The Scholarships in South Africa site provides information on all the different scholarships, funding opportunities and bursaries available to South African students.
Do You Require a Funding Scheme?
There are a number of funding schemes available to students in South Africa. The most popular scheme is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). However, there are also a number of other funding schemes available, including the following:
- The University of Witwatersrand’s Wits Funding Scheme
- The University of Pretoria’s Up funds
- Stellenbosch University’s Maties Funding Scheme
Each of these funding schemes has different eligibility criteria and application processes. Students should research each option carefully to ensure that they choose the best option for their individual needs.
Grants In South Africa
The South African grant system is set up to support a variety of individuals and organizations. The National Research Foundation (NRF) is the primary source of government funding for research and development in the country. Grants are also available from other government departments, as well as private foundations and companies.

Individuals can apply for grants to support their studies, research projects, or community initiatives. There are also a number of scholarships available for South African students wishing to study abroad.
Organizations can apply for grants to support their work in areas such as education, health, economic development, arts and culture, environmental protection, or social services.
The South African government provides a range of incentives for businesses to invest in research and development. These include tax breaks and subsidies for companies that engage in R&D activities.
List of Scholarships In South Africa
As the cost of attending college in South Africa continues to rise, more and more students are looking for ways to finance their education. One way to do this is through scholarships. Scholarships can help cover the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses related to your education.
There are a number of scholarships available to students in South Africa. Here is a list of some of the most popular scholarships:
1. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): The NSFAS is a government-funded financial aid programme that provides funding for students who come from households with a combined annual income of less than R350,000 per year.
2. The Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA): TEFSA is a government-funded financial aid programme that provides funding for students who come from households with a combined annual income of less than R122,000 per year.
3. The University Development Funds (UDFs): UDFs are grants awarded by universities to financially needy students who demonstrate academic potential.
4. The National Research Foundation (NRF): The NRF provideSresearch fellowships and scholarships for postgraduate studies at South African universities. Fellowships are awarded for full-time studies only, while scholarships can be used for either full-time or part-time studies.
5. The Department of Labour’s Workplace Based Skills Development Programme (WBSDP): This programme provides funding for workplace-based training and skills development for South African citizens.
6. The National Skills Fund (NSF): The NSF provides financial assistance for skills development programmes that lead to employment.
7. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA): The NYDA offers bursaries and loans to students from households with a combined annual income of less than R350,000 per year.
8. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA): SASSA provides grants for basic needs such as food, water, electricity, and rent for South Africans who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
9. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme for Military Veterans (NSFAS-MV): This scheme provides financial assistance for military veterans who are studying at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
Differences between Government and Private Scholarships
There are a few key differences between government and private scholarships in South Africa. Government scholarships tend to be more widely available and cover a larger portion of costs, while private scholarships are typically more competitive and provide smaller award amounts. Additionally, government scholarships may have more specific eligibility requirements, such as being limited to students from certain socio-economic backgrounds, while private scholarships are usually based solely on academic merit. Finally, government scholarships are usually disbursed directly to the educational institution, while private scholarship funds may be paid directly to the student.

While both types of scholarships can be extremely helpful in funding your education, it’s important to research all of your options and choose the one that best suits your needs. If you’re struggling to cover the cost of tuition, a government scholarship may be a better option since it will cover a larger portion of your expenses. However, if you have good grades and are looking for extra financial assistance to help you get into your dream school, a private scholarship could give you the boost you need. Whichever route you decide to take, remember that there are many different types of scholarships out there – so don’t give up if you don’t qualify for one right away!
6 FAQs and Answers
1. What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is financial aid that is awarded to a student on the basis of academic or other achievements. Scholarships can come from various sources, including the government, colleges and universities, private organizations, and corporations.
2. How do scholarships benefit students?
Scholarships provide students with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals without incurring significant debt. In addition, scholarships can help talented students stand out from the crowd and secure a spot at their dream school.
3. Who is eligible for scholarships in South Africa?
South African citizens who are enrolled in an accredited college or university are eligible to apply for scholarships. International students may also be eligible for certain scholarships.
4. How do I apply for scholarships in South Africa?
Application procedures vary depending on the type of scholarship and the organization offering it. However, most applications will require you to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay discussing your career goals.
5. When is the deadline for scholarship applications?
Deadlines vary depending on the type of scholarship and the organization offering it, but they are typically due in early spring semester for fall admission. Some scholarships may have rolling deadlines, so it’s important to check with the specific organization to see when their application period opens and closes.