2027 University Bursaries – Science, Engineering, Accounting, Technology, Mathematics, Music & Law | Apply by 16 October 2026
Programme: 2027 Bursary Programme
Bursary Provider: Not specified in the supplied advertisement
Study Level: University Studies
Location: Selected communities across all nine South African provinces
Minimum Academic Requirement: Average above 70%
Financial Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate financial need
Fields of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics and selected Humanities programmes
Academic Year: 2027
Closing Date: 16 October 2026
Overview
Applications are open for the 2027 University Bursary Programme, offering financial assistance to academically deserving students from selected communities across South Africa.
The bursary aims to support students who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need, helping them pursue university qualifications in important fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Mathematics, Music and Law.
Successful applicants may receive financial assistance covering university registration, tuition, accredited accommodation, textbooks, stationery, a laptop, meals, tutoring and mental wellness support.
To qualify, applicants must have an academic average of more than 70%, calculated without Life Orientation and Home Language, and provide evidence of financial need.
The bursary supports applicants from selected districts and communities in Limpopo, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, Western Cape and Northern Cape.
Supported Fields of Study
The bursary supports university studies in the following areas:
1. Science
Students pursuing qualifications within the Science field may apply.
2. Technology
Applicants interested in university qualifications related to Technology are included among the supported study fields.
3. Engineering
Engineering is one of the supported academic disciplines.
4. Accounting
Students pursuing Accounting qualifications may be considered.
5. Mathematics
University programmes in Mathematics are supported.
6. Humanities
The bursary specifically identifies the following Humanities-related programmes:
- Music.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Applicants should ensure that their intended qualification falls within the supported fields before submitting an application.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2027 Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have an academic average above 70%.
- Calculate the required academic average excluding Life Orientation and Home Language.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be from one of the listed supported communities or districts.
- Intend to study or be studying in one of the supported academic fields.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
Important: The academic requirement is an average above 70%, not simply 70%.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary provides support for several important university expenses.
Registration and Tuition Fees
Financial assistance towards university registration and tuition fees.
University Accommodation
Coverage of university-accredited accommodation fees.
Books and Stationery
Support for prescribed learning materials, books and stationery.
Laptop
The funding package includes a laptop to support academic activities.
Meal Allowance
A meal allowance to assist students with food expenses during their studies.
Tutor Allowance
Financial support for tutoring to assist students with their academic performance.
Mental Wellness Support
The bursary also includes mental wellness support to help students manage challenges associated with university life.
Supported Locations – All Nine Provinces
Applications are supported from the following areas:
Limpopo
- Sekhukhune
- Capricorn
- Vhembe
- Mopani
Free State
- Thabo Mofutsanyana
- Mangaung
KwaZulu-Natal
- Umgungundlovu
- Ethekwini
- King Cetshwayo
Eastern Cape
- OR Tambo
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Buffalo City
Mpumalanga
- Bushbuckridge
- Mbombela
- Kwamhlanga
North West
- Mmakau
- Madibeng
- Bojanala
Gauteng
- Tshwane
- Ekurhuleni
- Johannesburg
- Sedibeng
Western Cape
- Khayelitsha
- Mitchells Plain
Northern Cape
- John Taole
- Frances Baard
Applicants should confirm that their community or district is included among the supported areas before applying.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following supporting documents:
1. Certified Identity Documents
Certified copies of:
- Applicant’s ID.
- Parents’ or legal guardians’ IDs.
2. Academic Results
A certified copy of the applicant’s:
- Latest academic transcript; or
- Latest academic results.
3. Proof of Household Income
Proof of income for both parents or legal guardians.
This documentation is required to demonstrate financial need.
4. Testimonial Letter
A testimonial letter from one of the following:
- School principal.
- Religious leader.
- Traditional leader.
Applicants should ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate before submitting their applications.
Important Academic Requirements
The bursary requires an average academic mark of more than 70%.
When calculating the average, the following subjects must be excluded:
- Life Orientation.
- Home Language.
Applicants should use their actual academic results when checking whether they meet the required average.
The supplied advertisement does not specify separate academic thresholds for individual study fields.
Who Should Apply?
This bursary opportunity may be suitable for:
- Academically strong students with averages above 70%.
- Students who can demonstrate financial need.
- Learners planning to pursue university studies in 2027.
- University students studying in supported fields.
- Students interested in Science and Technology.
- Students pursuing Engineering qualifications.
- Students interested in Accounting or Mathematics.
- Students pursuing Music or LLB qualifications.
- Applicants from the listed districts and communities across South Africa.
Applicants must meet the bursary’s academic, financial and geographical eligibility criteria.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Bursary Application
Check Your Academic Average
Ensure that your academic average is above 70%, excluding Life Orientation and Home Language.
Prepare Your Documents Early
Obtain certified copies of your identity documents and academic results before the closing date.
Provide Accurate Financial Information
Ensure that the required proof of income for your parents or legal guardians is included.
Request Your Testimonial Letter
Approach your school principal, religious leader or traditional leader early enough to obtain the required testimonial.
Confirm Your Field of Study
Check that your intended university qualification is included in the supported academic areas.
Confirm Your Location
Ensure that your home community or district falls within the listed supported areas.
Possible Bursary Interview Questions
If shortlisted applicants are required to attend an interview, they may find it useful to prepare for questions such as:
- Why did you choose your intended field of study?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- Why do you need financial assistance?
- How would receiving this bursary help you complete your studies?
- What motivates you to perform well academically?
- How do you manage your study time?
- What challenges have you faced during your education?
- How have you overcome financial or academic difficulties?
- How do you plan to contribute to your community after graduating?
- Why should you be considered for this bursary?
These are general preparation questions. The supplied advertisement does not confirm that interviews form part of the selection process.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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