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.
