Business Management & Commerce Bursaries in South Africa 2026
Business management, commerce, and BCom bursaries. Browse 12 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
A business management or commerce qualification opens doors across almost every industry, and the good news is that funding for these fields is among the most widely available in South Africa. Bursaries in this category usually cover the costs that matter most: tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, a laptop or study materials, and often accommodation and a monthly living allowance. Some awards are full-cost packages, while others top up what you already receive from NSFAS or your family, so it is always worth applying even if part of your studies is funded.
These bursaries come from a wide mix of funders. Large corporates in banking, retail, auditing, consulting and insurance invest heavily in commerce students because they need future accountants, analysts, managers and supply-chain professionals. Government departments and state-owned entities, the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), universities and TVET colleges, and private trusts and foundations all run schemes too. Some come with a workback agreement, where you commit to working for the funder for a set period after you graduate. That can be a real advantage, because it often leads straight into a job. Whether you are heading into a BCom, a National Diploma, or a business management programme at a TVET college, there is likely a funder looking for someone like you.
Eligibility varies, but most funders look for a similar profile: solid matric or current results (Mathematics and accounting subjects carry real weight for commerce), South African citizenship, and demonstrated financial need. You will usually be asked for your ID, your NSC or latest academic record, proof of household income, and a short motivation. Apply early and apply widely. Many corporate bursaries open around August to October for the following academic year, and the strongest applications are honest, complete and submitted well before the deadline. A clear motivation that links your studies to your goals, plus proof that you have done your homework on the funder, goes a long way.
Quick tips
- →Lead with your marks in Maths and accounting subjects, since commerce funders weigh these heavily.
- →Gather your documents early: certified ID, latest results, proof of household income, and a short motivation letter.
- →Apply to several bursaries at once, and watch the roughly August-to-October corporate window for the next academic year.
- →Read the workback terms before you accept. Don't be put off, though, as they often turn into a guaranteed first job.
- →Tailor each motivation to the specific funder and tie your business studies to clear career goals.
Related fields:
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is South Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship-focused bursary, open to any field of study. No workback obligation.
Standard Bank Bursary Programme
Standard Bank
Standard Bank bursaries support commerce, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Recipients join Standard Bank's vacation programme and are fast-tracked into the graduate pipeline.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative enabling talented, service-oriented young people to pursue higher education and cultivate leadership potential for a better Africa.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme
BANKSETA
This programme assists Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), including Cooperative Financial Institutions (CFIs), in the banking and alternative sector to gain entrepreneurial skills and knowledge over a 3-month period.
Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a six-month programme designed to ignite and elevate promising startup ventures from eligible Commonwealth countries.
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are for mid-career professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake short programmes of professional development in the UK.
Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2026
Vodacom Foundation
This academic merit bursary from Vodacom Foundation supports ambitious, driven South African students in their first, second, or third year of study.
German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027
German Bundestag
A fully-funded scholarship for young African graduates to gain parliamentary experience in Berlin, Germany, with a monthly stipend.
Capitec Bank Foundation Bursary
Capitec Bank Foundation
The Capitec Bank Foundation funds commerce and mathematics students — primarily in Western Cape, Gauteng, and KZN — with tuition and accommodation support. No workback obligation.
Shoprite/Checkers Foundation Bursary
Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd Foundation
The Shoprite Foundation funds commerce, IT, and food science students. NSFAS-compatible and requires no workback obligation.
Tiger Brands Foundation Bursary
Tiger Brands Foundation
Tiger Brands funds food science, engineering, and commerce students with a focus on Gauteng, KZN, and Western Cape. NSFAS-compatible.
Absa Bank Bursary Programme
Absa Group
Absa offers a full bursary for commerce, finance, accounting, and IT students. Includes tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance with vacation employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Business Management & Commerce bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 12 business management & commerce bursaries currently listed on our platform, including corporate, government, and SETA-funded opportunities. They range from partial tuition bursaries to full cost-of-study awards.
When do Business Management & Commerce bursary applications open?
Most corporate bursaries open between August and October for the following academic year. Some government bursaries accept applications year-round. Always check the official provider website for exact dates.
What marks do I need for a Business Management & Commerce bursary?
Academic requirements vary by provider. Most business management & commerce bursaries require a minimum average of 60–70%. Some merit bursaries require 75%+ while others prioritise financial need over marks.