Are you searching for bursaries closing in January 2026? You’re in the right place! The start of the year is prime time for scholarship deadlines and last-minute funding opportunities especially for students planning to study further, change careers, or reduce financial pressure.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- Top bursaries ending in January 2026
- How to apply successfully
- Tips to avoid missing deadlines
- Links to official sites and extra resources
Let’s get started!
Why January 2026 Deadlines Matter
Most students think bursary deadlines are only mid-year or towards the end of the academic year. But January is a HUGE month because:
✔ Institutions release final funding rounds
✔ Companies open last-minute sponsorships
✔ Government agencies close applications for the year
Missing a January 2026 bursary deadline could mean waiting a full year — so act fast
BURSARIES CLOSING IN JANUARY 2026
Here’s a list of bursaries and scholarships you should NOT miss — with key details, closing dates, and links for APPLYING.
1. National Skills Fund (NSF) Bursary
📌 Deadline: January 15, 2026
📌 Who can apply: South African citizens studying scarce skills fields (Engineering, IT, Health Sciences)
📌 Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
The NSF bursary is one of the most valuable funding options. It supports tuition, textbooks, and stipends. If you’re studying in a high-demand field, apply early!
👉 More bursary tips: How to Apply for a Matric Certificate Replacement
2. Eskom Bursary Programme
📌 Deadline: January 20, 2026
📌 Who can apply: Engineering, Science, IT and Business students
📌 Website: https://www.eskom.co.za
This bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and monthly allowances. It’s a top pick for students aiming for careers in Engineering or Technical Sciences.
Pro Tip: Register early on Eskom’s career portal before submitting your application.
3. SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Support Programme
📌 Deadline: January 25, 2026
📌 Who can apply: Young entrepreneurs (18-35) in South Africa
📌 Website: https://sabfoundation.co.za
Not a standard bursary — but you can access funding to start or grow your business! If your passion lies in entrepreneurship, this one’s a must.
4. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
📌 Deadline: January 30, 2026
📌 Who can apply: African citizens pursuing postgraduate studies
📌 Website: https://mandelarhodes.org
This scholarship is prestigious and competitive, covering study expenses and leadership development programs. Ideal for future leaders!
5. University & College Specific Bursaries
Many universities have their own bursary deadlines in January 2026. Some common ones include:
- UNISA Bursaries – various programmes
- UCT Financial Aid
- Wits University Bursaries
Visit each university’s financial aid page for closing dates. Often they are listed in early January.
BONUS: Additional Funding You Can Still Apply For
Just because a bursary is not explicitly closing in January doesn’t mean you should wait. Some programmes run year-round, like:
📌 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) – for students from low-income households: https://www.nsfas.org.za
📌 FUNZA LUSHAKA Teach Bursary – for future teachers
📌 Industrial Bursaries via SETAs – Sector Education and Training Authorities
Need a full guide on bursaries in South Africa? Check out our article: University Prospectus 2025 for all Universities in SA.
How to Apply Successfully (and NOT Miss a Deadline)
Getting a bursary is more than just submitting a form. Here’s how to increase your chances 👇
1. Start EARLY and Prepare Documents
Most bursaries ask for:
✔ Certified ID copy
✔ Latest school/college/university results
✔ Proof of residence
✔ Parent or guardian’s income documents
✔ Motivation letter
Set up a checklist to tick off items before deadlines.
2. Proofread Before You Submit
Applications with errors or missing information are often rejected. Read over everything — even ask a friend or mentor to review it.
3. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
A good motivation letter explains:
✔ Why you need the bursary
✔ Your career aspirations
✔ How the bursary will help you succeed
Be honest, specific, and passionate.
4. Use a Calendar Reminder
Set reminders for:
📍 One month before the deadline
📍 One week before
📍 Deadline day
Apps like Google Calendar or your mobile phone reminders can be lifesavers.
5. Save Proof of Submission
After applying, save:
✔ Emails
✔ Reference numbers
✔ Application screenshots
These help if you need to follow up.
Top Tips for First-Time Bursary Applicants
Starting your bursary journey can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone.
Here’s how to ease the stress:
1. Join Online Bursary Forums
Platforms like:
🔥 StudylinkSA
🔥 Youth Village
🔥 Reddit bursary groups
These communities share tips, deadlines, and real application experiences.
2. Visit Official Websites Often
Always use reliable sources like:
✔ NSFAS – https://www.nsfas.org.za
✔ Department of Higher Education – https://www.dhet.gov.za
✔ Bursary providers’ official sites
Avoid scams claiming “guaranteed bursaries” — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
🎯 3. Target Multiple Bursaries
Apply to several bursaries — not just one. This increases your chances of funding.
Think of it like job applications: the more you submit, the higher your chances of success!
Common Bursary Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s make sure you DON’T do these:
❌ Submitting after the closing date
❌ Leaving fields blank
❌ Using an old CV or outdated results
❌ Not following instructions
❌ Forgetting to attach proof documents
Remember: organised applicants get funded faster.
What to Do After Submitting Your Application
After submission:
📌 Check your email regularly
📌 Look for reference or application numbers
📌 Prepare for possible interviews
📌 Update your CV
Keep everything accessible — bursary providers might contact you quickly!
Final Thoughts
Bursaries closing in January 2026 offer incredible opportunities — but they require preparation, diligence, and action. With the right approach, you could be funded for your studies WITHOUT financial stress.
Your next steps:
🔹 Choose bursaries that match your field of study
🔹 Prepare documents now
🔹 Apply early
🔹 Follow every instruction exactly
💡 Helpful Resources
Here are extra links to guide you:
📎 NSFAS Bursary Portal – https://www.nsfas.org.za
📎 Bursary Scams Guide (Stay Safe!) – https://www.gov.za
📎 FUNZA LUSHAKA Teach Bursary – https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
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