A bursary is money awarded to a student to help pay for their studies, usually covering some or all of tuition fees, and often extending to accommodation, textbooks, and a living allowance. Unlike a student loan, a bursary generally does not need to be repaid in cash. That single distinction is why bursaries are the most sought-after form of student funding in South Africa, and why competition for them is intense.
But “you don’t pay it back” doesn’t mean a bursary comes with no strings attached. Most bursaries, particularly the well-funded corporate and government ones, come with conditions: minimum academic results, a specific field of study, and often a commitment to work for the funder after you graduate. Understanding exactly how bursaries work — and what you’re agreeing to when you accept one — matters just as much as finding one in the first place.
How a Bursary Actually Works
A bursary provider, whether that’s a company, a government department, a university, or a private trust, sets aside funding each year for students who meet their criteria. You apply, usually before or early in the academic year, and if selected, the funder pays your institution directly for tuition and, depending on the bursary, related costs like registration, accommodation, and study materials. Some bursaries also pay a monthly living allowance directly to you.
In exchange, most bursary providers expect two things: that you maintain a minimum academic average each year, and that you complete your degree within a reasonable timeframe. Corporate bursaries in particular often add a third condition, known as bonding, where you agree to work for the company for a set period after graduating, or pay back some or all of the funding if you don’t. We cover this in detail in our guide to bursary bonding and work-back obligations.
Bursary vs Scholarship vs Student Loan
These three terms get used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing:
- Bursary: Funding tied to financial need, a specific field of study, or a future work commitment. Usually doesn’t require repayment in cash, but may require bonded work-back.
- Scholarship: Funding awarded primarily for academic, sporting, or other merit, with fewer conditions attached and rarely any work-back requirement.
- Student loan: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest, regardless of where you end up working. NSFAS blends elements of both a bursary and a loan depending on your circumstances.
If you’re weighing these options against each other directly, our guide to bursaries vs student loans vs NSFAS breaks down which option suits which situation.
Who Funds Bursaries in South Africa?
Bursary funding in South Africa comes from a few main sources, each with different priorities and application processes:
- Government and NSFAS: The largest single source of student funding in the country, targeted at financially needy students. NSFAS functions partly as a bursary and partly as a loan depending on the year and your outcomes.
- Corporate bursaries: Companies in sectors facing skills shortages, such as engineering, accounting, IT, and mining, fund students in exchange for a work-back commitment once they graduate.
- Government departments and SETAs: Provincial departments, particularly Health and Education, run large bursary schemes tied to public-sector employment afterward.
- Private trusts and foundations: Independent organisations that fund students based on need, merit, or a specific cause, usually without a work-back requirement.
For a full breakdown of each category, including how to tell which type suits your situation, see our guide to types of bursaries in South Africa.
What Does a Bursary Typically Cover?
Coverage varies widely between funders, but a well-funded bursary typically includes:
- Full tuition and registration fees
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- Accommodation, either on-campus residence or an off-campus allowance
- A monthly living allowance for meals and personal expenses
- In some cases, a laptop or equipment allowance for the duration of study
Smaller or more limited bursaries may only cover tuition, so it’s important to read exactly what’s included before you count on a bursary to cover your full cost of living.
Who Can Apply for a Bursary?
Eligibility depends entirely on the individual funder, but most bursaries look at some combination of your academic results, financial need, citizenship status, and intended field of study. Some are open to matriculants about to start their first year, while others are aimed specifically at students already partway through a qualification. Our full guide to bursary requirements in South Africa covers exactly what most funders look for and how to check where you stand.
Ready to Apply?
Once you understand how bursaries work, the next step is finding the right one and putting together a strong application. Our step-by-step guide to applying for a bursary walks through the entire process, and you can browse current, actively updated funding opportunities on our bursaries and scholarships listings page.
This page is part of our complete guide to bursaries in South Africa. Read the full pillar guide here for links to every guide in this series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay back a bursary?
Generally no, not in cash. However, many bursaries, especially corporate ones, require you to work for the funder for a set period after graduating, or repay the funding if you don’t complete that commitment. Always check the specific terms before accepting.
What’s the difference between a bursary and NSFAS?
NSFAS is a government scheme that funds students at public universities and TVET colleges, and functions as a hybrid of a bursary and a loan depending on the outcome of your studies. A bursary, in the broader sense, can come from any funder, including private companies, and terms vary by provider.
Can I apply for more than one bursary at a time?
Yes, and many students do, though most bursary providers will ask you to withdraw from other bursary offers once you accept theirs, since funders don’t want to pay for a student who is already fully funded elsewhere.
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