{"id":16871,"date":"2025-07-18T12:16:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T10:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=16871"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:13:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:13:49","slug":"bursary-and-scholarship-whats-the-difference-and-which-should-you-apply-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/bursary-and-scholarship-whats-the-difference-and-which-should-you-apply-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Bursary and Scholarship: What\u2019s the Difference and Which Should You Apply For?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>For many South African students and parents, the dream of higher education often comes with a big question: <em>How will we pay for it?<\/em> Whether you\u2019re finishing matric, switching careers, or pursuing a postgraduate qualification, the cost of tuition, textbooks, and accommodation can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are financial aid options available\u2014<em>bursaries<\/em> and <em>scholarships<\/em>. While people often use these terms interchangeably, they\u2019re not quite the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article will help you understand the difference between a bursary and a scholarship, and guide you on which one may suit your goals best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-bursary\">What Is a Bursary?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>bursary<\/strong> is financial assistance awarded to a student based primarily on <strong>financial need<\/strong>. In South Africa, bursaries are often funded by government departments, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), municipalities, and private companies looking to invest in the country\u2019s human capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-characteristics-of-a-bursary\">Key Characteristics of a Bursary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Means-Tested<\/strong>: Most bursaries require you to prove that your household income is below a certain threshold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Service Contract<\/strong>: Many bursaries require you to work for the sponsoring organisation after graduation (e.g., Eskom, Transnet, Department of Health).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Field-Specific<\/strong>: Bursaries often focus on scarce skills areas like engineering, education, nursing, and ICT.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-local-examples-of-bursaries\">Local Examples of Bursaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>NSFAS<\/strong> (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): Covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and more for qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges.<br><em>(Source: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nsfas.org.za<\/a>)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Funza Lushaka Bursary<\/strong>: Funds future teachers in priority subjects, with a work-back obligation.<br><em>(Source: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dhet.gov.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dhet.gov.za<\/a>)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Municipal Bursaries<\/strong>: Local governments like the City of Cape Town or eThekwini offer bursaries for local residents in specific study fields.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong>: Always read the fine print. Some bursaries cover only partial costs or specific years of study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1115714848\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-scholarship\">What Is a Scholarship?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>scholarship<\/strong> is a financial award based on <strong>academic merit<\/strong>, <strong>sporting ability<\/strong>, or <strong>special achievements<\/strong>. Unlike most bursaries, scholarships are usually not based on financial need and often come with fewer strings attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-scholarships\">Types of Scholarships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Academic Scholarships<\/strong>: Awarded to top-performing students. For example, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship offers full funding for high-achieving entrepreneurial-minded youth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sport Scholarships<\/strong>: Many universities like UJ, Tuks, and Maties offer scholarships to athletes who compete at a provincial or national level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Private\/NGO Scholarships<\/strong>: Organisations like the Canon Collins Trust or Mandela Rhodes Foundation offer scholarships for postgraduate study and leadership development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-main-differences-from-bursaries\">Main Differences from Bursaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>Bursary<\/th><th>Scholarship<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Based on<\/td><td>Financial need<\/td><td>Academic\/sports\/other merit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Work-back required?<\/td><td>Often yes<\/td><td>Usually no<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Application Process<\/td><td>Detailed with income documents<\/td><td>Highly competitive, achievement-based<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Coverage<\/td><td>Can be full or partial<\/td><td>Can be full or partial<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FAQ<\/strong>: <em>Can you get both a scholarship and a bursary?<\/em><br><strong>Answer<\/strong>: In some cases, yes\u2014but not for the same expenses. For example, a scholarship might cover your tuition, and a bursary might cover living costs. Always check your funding agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-which-should-you-apply-for\">Which Should You Apply For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The short answer: <strong>Both\u2014if you qualify.<\/strong> Here&#8217;s how to decide which to prioritise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-apply-for-a-bursary-if\">Apply for a Bursary If:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your household income is low or moderate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You&#8217;re studying a high-demand field like nursing, education, or engineering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re willing to commit to a service contract post-graduation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-apply-for-a-scholarship-if\">Apply for a Scholarship If:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You have excellent academic or sporting performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re interested in leadership or global development (especially for postgrad).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want more flexibility after graduating (no work-back clause).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Case Study<\/strong>: <em>Sipho from Soweto<\/em> used an NSFAS bursary to complete his IT diploma at Tshwane South TVET College. After graduating, he got a job at a state agency as part of his service contract. Meanwhile, <em>Thandeka<\/em>, a top matriculant from KwaZulu-Natal, received a scholarship from a local foundation to study medicine at UCT with no work-back condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/shoprite-bursary-programme-2026\/\">Shoprite Bursary Programme 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4061445066\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-applying\">Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Missing Deadlines<\/strong>: Most bursary deadlines close between August and December of the previous year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submitting Incomplete Forms<\/strong>: Missing ID copies or proof of income can disqualify you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ignoring the Fine Print<\/strong>: Always understand repayment clauses, service obligations, or academic requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-checklist-before-you-apply\">Checklist Before You Apply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Certified copies of your ID and guardian(s)\u2019 ID<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academic results or latest school report<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of income (payslips, SASSA letters, affidavits)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Motivation letter or personal statement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reference letters if required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also check: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasi-ispani.co.za\/bursary-application-checklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re funding your first degree or pursuing postgraduate dreams, understanding the difference between a bursary and a scholarship gives you the clarity to take the next step. Bursaries can open doors for those with limited means, while scholarships reward your excellence and passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t wait until the last minute\u2014<strong>start exploring available opportunities now<\/strong>. Visit platforms like <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nsfas.org.za<\/a>, your university\u2019s financial aid page, or your local municipality\u2019s website for the latest bursary and scholarship openings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Confused about bursaries and scholarships in South Africa? This guide explains the difference, provides local examples, and helps you decide which one to apply for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":16874,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Confused about bursaries and scholarships in South Africa? This guide explains the difference, provides local examples, and helps you decide which one to apply for.\n","footnotes":""},"categories":[68],"tags":[3323,5165,3356],"class_list":{"0":"post-16871","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-education","8":"tag-bursary","9":"tag-financial-aid","10":"tag-scholarship"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16871","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16871"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16871\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16876,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16871\/revisions\/16876"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16871"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16871"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16871"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}