If you’re looking for funding to support your studies, local bursaries can be a valuable source of financial aid. While national bursary schemes like NSFAS are well-known, many students miss out on funding opportunities available right in their own provinces. These bursaries are often provided by provincial governments, municipalities, and local businesses.
Where to Find Local Bursaries in Your Province
Here’s where and how you can find them in your province.
1. Provincial Government Departments
Each provincial government in South Africa offers bursaries through its departments—especially in sectors such as health, education, public works, and agriculture. These bursaries are usually geared towards addressing skills shortages in the province.
- How to apply: Visit your province’s official government website and check the education or human resources section for bursary announcements.
- Example: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health offers bursaries for nursing, medicine, and allied health sciences.
Tips:
- Look for application forms on the official provincial websites.
- Monitor closing dates, which typically fall between August and October each year.
2. Local Municipalities and District Councils
Many municipalities across the country have youth development or education programmes that include bursary opportunities for residents. These bursaries often focus on helping disadvantaged students within that local area.
- How to apply: Visit your local municipality’s office or website. Look under the “Community Services” or “Youth Development” sections.
- Example: The City of Cape Town offers bursaries for scarce skills like engineering and IT, while the Ekurhuleni Municipality provides bursaries for technical fields and public service studies.
Tip: These bursaries are usually only open to students who live in that specific municipality, so proof of residence is essential.
Also check: eThekwini Municipality Student Bursary for Undergraduate Studies 2025
3. Local Businesses and Companies
Some locally-based companies offer bursaries as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. These bursaries are usually targeted at students who reside near their operations.
- How to apply: Search for companies operating in your area, particularly in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, and check their websites for bursary opportunities.
- Example: Sasol, headquartered in Mpumalanga, offers bursaries for engineering and science-related degrees. Harmony Gold, operating in the Free State, funds bursaries for mining and geology students.
Tip: Networking and asking around in your community can help you discover smaller businesses that may offer bursaries not widely advertised.
Also check: Bursaries Closing in April
4. TVET Colleges and Local Universities
Higher learning institutions often have bursaries funded by local donors or through partnerships with government and businesses. These bursaries may not always be advertised externally.
- How to apply: Visit the financial aid or student services office at your institution and inquire about locally sponsored bursaries.
- Example: Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape has bursaries funded by local municipalities and alumni for students in need.
Tip: Keep in touch with your student support offices and attend campus career fairs where bursary sponsors often recruit.
5. Local NGOs and Community Organisations
Non-profit organisations in your area may also offer bursaries or educational support, especially if they focus on youth or education development.
- How to apply: Look for local community groups, religious organisations, or NGOs with an education focus.
- Example: In Limpopo, the Thabo Makgoba Development Trust offers bursaries for local youth, and similar organisations exist across the provinces.
Tip: These opportunities may not be online, so visit community centres, libraries, or local councillor offices to ask about available support.
Local bursaries are a great way to get funding that’s often less competitive than national options. By checking in with your provincial departments, municipality, local companies, and institutions, you increase your chances of finding financial assistance that’s right for you. Remember to prepare your documents early—like certified copies of your ID, proof of residence, academic records, and motivational letters—and apply to as many opportunities as you qualify for.
If you’re unsure where to start, begin by visiting your local municipality’s website or calling the education department in your province. Local support could be just around the corner.
