Private Bursaries in South Africa 2026 from Sasol, Allan Gray, Standard Bank and More

Securing funding for tertiary education in South Africa is a crucial step. While government options like NSFAS are available, private bursaries often provide more extensive financial and developmental support. For the 2026 academic year, leading South African companies and foundations, including Sasol, Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Standard Bank, and Investec, offered comprehensive bursary programmes. These opportunities often cover more than tuition, helping students focus on their studies and future careers.

What Private Bursaries Offer

Private bursaries often provide deep, holistic support. Unlike some government schemes, these can offer a comprehensive package:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation and meals
• Monthly stipends
• Laptops and textbooks
• Mentorship and career development
• Potential graduate placement or "work-back" obligations

This ensures recipients are well-equipped academically and professionally.

General Eligibility Criteria for Private Bursaries

While specific requirements vary, common criteria across most private programmes include:

• Citizenship: South African citizenship is typically required.
• Academic Record: Strong performance is essential, often needing a minimum 60-70% average in Grade 11 or 12, especially in Mathematics and Physical Science.
• Financial Need: Most bursaries are for students demonstrating genuine financial need.
• Field of Study: Bursaries often target high-demand fields like Engineering, Science, Commerce, Law, and Data Science.

Key Private Bursary Programmes

Several prominent organisations offered significant bursary opportunities for the 2026 academic year. Note that many application periods for 2026 closed in late 2025 or early 2026. Future academic year applicants should monitor these websites.

Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship

The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship cultivates future entrepreneurial leaders, offering full university funding, entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and access to networks.

• Focus: Any degree at specific South African universities.
• Eligibility: South African Grade 12 learners under 21. Requires a minimum 60% in Pure Mathematics OR 80% in Mathematical Literacy, and a minimum 70% overall Grade 11 average (excluding Life Orientation).
• Application Dates: Applications for the 2027 academic year (for Grade 12 learners in 2026) closed on April 30, 2026.
• Official Link: https://www.allangrayorbis.org/fellowship-programme/

Sasol Bursary Programme (Mainstream)

The Sasol Bursary Programme targets students pursuing full-time university studies in critical engineering and science fields, aligning with Sasol's business needs. It provides a comprehensive funding package and potential graduate placement.

• Focus: B.Eng. or B.Sc. degrees at approved public South African universities, primarily in engineering and science.
• Eligibility: South African citizenship by birth. Minimum Grade 12 results often require Level 6 (70-79%) for Mathematics and Physical Science.
• Application Dates: Applications for the 2027 academic year were open from April 1 to May 17, 2026.
• Official Link: https://www.sasol.com/careers/sasol-opportunities-south-african-youth

Standard Bank Group Bursary

The Standard Bank Group Bursary supports academically strong students in high-demand fields crucial to the financial sector, offering full-cost bursaries.

• Focus: Commerce, Engineering, Data Science, and Actuarial studies.
• Eligibility: South African citizenship, full-time enrollment at an accredited public university, and a minimum academic average of 65%. For undergraduates, funding is typically from the 2nd year onwards.
• Application Dates: Applications for the 2026 academic year closed on September 30, 2025.
• Official Link: https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/personal/learn-and-grow/bursaries

Investec CSI Bursary

The Investec CSI bursary empowers deserving Grade 12 and first-year university students with full-cost support, including mentorship and work readiness components.

• Focus: Various fields, including Commerce, Science, Engineering, and Law.
• Eligibility: South African citizens, currently in Grade 12 or first year university. Requires a minimum 70% for Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), 70% for English First Additional Language (or 65% for English Home Language), and 60% for all other Matric subjects. First-year university students need an overall average of at least 60% in their first semester. Investec specifically does not fund private tertiary institutions.
• Application Dates: Applications for the 2026 academic year closed on September 30, 2025.
• Official Link: https://studytrust.org.za/bursaries/investec-csi-bursary/

Common Required Documents

Applicants should prepare these essential documents for most private bursaries:

• Certified copy of your ID.
• Latest academic results (Matric certificate or most recent university transcripts).
• Proof of household income (e.g., payslips, affidavits).
• A motivation letter explaining your academic goals and financial need.
• Sometimes, a letter of recommendation.

NSFAS vs. Private Bursaries

Students can apply for both NSFAS and private bursaries. Private funding can supplement NSFAS or provide a more comprehensive package. While NSFAS focuses on public institutions, some private bursaries may fund private colleges or universities, though less commonly (e.g., Investec does not fund private tertiary institutions).

Conclusion

Private bursaries in South Africa offer an invaluable pathway to higher education, providing significant financial relief and crucial developmental support. While 2026 application periods have largely passed, prospective students for future years should diligently research, meet academic requirements, and prepare documents early. Exploring options from companies like Sasol, Allan Gray, Standard Bank, and Investec can unlock opportunities for a bright academic and professional future.