Full Bursaries in South Africa 2026 — Tuition, Accommodation & Allowances
A full bursary covers everything — tuition, accommodation, books, and a monthly allowance. Here are the best full bursaries available to South African students in 2026.
Lerato Mokoena
Financial Aid Advisor
What Is a Full Bursary?
A full bursary (also called a comprehensive or all-inclusive bursary) covers all costs associated with studying — not just tuition. This means:
- ✅ Tuition fees (paid directly to institution)
- ✅ Accommodation (campus residence or private)
- ✅ Monthly living allowance (food and daily expenses)
- ✅ Book and study material allowance
- ✅ Transport (in some cases)
- ✅ Laptop or device (in some cases)
This distinguishes a full bursary from a partial bursary, which may only cover tuition or only cover accommodation.
Who Offers Full Bursaries in South Africa?
Corporate Full Bursaries (STEM)
Sasol Bursary
- Fields: Chemical, mechanical, electrical engineering; IT; geology
- Value: Full tuition + accommodation + books + R5,000+/month living allowance
- Requirement: 70%+ maths and physical science
- Workback: Yes (1 year per year of funding)
- Deadline: September/October
Eskom Bursary
- Fields: Electrical, civil, mechanical engineering; finance
- Value: Full tuition + accommodation + books + monthly allowance
- Requirement: South African citizen, strong academic record
- Workback: Yes (up to 2 years)
Anglo American Bursary
- Fields: Mining engineering, geology, metallurgy, civil engineering
- Value: Full cost of study
- Requirement: Grade 12 or first-year students
- Deadline: September annually
Transnet Engineering Bursary
- Fields: Engineering disciplines
- Value: Full bursary + vacation employment
- Requirement: Maths 60%+, Science 60%+
Corporate Full Bursaries (Finance & Commerce)
Standard Bank Bursary
- Fields: Commerce, finance, actuarial science, IT, engineering
- Value: Tuition + books + R6,000/month living allowance
- Requirement: 65%+ academic average
- Deadline: October annually
Deloitte Bursary
- Fields: Accounting, auditing, finance
- Value: Full tuition + accommodation + living allowance
- Requirement: 70%+ maths, English 60%+
Government Full Bursaries
National Skills Fund (NSF)
- Fields: Priority scarce skills — engineering, health, education, agriculture
- Value: Full tuition + accommodation + living allowance
- Requirement: SA citizens, income under R600,000/year
- No workback obligation
Department of Health Bursaries (Provincial)
- Fields: Medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy
- Value: Full cost of study + monthly stipend
- Requirement: Commitment to work in public health sector after qualifying
What to Expect When Applying for a Full Bursary
Full bursaries are competitive. Here is what providers look for:
| Criterion | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic performance | 65–75%+ in relevant subjects |
| Financial need | Often required (household income threshold) |
| Field of study | Usually specific STEM or commerce fields |
| South African citizenship | Required by all |
| Interview | Usually required for finalists |
| Medical/drug test | Common for engineering bursaries |
Browse Full Bursaries on FundingPlug
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How to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Apply in matric (Grade 12) — many full bursaries target Grade 12 students specifically
- Get a principal's reference — school leaders carry weight
- Show financial need clearly — attach all income documentation
- Describe your career goals in terms of the company's business
- Apply to multiple bursaries — most allow simultaneous applications
Lerato Mokoena
Financial Aid Advisor
Expert in South African student finance and government grants, with a focus on helping beneficiaries navigate NSFAS and SASSA processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a full bursary cover?
A full bursary typically covers tuition fees, accommodation (or an accommodation allowance), a monthly living allowance, book allowance, and sometimes transport. The exact coverage varies by provider.
Which companies offer full bursaries in South Africa?
Major full bursary providers include Sasol, Eskom, Anglo American, Standard Bank, MTN, Vodacom, Deloitte, and various government departments. Most require STEM or finance qualifications.
Can I get a full bursary and NSFAS at the same time?
Usually not. Most full bursaries explicitly state they cannot be combined with NSFAS, as they already cover the full cost of study. Always disclose all funding on your application.