Education & Training Opportunities

Bursaries Closing in August 2025

If you’re a South African student planning to study in 2026, you may already be feeling the pressure of how to pay for your education. With tuition fees, textbooks, and living costs rising each year, bursaries offer a lifeline—especially for hardworking learners from low-income households. Fortunately, there are several bursaries closing in August 2025 that can help you access quality education without the financial strain.

This guide highlights trusted bursaries that are still open for applications this August, explains how to apply, and offers helpful tips to improve your chances of securing funding.

What Is a Bursary and Who Qualifies?

A bursary is financial aid awarded to students based on specific criteria—usually academic achievement and financial need. Most bursaries in South Africa are only available to:

  • South African citizens
  • Matriculants or current tertiary students
  • Students with good academic performance
  • Individuals who can demonstrate financial need

Some bursaries may have additional conditions such as studying in a particular field, being from a certain province, or attending specific universities.

Bursaries Closing in August 2025

Here is a thoughtfully compiled list of bursaries with varying requirements, benefits, and deadlines, all closing in August.

1. Rhodes Trust Scholarship

Closing Date: 1 August 2025

  • Fully funded postgraduate scholarship to study at the University of Oxford
  • Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel
  • Open to exceptional South African students
  • Highly competitive and prestigious

Learn more: Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa – 2026 Intake

2. UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition

Closing Date: 1 August 2025

  • Aimed at Grade 12 learners with strong academic and leadership potential
  • Winner receives a bursary to study at UFS
  • Includes an internship opportunity at Media24
  • Ideal for future media and communication professionals

Learn more: UFS & Media24 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition 2026

3. Competition Tribunal South Africa Scholarship

Closing Date: 15 August 2025

  • Supports postgraduate studies in competition law or economics
  • Open to students pursuing careers in legal or regulatory fields
  • Covers tuition and study-related costs.

Learn more: Competition Tribunal South Africa Scholarship

4. Hortgro Bursary

Closing Date: 15 August 2025

  • For students pursuing agriculture-related degrees
  • Focus on fruit production and horticulture
  • Supports tuition and promotes skills development in the sector

Learn more: Hortgro Bursaries 2026

5. IVANPLATS Bursary

Closing Date: 15 August 2025

  • For students in mining-related fields: engineering, geology, etc.
  • Financial support plus potential for practical training
  • Offered by a major mining company in South Africa

Learn more: IVANPLATS Bursary

6. Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary

Closing Date: 15 August 2025

  • Supports LLB students intending to practise law
  • Covers tuition and related expenses
  • Available to South African citizens only

Learn more: Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary Programme 2026 – 2027

7. SANParks Bursary

Closing Date: 18 August 2025

  • For students studying environmental or conservation-related fields
  • Open to both undergrads and postgrads
  • Offered by South African National Parks to grow conservation talent

Learn more: SANParks Bursary 2026

8. SBF High School Scholarship

Closing Date: 22 August 2025

  • For current high school learners
  • Aims to help students reach their academic goals
  • Financial aid provided for tuition and school-related costs

Learn more: SBF High School Scholarship

9. Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship

Closing Date: 28 August 2025

  • Postgraduate scholarship for various fields: science, humanities, engineering
  • Covers tuition and other study-related expenses
  • Highly respected and competitive

Learn more: Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship

10. Bigen Bursary

Closing Date: 30 August 2025

  • For students studying engineering, architecture, or project management
  • Offered by infrastructure consulting firm Bigen
  • Preference for students with strong academic performance

Learn more: Bigen Bursary

11. Liberty Bursary

Closing Date: 30 August 2025

  • Supports students in finance, actuarial science, and economics
  • Offered by Liberty, a leading financial services provider
  • Aimed at students committed to a career in the financial sector

Learn more: Liberty Bursary South Africa 2026

12. FSCA Bursary for Students with Disabilities

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • Supports students with disabilities in finance, accounting, and related fields
  • Offered by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority
  • Promotes inclusion and accessibility in financial services

Learn more: FSCA Bursary for Students With Disabilities 2026

13. Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For students in engineering, quantity surveying, and related fields
  • Offered by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
  • Open to academically strong South African students

Learn more: Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2026

14. Momentum Group Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • Focus on actuarial science and business-related degrees
  • Offered by Momentum, a leader in financial services
  • Aims to build skills and leadership in the industry

Learn more: Momentum Group Bursary 2026

15. Nedbank Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For studies in accounting, finance, and economics
  • Offered by Nedbank to nurture future financial professionals
  • Covers tuition and other academic expenses

Learn more: Nedbank Bursary Programme 2026

16. Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For students in finance, business, and related areas
  • Supports academic excellence and leadership development
  • Offered by Old Mutual as part of its education initiatives

Learn more: Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Bursary

17. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For students in accounting, business, and finance
  • PwC seeks to invest in future professional service leaders
  • Covers tuition and offers potential work opportunities

Learn more: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bursary

18. Proxa Water Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For studies in water treatment and environmental engineering
  • Offered by Proxa, a leader in sustainable water solutions
  • Aimed at students passionate about water and environmental sustainability

Learn more: Proxa Water Bursary Programme (2026)

19. SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For students from disadvantaged backgrounds studying chartered accounting
  • Covers tuition, books, and living expenses
  • Offered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)

Learn more: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund 2026

20. South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For students pursuing actuarial science
  • Supports transformation and diversity in the actuarial profession
  • Covers full academic and living expenses

Learn more: South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary

21. South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) Scholarship

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For students in cultural studies or related fields
  • Promotes academic research and innovation in the arts and culture sector
  • Funded by SACO to grow the cultural economy

Learn more: SACO PostGraduate Scholarship Programme 2025 – 2027

22. South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For students in civil engineering with an interest in road infrastructure
  • Offered to promote road development and construction careers
  • Covers tuition and related academic expenses

Learn more: South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary

23. UFS Bursary: Star of Stars Competition

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • Open to high-performing Grade 12 learners
  • Bursary to study at the University of the Free State
  • Based on academic excellence and community involvement

Learn more: University of the Free State: Star of Stars bursary Programme 2026

24. Vodacom Bursary

Closing Date: 31 August 2025

  • For students in ICT, engineering, and business studies
  • Vodacom supports talented students with tuition and living expenses
  • Opportunity to work with one of SA’s top tech companies after graduation

Learn more: Vodacom Bursaries 2026

Common Mistakes When Applying for Bursaries

Avoid missing out by being aware of these frequent issues:

  • Late submissions – Always apply well before the closing date.
  • Missing documents – Use a checklist to ensure everything is included.
  • Unprofessional email addresses – Create a formal email for applications.
  • Generic motivational letters – Personalize each one to fit the bursary criteria.

Also check: Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have

Where to Find Bursary Application Forms and Details

All the bursaries listed here are currently featured on SA Bursaries, South Africa’s largest bursary database. Each listing includes:

  • Full eligibility criteria
  • Step-by-step application process
  • Links to application forms or online portals
  • Bursary provider contact details

Read more: Bursary Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Applying for a bursary may feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make for your future. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor, engineer, lawyer, or conservationist, there’s a funding opportunity for you—but only if you act in time.

Final Tip: Create a bursary application folder (physical or digital) to store copies of documents, application drafts, and closing dates.

Don’t Wait: Review the bursaries closing in August 2025 now, visit zabursaries.co.za, and submit your applications before the deadlines.

Disclaimer: Bursary availability, eligibility criteria, and deadlines may change. Always verify details on the official website or with the bursary provider before applying.

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