Finishing matric is an important step, but choosing how to fund your studies can be just as important. For students planning to study in 2027, bursaries may provide financial support for tuition and, depending on the programme, other approved study-related expenses.
However, students should not assume that every bursary works in the same way. Requirements, application dates, eligible fields of study, funding conditions and required documents can differ between providers.
Before submitting an application, matriculants should read the original bursary advertisement and confirm important details directly with the organisation offering the funding.
What has changed from previous bursary intakes?
A bursary advertised for 2027 should be treated as a new intake unless the provider specifically states that the previous requirements still apply.
A bursary provider may change its eligible qualifications, academic requirements, financial criteria, participating institutions, application process or closing date from one year to another.
This means students should avoid copying information from an old bursary article and assuming that it applies to 2027.
The safest approach is to use the current official advertisement as the primary source.
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Who actually announced the bursary?
One of the first things to establish is who is offering the bursary.
The announcement should normally be traceable to the organisation providing the funding, a government department, university or another recognised institution.
Students should be particularly careful with social-media posts that provide a bursary name but do not identify the organisation responsible for it.
Before applying, look for an official website, application portal or published advertisement that confirms the opportunity.
Which requirements are confirmed?
Not every statement shared online is an official requirement.
For example, an article may say that applicants need a particular matric average, but students should check whether that percentage actually appears in the provider’s current advert.
Separate information into two categories:
Confirmed: Requirements specifically stated by the bursary provider.
Unconfirmed: Information repeated by third-party websites or assumptions based on previous years.
This distinction is important because eligibility criteria can change.
Is the closing date confirmed?
Never rely solely on a closing date displayed on an old article.
Check the current official advertisement or application portal. If the provider has extended, changed or withdrawn the deadline, the official source should take priority.
Students should also avoid waiting until the final day. Technical problems, missing documents or application errors can prevent a submission from being completed on time.
Is a stipend included?
A bursary does not automatically mean that a student will receive a monthly stipend.
Some programmes may cover specific educational expenses, while others may provide additional allowances. The exact benefits depend on the individual bursary.
If a monthly allowance is not explicitly stated by the provider, students should not assume that one is included.
Check the official advert for details about tuition, accommodation, books, meals, transport or other allowances.
Where is the bursary available?
Location can also matter.
Some bursaries may be available nationally, while others may be linked to a particular university, province, field of study or institution.
Before applying, check whether the bursary can be used at the institution and for the qualification you intend to pursue.
Which documents should applicants prepare?
Requirements vary, but applicants may be asked for documents such as:
- A certified or official copy of an identity document
- Matric results or latest academic results
- Proof of admission or application to an institution
- Proof of household income where required
- Academic records for students already studying
- Proof of residence where specifically requested
- Other documents listed in the official advertisement
Do not upload unnecessary personal documents simply because another bursary requested them.
What information could change?
Students should understand that bursary information can change before the application deadline.
The provider may update its closing date, application portal, eligible qualifications, required documents or other conditions.
For that reason, check the official source again shortly before submitting your application.
How to verify a bursary before applying
Use this simple verification process:
1. Find the provider.
Identify the organisation responsible for the bursary.
2. Find the original advert.
Read the current advertisement rather than relying only on social-media summaries.
3. Check eligibility.
Confirm academic, financial, age, qualification and institutional requirements where applicable.
4. Check the deadline.
Make sure the closing date comes from a current official source.
5. Check the benefits.
Confirm exactly what the bursary covers.
6. Use the official application portal.
Avoid submitting personal information through suspicious forms or unofficial links.
7. Keep proof of submission.
Save confirmation emails, reference numbers or screenshots where appropriate.
Official application links
For national funding, students can check the official NSFAS application information and other government bursary programmes through their respective official websites.
Where a specific 2027 bursary is discussed on your website, link directly to the provider’s official application page rather than sending applicants through an unrelated third-party form.
Final checklist for matriculants
Before submitting a 2027 bursary application, ask:
- Is the bursary actually for the 2027 academic year?
- Who officially announced it?
- Does my qualification qualify?
- Do I meet the stated academic requirements?
- Is the closing date confirmed?
- What expenses are actually covered?
- Is a stipend explicitly mentioned?
- Which documents are required?
- Am I using the official application portal?
- Have I saved proof of submission?
A bursary can make further education more financially accessible, but students should verify the details before sharing personal information or submitting an application. The current official advertisement should always take priority over information published in older articles or social-media posts.
Official 2027 bursary/application links
- NSFAS 2027: Apply through myNSFAS — NSFAS says the 2027 application cycle is open and applications are free.
- NSFAS official information: NSFAS 2027 application information
- National Treasury 2027 External Bursary: National Treasury bursary applications — the official page currently lists a 2027 External Bursary.
- Department of Agriculture 2027 Bursary: Department of Agriculture bursaries — the department lists its 2027 bursary advert and application form.
- Funza Lushaka: Official Funza Lushaka application information — applications are handled through the government e-Services portal.
