Information Technology Bursaries in South Africa 2026
IT, systems, and networking bursaries. Browse 15 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
Information Technology bursaries are some of the most sought-after funding opportunities in South Africa right now, and for good reason: tech skills are in serious demand, so companies and government are willing to invest in students who want to build them. These bursaries often cover the real cost of studying, things like tuition, registration, prescribed books and software, and many also include accommodation, a meals or living allowance, and a laptop or data so you can actually do the work. They typically support qualifications in computer science, information systems, software development, networking and cybersecurity, IT support, data and cloud, and related TVET courses, at both universities and TVET colleges.
So who offers them? A lot comes from corporates in the tech and telecoms space, banks and insurers with big IT departments, government departments and state-owned entities, and SETAs that focus on the digital economy, such as the MICT SETA. Universities, college trusts and non-profit tech foundations run their own funding too, and some bursaries are linked to learnerships or graduate programmes that lead straight into a job. Many are full-cost bursaries that come with a workback agreement, meaning you commit to working for the funder for a period after you graduate, often a year or two, which is honestly a great way to start your career with experience and a salary already lined up.
On eligibility, most IT bursaries want a solid National Senior Certificate (matric) with strong marks in Mathematics (pure Maths, not Maths Literacy, is often required) and good results in subjects like Physical Sciences or IT. You'll usually need to be a South African citizen, already studying or accepted into an accredited course, and many providers also weigh up financial need. Postgrad and TVET students are often catered for too, so don't assume these are only for school-leavers.
Quick tips
- →Watch the calendar: many corporate IT bursaries open around August to October for the following academic year, so prepare your documents early and apply the moment applications go live.
- →Get your Maths right: if pure Mathematics is a requirement, make it a priority subject, because weak Maths marks are one of the most common reasons strong IT applicants get screened out.
- →Build a simple portfolio: even a basic coding project, a GitHub profile or a short online certificate shows genuine interest and helps you stand out beyond your marks.
- →Keep your documents ready: certified ID, matric or latest results, proof of registration or acceptance, and proof of household income, and don't forget NSFAS as a parallel option.
Related fields:
Sasol Bursary Programme
Sasol
Sasol's flagship bursary programme funds South African students in engineering, IT, and commerce — covering tuition, accommodation, and vacation employment.
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.
Eskom Bursary Programme
Eskom
Eskom bursaries fund engineering, IT, and finance students across South Africa — covering the full cost of study plus vacation employment.
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.
CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary Discretionary Grant 2026/2027
Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority
The CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary supports unemployed South African youth accepted into accredited public tertiary institutions, covering studies in the chemical sector for those with academic potential and financial need.
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) 2027 Postgraduate Bursaries
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
SANSA provides postgraduate degree bursaries to contribute to the development of skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
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.
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.
FNB (First National Bank) Bursary
First National Bank (FNB)
FNB funds finance, accounting, actuarial science, and IT students with tuition and a living allowance. Part of the FirstRand Group talent pipeline.
Nedbank Bursary Programme
Nedbank Group
Nedbank funds accounting, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Full bursary with vacation employment and a structured graduate pipeline.
MICT SETA Bursary & Learnership
Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA (MICT SETA)
MICT SETA offers bursaries and learnerships for ICT and media students at both university and TVET level. NSFAS-compatible with no workback.
Transnet Engineering Bursary
Transnet SOC Ltd
Transnet offers engineering bursaries to South African students studying mechanical, electrical, civil, and industrial engineering — with vacation employment at their logistics operations.
Telkom Foundation Bursary
Telkom Foundation
The Telkom Foundation funds ICT, computer science, and electrical engineering students. Notably, this bursary has no workback obligation and is NSFAS-compatible.
MTN South Africa Bursary
MTN South Africa
MTN funds engineering, ICT, and data science students with a full bursary including vacation employment at South Africa's largest mobile network.
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 Information Technology bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 15 information technology 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 Information Technology 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 Information Technology bursary?
Academic requirements vary by provider. Most information technology bursaries require a minimum average of 60–70%. Some merit bursaries require 75%+ while others prioritise financial need over marks.