If you are a South African student planning to study in 2026 and still searching for funding, time is running out. Several high-value bursaries close on or before 16 January 2026, and missing these deadlines could mean losing out on full or partial financial support for your studies.
Below are five must-apply bursaries you should prioritise right now, especially if you are studying in engineering, the built environment, finance, IT, tourism, or public-sector related fields.
1. Master Builders KZN Bursaries 2026
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal (MBKZN) invites students who are passionate about construction, engineering, and built-environment studies to apply for its 2026 bursary programme.
This bursary supports deserving and financially needy students in KwaZulu-Natal who are pursuing qualifications aligned with the construction industry.
Who should apply:
- Students studying construction-related or built-environment qualifications
- Residents of KwaZulu-Natal
- Students with strong academic potential and financial need
Closing Date: 14 January 2026
👉 More details: https://www.studentroom.co.za/master-builders-bursaries-2026/
2. GrandWest Bursaries 2026
GrandWest invites students residing in the Western Cape to apply for its 2026 bursary programme.
The bursary supports undergraduate studies in fields such as Tourism, Engineering, IT, Finance, Marketing, and Hospitality, making it ideal for students aligned with the hospitality and business sectors.
Who should apply:
- Western Cape residents
- Undergraduate students at public universities
- Students studying priority economic fields
Closing Date: 15 January 2026
👉 More details: https://www.studentroom.co.za/grandwest-bursaries-2026/
3. Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Bursaries 2026
Ingquza Hill Local Municipality invites students from its jurisdiction in the Eastern Cape to apply for the 2026 bursary programme.
This bursary targets undergraduate studies in Engineering, ICT, Financial Accounting, Maritime Studies, and Town & Regional Planning, with a strong focus on financially needy households.
Who should apply:
- Students residing within Ingquza Hill Local Municipality
- Learners from low-income or indigent households
- Students accepted at recognised South African universities
Closing Date: 15 January 2026
👉 More details: https://www.studentroom.co.za/ingquza-hill-local-municipality-bursaries-2026/
4. Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) Bursaries 2026
Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC), through the Master Builders Association Development Trust (MBADT), offers bursaries for students pursuing Built Environment qualifications.
The bursary supports studies at recognised universities and universities of technology in the Western Cape.
Who should apply:
- Students studying construction, engineering, or built-environment fields
- Western Cape residents or students studying in the province
Closing Date: 16 January 2026
👉 More details: https://www.studentroom.co.za/master-builders-association-western-cape-mbawc-bursaries-2026/
5. Free State Office of the Premier Bursaries 2026
The Free State Office of the Premier invites eligible students to apply for its 2026 bursary programme.
This government-funded bursary supports studies in priority skills aligned with public administration, governance, finance, ICT, and development planning, helping build capacity within the province.
Who should apply:
- Students from the Free State
- Learners pursuing scarce and critical skills
- Students interested in public-sector careers
Closing Date: 16 January 2026 (at 16:00)
👉 More details: https://www.studentroom.co.za/apply-for-free-state-office-of-the-premier-bursaries-2026/
Final Advice: Apply Now, Not Later
These bursaries are highly competitive and close very soon. To improve your chances:
- Apply before the deadline
- Double-check that all documents are included
- Ensure certified copies are recent
- Follow submission instructions carefully
Missing just one document or applying late could result in disqualification.