Best Bursaries for South African Matriculants in 2025

Securing a bursary is a crucial step for South African matriculants aiming to pursue higher education. With tuition fees rising every year, bursaries provide financial relief and allow talented students to study without worrying about costs.

In 2025, bursaries are available from government bodies, private organizations, universities, and corporate sponsors. They cover a range of fields, including engineering, medicine, IT, business, and education. Some bursaries even cover living expenses, books, and transport.

This guide explores the best bursaries for South African matriculants in 2025, including eligibility, value, and application strategies. Whether you aim to study at a university, university of technology, or college, this guide provides practical steps to secure funding.

Why Bursaries Matter for South African Matriculants

1. Financial Support: Reduce or eliminate tuition and study costs.

2. Access to Quality Education: Open doors to top universities and colleges.

3. Career Development: Many bursaries include internships or work placement opportunities.

4. Focus on Studies: Minimize financial stress and concentrate on academic performance.

5. Specialized Fields: Some bursaries target high-demand sectors, ensuring employability.

Bursaries are particularly vital for matriculants from disadvantaged backgrounds. They provide equal opportunities and reward academic excellence, leadership, and talent.

Top Bursaries Available for South African Matriculants in 2025

1. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

• Eligibility: South African citizens with family income under R350,000 annually; must have passed matric.

• Value: Covers full tuition, accommodation, books, and transport.

• Fields Covered: All accredited programs at public universities and TVET colleges.

• Application Process:

  1. Register on the NSFAS portal.

  2. Submit ID, academic records, and proof of income.

  3. Track application status online.

• Tips: Apply early and ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.

2. Funza Lushaka Bursary

• Eligibility: South African citizens pursuing a teaching degree. Must have passed matric with required subjects (Math, English).

• Value: Covers full tuition and allowances for living expenses.

• Fields Covered: Foundation, intermediate, senior, and FET phase teaching programs.

• Application Process: Apply online via the Funza Lushaka portal and submit proof of registration.

• Tips: Focus on education-related subjects and maintain high academic performance.

3. South African Police Service (SAPS) Bursary

• Eligibility: South African citizens with a matric certificate and interest in policing or forensic studies.

• Value: Covers tuition, accommodation, and books.

• Fields Covered: Criminal justice, policing, forensic science.

• Application Process: Apply on SAPS careers portal, submit documents and personal statement.

• Tips: Maintain a clean criminal record and participate in community programs.

4. Transnet Bursary

• Eligibility: South African students with excellent matric results; priority for science, engineering, and commerce fields.

• Value: Covers tuition, accommodation, and monthly allowance.

• Fields Covered: Engineering, logistics, commerce, and ICT.

• Application Process: Submit application via Transnet’s bursary portal with academic records and motivation letter.

• Tips: Highlight interest in transportation and logistics sectors.

5. Eskom Bursary

• Eligibility: South African matriculants pursuing science, engineering, or technical degrees.

• Value: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and mentoring.

• Fields Covered: Electrical, mechanical, civil engineering, and ICT.

• Application Process: Apply online via Eskom’s bursary portal with proof of academic performance.

• Tips: Demonstrate strong interest in energy and sustainability projects.

6. Anglo American Bursary

• Eligibility: South African citizens with strong academic records. Priority for engineering, finance, and commerce degrees.

• Value: Covers tuition, accommodation, monthly allowance, and internship opportunities.

• Fields Covered: Mining engineering, finance, IT, and geology.

• Application Process: Submit application on Anglo American careers portal with personal statement and references.

• Tips: Show leadership experience and interest in mining or corporate sectors.

7. Sasol Bursary

• Eligibility: Matriculants with strong marks in science and mathematics. South African citizens only.

• Value: Full tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend.

• Fields Covered: Chemistry, engineering, environmental science, and IT.

• Application Process: Apply via Sasol bursary portal with academic transcript and motivation letter.

• Tips: Focus on sustainability, research interest, and science projects.

8. MTN Bursary

• Eligibility: Matriculants interested in ICT, computer science, or business studies.

• Value: Tuition fees, monthly allowance, and mentorship programs.

• Fields Covered: Information Technology, computer engineering, and business management.

• Application Process: Apply on MTN careers website with proof of enrollment and academic results.

• Tips: Emphasize interest in digital technology and innovation.

9. Shoprite Group Bursary

• Eligibility: South African matriculants pursuing commerce, finance, or supply chain degrees.

• Value: Tuition fees, mentoring, and internship opportunities.

• Fields Covered: Accounting, business management, logistics, and commerce.

• Application Process: Submit application via Shoprite bursary portal with academic records.

• Tips: Demonstrate interest in retail and supply chain management.

10. Sappi Bursary

• Eligibility: South African students excelling in science, engineering, or commerce.

• Value: Full tuition, accommodation, and monthly allowance.

• Fields Covered: Paper science, engineering, environmental science, and business studies.

• Application Process: Apply on Sappi careers portal, submit transcripts, and motivation letter.

• Tips: Show interest in sustainability, manufacturing, and industrial projects.

Comparison Table: Top Bursaries for South African Matriculants

FAQs About Bursaries for Matriculants

1. What is the difference between a bursary and a scholarship?
   A bursary is usually based on financial need, whereas a scholarship is based on academic merit or talent.

2. Can matriculants apply for multiple bursaries?
   Yes, you can apply to several bursaries but check for conflicting conditions.

3. Do bursaries cover living expenses?
   Some bursaries like NSFAS and Funza Lushaka cover living expenses; others may only cover tuition.

4. Are bursaries only for universities?
   No, many bursaries are also available for TVET colleges and vocational training.

5. Do I need to work after receiving a bursary?
   Some bursaries, especially from corporations, may require you to work for the company after graduation.

6. When should I apply for bursaries?
   Apply as early as possible, ideally before your final matric exams or immediately after results.

7. Do I need excellent grades to qualify?
   Most bursaries require strong academic performance, but some focus on financial need or community service.

8. Can I change my study field after receiving a bursary?
   It depends on the bursary; many require you to study the approved field.

9. Is there age restriction for bursary applicants?
   Most bursaries are for recent matriculants, but some allow older students or gap-year applicants.

10. How can I improve my chances of getting a bursary?
    Maintain excellent academic records, participate in extracurricular activities, and submit complete and timely applications.

Conclusion

Bursaries are essential for South African matriculants to achieve their educational dreams without financial stress. Organizations like NSFAS, Funza Lushaka, Eskom, and Transnet provide full tuition, allowances, and even mentoring to help students succeed.

To maximize your chances:

• Apply early

• Ensure academic excellence

• Follow all application instructions

• Choose bursaries aligned with your field of study

By taking these steps, 2025 matriculants can secure bursaries that will transform their educational and career prospects.