Are you looking for bursaries closing in November 2026 to help pay for your studies in 2027?
November is an important month for South African students looking for university, college, TVET and postgraduate funding. While many major bursaries close earlier in the year, several funding opportunities remain open until November, giving students another chance to apply for financial assistance for the 2027 academic year.
Some November bursaries have deadlines as early as the beginning of the month, while others remain open until the middle or end of November. There are also opportunities specifically aimed at postgraduate students, education students, students studying at TVET colleges, and applicants from particular communities or municipalities.
This guide provides a useful list of bursaries closing in November 2026, their closing dates, who they may be suitable for, and what you should prepare before applying.
Important: Bursary closing dates can change. Always check the official bursary provider’s application page before submitting your application.
Bursaries Closing in November 2026 – Quick List
Here are some of the bursaries and scholarships with November 2026 deadlines:
| Bursary / Scholarship | Closing Date | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| MacMillan Foundation Bursary | 1 November 2026 | Eligible South African students |
| Monocle Foundation Bursary | 1 November 2026 | Undergraduate/postgraduate applicants |
| Genesis Analytics Global Young Leaders Programme | 10 November 2026 | Eligible young applicants |
| Free State Office of the Premier Bursary | 13 November 2026 | Students from the Free State |
| Babette Taute Scholarship | 20 November 2026 | Eligible students |
| Bakwena Bursary | 20 November 2026 | Students meeting Bakwena criteria |
| SIOC-CDT Bursary | 20 November 2026 | Students from qualifying communities |
| UNISA Postgraduate Bursary | 30 November 2026 | Eligible postgraduate students |
| Funza Lushaka – returning bursars | 30 November 2026 | Returning education bursars |
| Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary | 30 November 2026 | Eligible Emfuleni residents |
| Silulumanzi Bursary | 30 November 2026 | Eligible students |
| Boston City Campus Bursary | 30 November 2026 | Eligible Boston students/applicants |
| Access Trust Bursary | 30 November 2026 | Eligible TVET students |
The list above is based on currently published 2026/2027 application information and should be checked regularly because new opportunities may be added during the month.
1. MacMillan Foundation Bursary
The MacMillan Foundation Bursary is one of the opportunities appearing on November 2026 bursary deadline lists.
The application deadline is currently listed as 1 November 2026.
Because this is one of the earliest November deadlines, students interested in the opportunity should not wait until the last few days of October to prepare their applications.
Make sure you check the eligibility requirements, approved fields of study and required supporting documents before applying.
Closing date: 1 November 2026
2. Monocle Foundation Bursary
The Monocle Foundation Bursary is another opportunity with a deadline at the beginning of November.
The currently published closing date is 1 November 2026.
Students should check the specific requirements for the 2027 funding cycle before applying, particularly the qualification, institution and academic requirements.
Closing date: 1 November 2026
3. Genesis Analytics Global Young Leaders Programme
The Genesis Analytics Global Young Leaders Programme is listed with a 10 November 2026 deadline.
This is particularly worth investigating if you are a young South African looking for an opportunity that combines education, leadership and career development.
Applicants should carefully review the programme’s eligibility criteria and application instructions before submitting.
Closing date: 10 November 2026
4. Free State Office of the Premier Bursary
Students from the Free State should pay particular attention to the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary.
The current deadline is 13 November 2026.
Provincial government bursaries can have specific requirements relating to residence, fields of study and academic performance. Therefore, applicants should make sure they meet the requirements before completing the application.
If you are a Free State student planning to study at a university, university of technology or other approved institution in 2027, this is an opportunity worth checking.
Closing date: 13 November 2026
5. Babette Taute Scholarship
The Babette Taute Scholarship is currently listed with a closing date of 20 November 2026.
Students interested in this scholarship should check the latest eligibility criteria and documentation requirements before applying.
As with other scholarships, having your academic records, identification documents and other supporting information ready can make the application process much easier.
Closing date: 20 November 2026
6. Bakwena Bursary
The Bakwena Bursary is another opportunity closing during November.
The current application deadline is 20 November 2026 according to published bursary information.
Applicants should pay close attention to the supporting-document requirements. Published information for the Bakwena Bursary includes documents such as a certified ID, certified Matric certificate, academic record, proof relating to 2027 university fees, proof of residence and a motivational letter.
Because missing documentation can result in an application being rejected, applicants should prepare their documents before beginning the application.
Closing date: 20 November 2026
7. SIOC-CDT Bursary
The SIOC-CDT Bursary is currently listed with a 20 November 2026 closing date.
Students who meet the programme’s eligibility and community requirements should investigate this opportunity before the deadline.
Community-linked bursaries are particularly important because they can have eligibility criteria that differ from general corporate bursaries.
Closing date: 20 November 2026
8. UNISA Postgraduate Bursary
If you are studying at postgraduate level, the University of South Africa (UNISA) has an important funding opportunity closing in November.
UNISA has announced that its 2027 postgraduate bursary application period runs from 21 September 2026 to 30 November 2026.
The funding includes postgraduate bursary opportunities for qualifying students, including Postgraduate Diploma and Honours students as well as Master’s and Doctoral students.
