South African students and Grade 12 learners looking for financial assistance to further their studies in 2027 still have an opportunity to apply for several bursary programmes before 26 October 2026.
Various companies, municipalities, government-related organisations and educational trusts are offering bursaries to qualifying students pursuing studies in Engineering, Accounting, Information Technology, Science, Finance, Logistics and other fields.
Among the organisations offering funding opportunities are Astron Energy, Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), Tiger Brands and the Kuehne+Nagel Inzuzo Trust.
With application deadlines approaching, students are encouraged to check the requirements, prepare their supporting documents and submit applications before the respective closing dates.
Below are bursaries with advertised closing dates from 18 to 26 October 2026, including application information and links.
1. KN Inzuzo Trust Bursaries 2027
The Kuehne+Nagel Inzuzo Trust invites eligible Black female South African students to apply for the KN Inzuzo Trust Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 18 October 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
The bursary supports students studying towards qualifications in Accounting, Financial Management, Information Systems, Logistics, Logistics Management and Transport Economics.
Applicants must be entering their second year, third year or postgraduate studies in 2027 and have achieved at least a 60% overall academic average in their most recent year of study.
The bursary is aimed at students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities and financial need. First-year students are not eligible.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for KN Inzuzo Trust Bursaries 2027
Email: info.kninzuzotrust@kuehne-nagel.com
Completed applications may also be hand-delivered to:
Busi Mabena The Kuehne+Nagel Inzuzo Trust 9 Nguni Drive Longmeadow West Business Park Edenvale
2. Tiger Brands Bursaries 2027
Tiger Brands invites eligible South African university students to apply for the Graduate Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 22 October 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Study Level: Undergraduate
The bursary supports students pursuing qualifications aligned with the company’s business needs, including:
- Mechanical, Electrical and Industrial Engineering
- Food Science and Food Technology
- Supply Chain Management and Logistics
- Finance and Accounting
- Data Science and Information Technology
Applicants must currently be in their first year of university study and be entering their second year in 2027.
They must have achieved at least a 65% overall average in their Matric and first-semester university results and demonstrate financial need.
The bursary may cover tuition, accommodation, prescribed textbooks and a monthly stipend. Selected students may also receive vacation work opportunities.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Tiger Brands Bursaries 2027
Email: graduatebursaries@tigerbrands.com
Email Subject: Tiger Brands Graduate Bursary
Applicants must email the required supporting documents.
3. Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursaries 2027
Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals invites eligible South African Matric learners to apply for the RBM Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 24 October 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Study Level: First-year Undergraduate
The bursary is available to learners who are completing Matric in 2026 and intend to enrol for their first year of university studies in 2027.
Fields of study include:
- Electrical, Mechanical, Civil and Industrial Engineering
- Extractive Metallurgy
- Environmental Science and Geology
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy
- Law and Safety Management
- Finance, Commerce and Economics
- Journalism, Media and Communication
- Psychology, Criminology and Community Development
Applicants must be South African citizens, have maintained a minimum overall academic average of 65%, demonstrate financial need and intend to study at a recognised university.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals Bursaries 2027
Applicants must select the appropriate online application link for either core or non-core disciplines.
Enquiries Email: RTgraduaterecruitmentsupport@riotinto.com
Alternative Email: recruitment.support@riotinto.com
4. Astron Energy Bursaries 2027
Astron Energy invites eligible South African students to apply for the Astron Energy Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 26 October 2026 at 12:00 midday
Bursary Location: South Africa
Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
The bursary covers studies in the following fields:
- Data Analytics
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Accounting and Finance
- Commerce
- Financial Information Systems
- Internal Audit
- Marketing
- Risk Management
Applicants must be South African citizens under the age of 35, have achieved at least a 70% overall average for their most recent full academic year and meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements.
The bursary offers funding for tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals and monthly allowances.
Successful applicants may also receive mentorship, academic support and work-readiness training.
Recipients must agree to a work-back requirement of one year for every year of bursary funding received.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Astron Energy Bursaries 2027
Online Application: Astron Energy Bursary Application Portal
Enquiries Email: support@auraams.app
Applicants should ensure all supporting documents are uploaded before the application deadline.
5. Magalies Water Bursaries 2027 (X14 Opportunities)
Magalies Water invites qualifying South African students to apply for the External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 23 October 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Number of Bursaries: 14
The programme provides financial assistance to students interested in careers in engineering, water management, science and information technology.
Bursaries are available in the following fields:
- Mechanical Engineering – 2 bursaries
- Electrical Engineering – 2 bursaries
- Civil Engineering – 2 bursaries
- Water Care – 2 bursaries
- Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry – 2 bursaries
- Biotechnology / Microbiology – 2 bursaries
- Information and Communication Technology – 2 bursaries
Applicants must be South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 and have achieved at least a 65% average in Grade 12.
Depending on the field, the bursary supports N4–N6, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree qualifications.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Magalies Water Bursaries 2027
Application Email: bursaries@magalieswater.co.za
Enquiries Telephone: 014 597 4636
Applicants must complete the official application form and email it with the required supporting documents.