Bursaries are one of the best ways to fund your studies in South Africa, yet many students don’t fully understand how they work. While most people think bursaries are simply “free money for school,” there’s much more to them than meets the eye.
If you’re planning to study at a university or TVET college, here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about bursaries that could change how you apply.
1. Some Bursaries Require You to Work After Graduation
Many bursaries in South Africa come with a “work-back” obligation. This means that after completing your studies, you must work for the company or organisation that funded you.
For example:
- If your bursary covered 3 years of study, you may be required to work for that organisation for 3 years.
- This is common in fields like engineering, teaching, healthcare, and government sectors.
While this may sound restrictive, it actually helps you:
- Gain guaranteed work experience
- Avoid job hunting stress after graduating
2. Bursaries Don’t Always Cover Everything
Not all bursaries are “full bursaries.” Some only cover certain expenses, such as:
- Tuition fees only
- Tuition + books
- Partial accommodation or transport
It’s important to read the details carefully. A bursary might sound generous but still leave you responsible for:
- Food
- Accommodation
- Personal expenses
Always check what is included before applying.
3. You Can Lose a Bursary If Your Marks Drop
Getting a bursary is not a once-off achievement—you must maintain it.
Most bursaries require:
- A minimum average (e.g. 60% or 65%)
- Passing all modules
- Good academic progress
If your performance drops:
- Your bursary can be suspended or cancelled
- You may even be required to repay funds in some cases
Consistency matters just as much as getting accepted.
4. Some Bursaries Are Only for Specific Fields
Bursaries are often designed to support skills shortages in South Africa. This means they are targeted toward specific careers, such as:
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Medicine and Nursing
- Teaching (especially Maths and Science)
- IT and Data Science
If you’re studying a general degree, you may find fewer bursary opportunities compared to high-demand fields.
Tip: Choosing a scarce-skill field can increase your chances of getting funded.
5. You Can Apply for More Than One Bursary
Many students think they can only apply for one bursary—but that’s not true.
You can apply for:
- Multiple bursaries at the same time
- Both private and government bursaries
However:
- You usually cannot accept more than one full bursary at the same time
- If accepted for multiple, you must choose one
Applying to more opportunities increases your chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Bursaries are more than just financial aid—they are opportunities that come with responsibilities, expectations, and long-term benefits.
Understanding how they work can help you:
- Make better study choices
- Avoid common mistakes
- Increase your chances of securing funding
If you’re serious about your future, start researching bursaries early, apply widely, and always read the requirements carefully.
Bonus Tip
Start applying as early as Grade 11 or early Grade 12, as many bursaries close before final exams. The earlier you prepare, the better your chances.