Bursaries and Scholarships available from the South African Government
South Africa has a youth population of 20.6 million – this means over a third of the population is between the ages of 18 and 35 years old (which is considered “youth”). And with a growing unemployment rate, it is clear that education is the only way forward.
The government of South Africa offers many bursary and scholarship to students without the financial means to cover their studies. SASSA grant recipients are encouraged to apply for bursaries!
Let’s have a look at 4 of the most popular government bursary schemes:
1) NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, provides financial aid to undergraduate students pursuing their studies after Matric (public universities or TVET colleges).
NSFAS funding is awarded based on financial means (students must either be a SASSA grant recipient, have a total household income of less than R350 000 per year, have a disability and total household income of less than R600 000 per year, or have started their studies before 2018 and have total household income of less than R122 000 per annum).
Applications open towards the end of each year, and close at the end of January the following year.
Apply here for the NSFAS Bursary
2) Funza Lushaka Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is awarded by the Department of Education each year, to aspiring teachers. The bursary funds students pursuing a 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (BEd) (at Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase and Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching), as well as a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (for Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching).
Applications open around October each year, and close in November (new applicants) and January (returning students).
Apply here for the Funza Lushaka Bursary
3) Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary
The GCRA Bursary in an initiative by the Department of Education in Gauteng. The bursary is open to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students, pursuing studies in ANY field.
In order to apply, students must be South African citizens, between the ages of 18 and 35 years, reside in Gauteng and have completed Matric in Gauteng.
Applicants must also be accepted or registered to study towards an Undergraduate or Postgraduate qualification, with preference given to students in certain fields (subject to skills shortage within the province).
The bursary is also automatically awarded to students who were top achievers at a Gauteng-based school/ a top 3 learners from no-fee paying Gauteng-based school/ a top 3 learners from Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) Gauteng-based school.
Applications open towards the end of each year, and close at the end of February the following year.
Apply here for the GCRA Bursary
4) Provincial Bursaries
Most provinces offer bursaries through their municipalities and these are mainly aimed at students residing within those municipal areas.
To find a government bursary in your municipality, these best option is to visit the municipality website or go to their office in person to enquire.
Applications open and close at various times throughout the year.
Find the metropolitan, district and local municipalities in your province here
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QUERIES AND CONTACT
For any further queries, please contact SASSA directly:
Contact the SASSA Toll Free Call centre on: 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on: 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: SASSA contact details