30 October 2026 at 16:00
- Limpopo Agriculture and Rural Development – 30 October 2026 at 16:00
- City of Johannesburg – 30 October 2026
- AGSA / Solarpop – 30 October 2026
- Mulilo – 31 October 2026
- ISFAP – 31 October 2026
- SAGC – 31 October 2026
- KZN Tourism and Film Authority – 31 October 2026
- Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi South32 – 31 October 2026 at 23:59
Tips Before Applying
Before submitting a bursary application:
- Check that you meet the citizenship and residence requirements.
- Confirm that your field of study is funded.
- Prepare certified copies of required documents.
- Make sure your academic records are up to date.
- Prepare proof of household income where required.
- Obtain university acceptance or registration documents where required.
- Check whether an application form must be signed.
- Submit your application before the advertised closing time.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because online application platforms may become busy and obtaining missing supporting documents can take time.