As the first quarter of 2026 unfolds, March marks a crucial month for students seeking funding for tertiary studies in South Africa. Many bursaries, scholarships, and financial support programmes are approaching their final closing dates — and missing them could mean waiting another year before accessing financial support.
In this article, we highlight the key bursaries closing in March 2026, provide practical application tips, and link you to important instructional content on this website including how to apply for bursaries and meet requirements.
Why March 2026 Matters
Each year, numerous bursaries across government, private sector, and non-profit organisations set March deadlines for submitting applications — particularly for programmes beginning in the next academic year. Missing these deadlines often means waiting until 2027 application cycles, which could delay your studies.
Examples of bursaries that typically close around March include:
- South African Nursery Association (SANA) Tom Arnold Bursary – deadline in March 2026 (exact date varies)
- Additional bursaries ending in March include industry, research, arts, and professional support bursaries (e.g., Impala Platinum bursaries, African Scholars Fund bursaries).
Because bursary names and deadlines can change slightly year-to-year, applicants should always confirm details on the official bursary portals.
TOP BURSARIES CLOSING IN MARCH 2026
Below are bursaries with confirmed or likely closing dates in March 2026. Dates may vary slightly depending on the provider — always check the official bursary application page before submitting.
📌 Notable March Deadlines
🎓 South African Nursery Association (SANA) Tom Arnold Bursary
This bursary supports students pursuing studies related to horticulture and agriculture. Deadline typically falls in March 2026 at the end of the month.
📚 Other Bursaries Ending in March
While not all bursaries release official closing dates early, many annual programmes (e.g., science bursaries, medical/tech funding opportunities) aim to wrap up applications by mid-March or later. Examples from industry listings include:
- SASCP Bursary – 15 March
- Impala Platinum / Implats Bursary – 31 March
- GCRA Bursary – 31 March
- African Scholars Fund Bursary – 31 March
Note: These deadlines have been reported from bursary cycle guides — you must always verify directly with the provider.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
If you haven’t yet applied for these bursaries, here’s what you should do this week:
✔️ 1. Check Your Eligibility
Each bursary has requirements based on:
- Academic results
- Financial need
- Field of study (e.g., Engineering, Medicine, Law, Teaching)
- Residence or citizenship status
Always read the eligibility notes on the bursary’s official application page.
✔️ 2. Gather Required Documents
Typically required documents include:
- Certified ID copy
- Academic results / transcripts
- Proof of income
- Acceptance letter from the institution (if already admitted)
- Motivation letter (if required)
✔️ 3. Apply Before the Deadline
Submissions after the closing date will not be accepted, even if your application is complete.
Keep electronic and printed copies of your application for follow-up.
Additional Resources on This Website
Looking for guidance beyond March bursaries? Check out these helpful internal articles on bursariesmzansi.co.za:
- 👉 How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa – step-by-step guidance from preparation to submission.
- 👉 Bursaries Closing Soon (All Deadlines) – check upcoming monthly deadlines beyond March.
- 👉 Tips for Writing Strong Motivation Letters – increase your chances of success.
- 👉 Understanding Bursary Eligibility Requirements – get it right the first time.
These internal links offer targeted help to students preparing for any bursary cycle.
Final Tips for Students
✅ Start early — don’t wait until the last day.
✅ Double-check documents before uploading or sending.
✅ Track all bursary communications (emails/SMS).
✅ Apply for multiple bursaries if eligible — your chances improve.
Conclusion
March 2026 is a critical month for bursary applications in South Africa. Whether you’re seeking funding for undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational studies, now is the time to confirm deadlines and submit your applications.
By staying organized, understanding deadlines, and using resources like those on bursariesmzansi.co.za, you can take decisive steps toward securing the financial support you need for your academic journey.