The Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme is one of the most comprehensive and generous bursaries available to students in South Africa. This bursary is designed to cultivate future African talent and shape the leaders of tomorrow by providing financial support for academically strong and financially deserving students. It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate funding opportunities, with the goal of helping students in fields critical to the economic growth and development of Africa. This programme is not only an investment in the future of its recipients but also an investment in Africa’s potential.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the various aspects of the Standard Bank Group Bursary, including eligibility criteria, what the bursary covers, how to apply, and how it contributes to academic excellence and leadership development.
Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme Fields of Study
The Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme aims to promote academic achievement and ensure that students with strong potential can access higher education, regardless of their financial background. This bursary provides funding for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, focusing on fields that are essential for Africa’s development.
These fields include:
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Sciences (including Actuarial Science, Analytics, Business Science, Computer Science, Data Science, and Information Science)
- Statistics
- Technology (Financial and Information Technology)
- Behavioural Economics and related fields such as Sociology, Psychology, and Neuroscience.
By offering financial support to students in these areas, the bursary ensures that the next generation of African leaders is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the continent’s progress.
What Does the Standard Bank Group Bursary Cover
One of the key highlights of the Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme is that it is a full-cost bursary. This means it covers all costs associated with the study, making it accessible for students who might otherwise not be able to afford higher education.
The bursary covers the following:
- Tuition fees for the entire duration of the course.
- Accommodation either in a university residence or private accommodation (subject to certain cost limits).
- Meals, which may be provided by the university or arranged through self-catering options.
- Books and study materials needed for the course.
- A laptop computer to aid with academic work.
- A monthly stipend to cover other living costs such as toiletries, laundry, and personal expenses.
- Transport costs for travel between the student’s home and campus up to four times a year (at the cost of a bus ticket).
This level of support ensures that bursary recipients can focus entirely on their studies without the financial stress that often accompanies tertiary education.
Who Can Apply? Selection Criteria for the Standard Bank Group Bursary
The Standard Bank Group Bursary is open to students who meet specific academic and financial criteria. The selection process is designed to ensure that deserving students with the potential to make a meaningful contribution to their field and the African continent are chosen.
Here are the key selection criteria:
1. For Undergraduate Bursary Applicants
- Must be in their first year of study and on track to successfully complete the year.
- Require funding for their second, third, or final year of undergraduate studies.
- Must have achieved at least 65% in their latest examinations.
- Must be registered for full-time studies in one of the funded disciplines.
- Financial need is a key consideration.
- Applicants will also undergo a formal assessment, including a psychometric evaluation and an interview.
2. For Postgraduate Bursary Applicants
- Must have obtained at least 65% in their latest examinations.
- Must be pursuing full-time postgraduate studies at a recognised South African public institution.
- As with undergraduate applicants, financial need plays a role in selection.
- A formal assessment process, including psychometric evaluation and an interview, is also required.
The bursary is available to students in fields such as Commerce, Engineering, Science, Mathematics, and emerging fields like Behavioural Economics. It is aimed at creating a well-rounded group of graduates who not only excel in their fields but also have the potential to become future African leaders.
How to Apply for the Standard Bank Group Bursary
Applying for the Standard Bank Group Bursary is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail. Applications are handled by StudyTrust, an organisation that manages several bursary funds, including this one.
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the bursary:
Step 1: Application Platform
- Applications must be submitted via StudyTrust’s online application platform, hosted by DevMan.
- The application season runs from 1 May to 30 September each year.
Step 2: Required Documents
Applicants must ensure they have the following documents ready to upload during the application process:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Academic results (including your Grade 12 certificate and all tertiary academic records).
- Proof of household income, showing the combined income of the household.
Once these documents are ready, applicants can submit their applications by following the “Apply Here” button on StudyTrust’s website.
Closing Date and Additional Information
Applications for the Standard Bank Group Bursary close on 30 September every year. It is crucial that applicants adhere to this deadline and ensure all required documents are uploaded on time.
Before starting the application, applicants are advised to carefully read the instructions provided on the StudyTrust Bursary Applications page. The information provided there will help guide applicants through the process and increase their chances of success.
Career Prospects for Bursary Recipients
One of the unique aspects of the Standard Bank Group Bursary is that it comes with an opportunity for employment. Upon graduation, bursary recipients may receive an offer of employment from Standard Bank. Should such an offer be made, it is expected that the recipient will work for the bank for a period of time. This arrangement not only helps graduates gain invaluable work experience but also contributes to their professional development and career growth.
By securing a bursary, students are not just receiving financial aid; they are also opening the door to potential career opportunities within one of Africa’s largest financial institutions.
Why Choose the Standard Bank Group Bursary?
The Standard Bank Group Bursary stands out for several reasons:
- It is a full-cost bursary, covering all study-related expenses.
- The bursary supports a wide range of fields critical to Africa’s development, ensuring that bursary recipients are well-positioned to make a significant impact on the continent.
- The employment opportunity that comes with the bursary offers students a clear career path post-graduation, providing both stability and professional growth.
- The bursary not only supports students financially but also helps them develop into the leaders that Africa needs.
Related: CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary 2025
For those who meet the eligibility criteria, this bursary represents a life-changing opportunity to pursue higher education and ultimately contribute to the continent’s future.
The Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme is a beacon of hope for students across South Africa who aspire to pursue academic excellence but face financial challenges. By offering full-cost bursaries and prioritising fields of study that are essential for Africa’s growth, Standard Bank is playing a crucial role in shaping the continent’s future.
Students in fields such as Agriculture, Commerce, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, and Technology are encouraged to apply for this prestigious bursary and take advantage of the support it provides. With the potential for employment at Standard Bank upon graduation, this bursary is not just a financial lifeline—it is an opportunity to embark on a rewarding career.