As the 2026 academic year approaches, top South African bursaries are closing applications soon. This comprehensive guide covers seven prestigious bursary programmes with deadlines in July and August 2025, helping you secure funding for your studies.
1. Mediclinic/ER24 Bursary (Healthcare) – Deadline 31 July 2025
For: Medicine, Nursing, EMS, Pharmacy
Benefits:
Full tuition + accommodation
ER24 trauma training
Guaranteed hospital placements
Key Tip: Demonstrate healthcare volunteer experience
2. Jones & Wagener Bursary (Engineering) – Deadline 31 July 2025
For: Civil/Geotechnical/Environmental Engineering
Perks:
Equipment allowance
Mine site exposure
Mentorship from engineers
Key Tip: Highlight technical project experience
3. Schauenburg Education Trust (Technical) – Deadline 31 July 2025
For: Electronic/Mining/Industrial Engineering
Advantages:
Tooling allowance
Automation industry training
High employment conversion
Key Tip: Show innovation in application
4. Ninety One Changeblazer (Finance) – Deadline 31 July 2025
For: Economics, Investment Management, Actuarial Science
Exclusives:
Bloomberg Terminal access
CFA mentorship
Front-office internships
Key Tip: Prepare investment case studies
5. Hortgro Bursary (Agriculture) – Deadline 15 August 2025
For: Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Entomology
Support Includes:
Research opportunities
Orchard practicals
Industry networking
Key Tip: Show passion for sustainable farming
6. SARF Bursary (Transport) – Deadline 31 August 2025
For: Civil Engineering, Transport Economics
Benefits:
Road infrastructure site visits
Government project exposure
Textbook coverage
Key Tip: Link studies to SA’s transport challenges
7. Masakh’iSizwe (Built Environment) – Deadline 31 August 2025
For: Civil Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying
Advantages:
Western Cape government placement
Laptop provision
Urban development focus
Key Tip: Demonstrate community impact vision
Application Checklist for All Bursaries
✅ Certified documents (ID, transcripts)
✅ Tailored motivational letters
✅ Proof of application/registration
✅ Financial need evidence
✅ Reference contacts
Why Apply Early?
Avoid technical issues – Online portals crash near deadlines
Time for revisions – Strengthen weak applications
First consideration – Some committees review rolling submissions
