Bursaries Still Open in South Africa: Applications Closing by 20 November 2026

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 13 and 20 November 2026.

Funding opportunities are available for studies in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Information Technology, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Construction, Social Sciences and many other fields.

Bursary Application Closing Dates: 13โ€“20 November 2026

Bursary Location: South Africa

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, particularly for bursaries closing on 13 and 14 November.

1. Witzenberg Municipality Bursary 2027

Witzenberg Municipality invites qualifying students who permanently reside within the municipal area to apply for its Mayoral Bursary Programme.

Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 12:00

Location: Witzenberg Municipality, Western Cape

The bursary is aimed at students pursuing qualifications linked to municipal scarce and critical skills.

Funding is specifically provided towards registration fees. Applicants must generally be South African citizens aged between 18 and 35, reside permanently within Witzenberg and have a combined household income not exceeding R350 000 per year.

Click here to apply for Witzenberg Municipality Bursary 2027

2. Free State Provincial Government Bursary 2027

The Free State Office of the Premier invites eligible young people residing in the province to apply for bursary funding.

Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 16:00

Location: Free State

Study Level: Diploma and Degree

Fields supported include:

  • Science
  • Technology
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Accounting
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Aviation
  • Public Governance
  • Development Studies

Applicants are generally required to be unemployed Free State residents aged between 18 and 35.

Funding may include tuition, accommodation, textbooks, meals, transport and a living allowance where applicable.

Click here to apply for Free State Provincial Government Bursary 2027

3. Transcend Corporate Advisors Bursary 2027

Transcend Corporate Advisors invites qualifying students to apply for its 2027 bursary programme.

Closing Date: 13 November 2026

Location: Gauteng

Study Level: Undergraduate

The programme is aimed at students entering their second or third year of study in 2027 at recognised public higher education institutions in Gauteng.

Fields include:

  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Financial Management
  • Investment Management
  • Actuarial Science
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Data Science
  • Computer Science
  • Information Systems
  • Business Analytics

First-year students are not covered by this bursary programme.

Click here to apply for Transcend Corporate Advisors Bursary 2027

4. North West Provincial Government Bursary 2027

The North West Provincial Government invites qualifying residents to apply for the Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme 2027.

Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 23:59

Location: North West Province

Study Level: Undergraduate

The bursary supports numerous fields aligned with provincial skills needs, including:

  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Education
  • Agriculture
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Social Development
  • Public Administration
  • Environmental Sciences

Applicants must permanently reside in the North West Province and intend to study full-time at a recognised public tertiary institution.

Click here to apply for North West Provincial Government Bursary 2027

5. ABB Education Trust Bursary 2027

The ABB Education Trust invites qualifying students to apply for its engineering bursary programme.

Closing Date: 14 November 2026 at 16:00

Location: South Africa

The bursary is aimed primarily at Black female students pursuing selected engineering qualifications.

Fields include:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Applicants should generally be entering second year or higher in 2027, have achieved at least a 60% academic average and meet the applicable household income requirements.

Click here to apply for ABB Education Trust Bursary 2027

6. Donald White / Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund Bursary 2027

The Donald White / Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund invites students to apply for the Magurtha H. White Bursary Programme.

Closing Date: 15 November 2026

Number of Bursaries: 2

Bursary Value: R10 000 each

Funding is available for undergraduate studies in fields including:

  • Business Studies
  • Commerce
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Medicine
  • Social Work

Applicants must have attended high school in the Western Cape and be studying or planning to study at a recognised institution in South Africa.

Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need, community involvement and, where applicable, first-generation higher education status.

Click here to apply for Donald White / Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund Bursary 2027

7. FEM Bursary 2027

FEM invites qualifying South African students to apply for its 2027 bursary programme.

Closing Date: 16 November 2026

Study Level: Undergraduate

Funding is available for studies in:

  • Engineering
  • Built Environment
  • Health Sciences

The bursary provides funding towards:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Prescribed textbooks
  • Monthly stipend

Accommodation and meals may also be funded at FEM’s discretion.

Click here to apply for FEM Bursary 2027

8. South African Table Grape Industry Bursary 2027

The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) invites qualifying students to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate bursary funding.

Closing Date: 16 November 2026 at 23:59

Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate

The bursary supports studies related to the table grape industry and its value chain.

Relevant fields include agricultural programmes such as:

  • Viticulture and Oenology
  • Plant and Soil Sciences
  • Crop Production
  • Grapevine Sciences
  • Other qualifications relevant to the table grape industry

Postgraduate applicants may also be required to submit a research proposal relevant to the industry.

Click here to apply for SATI Bursary 2027

9. NSFAS Funding Applications 2027

Students planning to study at public universities and TVET colleges can still apply for NSFAS funding for the 2027 academic year.

Application Closing Date: 18 November 2026

Application Method: Online through myNSFAS

NSFAS funding is available to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents studying or planning to study at public universities and TVET colleges.

For bursary funding, the published financial threshold for non-SASSA applicants is generally a combined gross household income of R350 000 or less per year, subject to the applicable NSFAS rules.

Click here to read how to apply for NSFAS Funding 2027

10. Ruwacon Bursary 2027

Ruwacon invites qualifying students pursuing studies in construction, engineering and the built environment to apply for its 2027 bursary programme.

Closing Date: 20 November 2026

Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Fields of study include:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Project Management
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Surveying

The programme is aimed at students who will be entering their second year, third year or postgraduate studies in 2027.

Successful bursary recipients may also gain practical exposure to construction site operations and tender processes.

Click here to apply for Ruwacon Bursary 2027

Bursaries Closing by 20 November 2026 at a Glance

  • Witzenberg Municipality: 13 November 2026 at 12:00
  • Free State Provincial Government: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
  • Transcend Corporate Advisors: 13 November 2026
  • North West Provincial Government: 13 November 2026 at 23:59
  • ABB Education Trust: 14 November 2026 at 16:00
  • Donald White / Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund: 15 November 2026
  • FEM: 16 November 2026
  • SATI: 16 November 2026 at 23:59
  • NSFAS: 18 November 2026
  • Ruwacon: 20 November 2026

Tips Before Applying for a Bursary

Before submitting your application:

  • Check whether your field of study is funded.
  • Confirm the closing date and time.
  • Prepare certified copies of your ID and academic results.
  • Obtain proof of household income.
  • Prepare proof of university acceptance or registration where required.
  • Write a strong motivational letter if requested.
  • Check whether proof of residence is required.
  • Make sure uploaded documents are clear and readable.
  • Submit your application before the final day whenever possible.

Several of these bursaries close within the next few days, so students should prioritise those with the earliest deadlines..