As the academic year progresses, numerous bursary opportunities are available for South African students seeking financial assistance for their studies in 2025. Below is a comprehensive list of bursaries with application deadlines in March 2025.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the details and apply promptly to avoid missing these valuable opportunities.
1. BEKA Schréder Bursary
Closing Date: 1 March 2025
About: BEKA Schréder, a leading manufacturer of luminaires and glass fibre reinforced polyester poles, offers bursaries to students pursuing qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and related fields.
Eligibility:
- South African citizens.
- Full-time students at recognized South African tertiary institutions.
- Studying towards a degree or diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, academic records, and a motivation letter to BEKA Schréder’s HR department before the closing date.
2. Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholarship
Closing Date: 2 March 2025
About: The WMI Scholarship supports students in developing countries who are pursuing undergraduate degrees and are committed to community service.
Eligibility:
- Citizens of developing countries, including South Africa.
- Students enrolled in undergraduate programs.
- Demonstrated commitment to community service.
Application Process: Applicants must complete the online application form, provide academic transcripts, a personal essay, and two recommendation letters.
3. PN Foundation Bursary
Closing Date: 7 March 2025
About: The PN Foundation offers bursaries to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing studies in various fields, including Engineering, Science, Commerce, and Humanities.
Eligibility:
- South African citizens from previously disadvantaged communities.
- Accepted or currently studying at a recognized South African university.
- Proven financial need and strong academic performance.
Application Process: Applicants should download the application form from the PN Foundation website, complete it, and submit it along with certified copies of ID, academic records, and proof of household income.
4. Tegkor/Nelson Mandela University Bursary
Closing Date: 14 March 2025
About: In partnership with Nelson Mandela University, Tegkor offers bursaries to students pursuing studies in Engineering, Information Technology, and related disciplines.
Eligibility:
- South African citizens.
- Registered or accepted for full-time study at Nelson Mandela University.
- Studying towards a degree in Engineering, IT, or related fields.
Application Process: Candidates must apply through the university’s financial aid office, providing academic records, proof of registration, and a motivation letter.
5. AIMS Google DeepMind Scholarship
Closing Date: 21 March 2025
About: The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), in collaboration with Google DeepMind, offers scholarships to students pursuing a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Eligibility:
- African nationals.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields.
- Strong academic record and interest in AI and Machine Learning.
Application Process: Applicants should apply online through the AIMS website, submitting academic transcripts, a CV, and letters of recommendation.
Related: How to Write a Bursary Motivational Letter in 2025
6. Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship
Closing Date: 30 March 2025
About: The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship provides funding to young South African artists pursuing undergraduate studies in the arts.
Eligibility:
- South African citizens aged 17-25.
- Matriculants or current students in arts disciplines.
- Demonstrated artistic talent and academic excellence.
Application Process: Applicants must register online, submit a portfolio of their work, academic records, and a motivation letter.
7. Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) Applications for 2025
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
About: CACH assists students who have not secured placement in higher education institutions by connecting them with available opportunities.
Eligibility: Students who have applied for admission to universities but have not been offered a place.
Application Process: Register on the CACH website and provide necessary academic information to be matched with available study opportunities.
8. Compensation Fund Bursary
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
About: The Compensation Fund offers bursaries to dependents of workers who have been injured or died due to occupational injuries, as well as to unemployed persons with disabilities.
Eligibility:
- South African citizens.
- Dependents of COID pensioners or unemployed persons with disabilities.
- Accepted or registered at recognized tertiary institutions.
Application Process: Applicants should complete the prescribed application form, available on the Department of Labour’s website, and submit it with required documents, including academic records and proof of dependency or disability.
9. SABS ARSO Essay Competition
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
About: The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) host an annual essay competition to promote standardization among African youth.
Eligibility:
- Students enrolled in secondary or tertiary institutions in Africa.
- Aged between 18 and 35 years.
Application Process: Participants must submit an essay on a specified topic related to standardization. Details and submission guidelines are available on the SABS website.
10. South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) Scholarship
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
About: SAAB offers scholarships to postgraduate students conducting research in Botany.
Eligibility:
- South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Registered for Honours or Master’s degrees in Botany at a South African university.
- Strong academic record.
Application Process: Applicants should submit a completed application form, academic transcripts, a research proposal, and a letter of recommendation.
11. South African Nursery Association (SANA) Bursary
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
About: SANA provides bursaries to students pursuing horticulture and related studies.
Eligibility:
- South African citizens.
- Enrolled in horticulture or related programs at recognized institutions.
- Passionate about the horticulture industry.
Application Process: Candidates must submit a completed application form, available on the SANA website, along with academic records and a motivation letter.
12. Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
About: The OMT offers scholarships to postgraduate students demonstrating exceptional academic merit.
Eligibility:
- South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Accepted for postgraduate study at a recognized institution.
- Outstanding academic achievements.
Application Process: Applicants should apply online through the OMT website, providing academic transcripts, a CV, and a study proposal.
Additional Bursaries with Unconfirmed Closing Dates
While the following bursaries have unconfirmed closing dates, interested applicants are encouraged to check the respective organizations’ websites regularly for updates:
- eMedia Bursary: For students pursuing studies in media and broadcasting.
- Fasken Scholarship: For law students demonstrating academic excellence.
- Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) Bursary: For students in transport-related fields.
- Heribert Nasch Bursary: Focused on students in engineering disciplines.
- Hulamin Bursary: For students in metallurgy and materials engineering.
Applying for a bursary can be a game-changer for students in need of financial assistance to pursue their studies. With various opportunities available, South African students should take advantage of these bursaries closing in March 2025. From engineering and science to arts and humanities, there is a funding option for almost every field of study.
To increase your chances of securing a bursary, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, submit all required documents on time, and provide a well-written motivation letter. It’s also important to check for updates on bursary providers’ websites, as closing dates and requirements may change.
If you’re a student in need of funding, don’t miss out on these opportunities! Start your application process early and give yourself the best possible chance to receive financial support for your studies. Good luck!