For the Master’s and Doctoral bursary, UNISA states that only online applications submitted through the relevant myUnisa process will be considered, and late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Postgraduate Diploma and Honours bursary also has specific academic eligibility requirements, so applicants should carefully read the current guidelines before applying.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
9. Funza Lushaka Bursary – Returning Students
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is one of the most important funding programmes for students pursuing teaching careers in South Africa.
For the 2027 cycle, applications open on 1 October 2026. However, there is an important distinction between new and returning applicants.
According to the official Funza Lushaka website:
- New applications close on 31 January 2027.
- Applications from existing/returning bursars close on 30 November 2026.
Therefore, if you are already a Funza Lushaka bursary recipient and need to reapply for 2027, you should treat 30 November 2026 as your deadline.
First-time applicants should not assume that they have the same deadline as returning students.
Returning bursars closing date: 30 November 2026
10. Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary
The Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary is aimed at eligible students who meet the municipality’s requirements.
The published closing date is 30 November 2026.
Applicants may be required to provide documents including:
- Certified South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate or statement of results
- Latest academic results
- Proof of application or admission to a tertiary institution
- Information about the qualification and study costs
- Proof of residence
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income
- Other documents specified by the municipality
The municipality’s published requirements specifically include proof of residence within the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
This means students should not wait until the final day to apply, especially if they need to obtain certified documents.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
11. Silulumanzi Bursary
The Silulumanzi Bursary is also listed among bursaries closing in November 2026.
The current published closing date is 30 November 2026.
Students should check the latest application requirements and fields of study before applying.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
12. Boston City Campus Bursary
The Boston City Campus Bursary is another funding opportunity with a November deadline.
According to the current published information, applications for Semester A studies in 2027 close on 30 November 2026.
Applicants may be required to provide documents such as:
- Identity document
- Matric results or certificate
- Academic records for returning students
- A motivational letter
The bursary has its own conditions regarding what the funding can be used for, so applicants should read the latest terms before applying.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
13. Access Trust Bursary
Students planning to study at TVET level should also investigate the Access Trust Bursary.
The current 2027 application information lists a closing date of 30 November 2026.
The programme is particularly relevant to students at qualifying public TVET colleges in the Western Cape and focuses on vocational and career-oriented studies.
If you are considering a TVET qualification instead of a traditional university degree, this type of funding can be an important option to investigate.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
What Documents Do You Need for a Bursary Application?
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the closing date before preparing their documents.
Although every bursary has different requirements, you will commonly be asked for some combination of the following:
1. South African ID
A clear copy of your South African identity document is commonly required.
Make sure the document is readable and, where required, certified.
2. Matric certificate or latest results
School leavers may need to provide their latest Matric results, statement of results or certificate.
Current university students will normally need to provide their latest academic record as well.
3. Academic record
University students should obtain a recent academic transcript or record showing their results.
Do not assume that last year’s academic record will automatically be accepted.
4. Proof of registration or admission
Some bursaries require proof that you have been accepted or registered at an approved institution.
If you are still waiting for university admission, check whether the bursary accepts proof of application instead.
5. Proof of household income
Means-tested bursaries may require proof of income from parents, guardians or other household members.
Unemployed parents or guardians may need to provide an affidavit or other acceptable proof.
6. Proof of residence
This is particularly important for municipal and community bursaries.
For example, the Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary requires proof of residence as part of its supporting documentation.
7. Motivational letter
Some bursaries require applicants to explain why they deserve funding.
A good motivation should explain:
- What you are studying
- Why you selected the qualification
- Your academic achievements
- Your career goals
- Your financial circumstances where relevant
- How the bursary would help you
- What you hope to contribute to your community or industry
Avoid copying a generic motivational letter from the internet.
How to Apply for Bursaries Closing in November 2026
Applying for a bursary is usually straightforward, but you need to follow the provider’s instructions carefully.
Step 1: Check the eligibility requirements
Before spending time on an application, make sure you qualify.
Look at:
- Age requirements
- Citizenship requirements
- Academic requirements
- Household-income limits
- Field of study
- Institution requirements
- Geographic or community requirements
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Get your supporting documents ready before starting the application.
This can prevent a last-minute rush.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Enter your personal and academic information accurately.
Double-check your ID number, contact information, academic results and banking details where applicable.
Step 4: Upload or submit your documents
Follow the provider’s instructions exactly.
Some bursaries accept online applications, while others may require email applications or physical submission.
Do not assume that every bursary uses the same application method.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Do not wait until 23:59 on the closing date.
Technical problems, slow internet connections, missing documents or website traffic can prevent you from completing an application.
Step 6: Save your proof of application
After submitting, save your:
- Application reference number
- Confirmation email
- Screenshot of the completed application
- Copy of the application form
- Supporting documents
These can be useful if you need to follow up later.
Why You Should Apply Before November
November deadlines may look far away, but bursary applications can take longer than expected.
For example, you may discover that your academic record needs updating, your proof of residence is missing or one of your documents needs certification.
Applying early gives you time to fix these problems.
It also gives you the opportunity to apply for several bursaries rather than relying on one application.
Do not put all your hopes into a single bursary.
If you qualify for five different bursaries, consider applying for all five.
You will not necessarily receive funding from every programme, but multiple applications can increase your chances of securing financial assistance.
Bursaries vs NSFAS: What’s the Difference?
Students sometimes confuse private bursaries with NSFAS.
NSFAS is a government student funding scheme that provides financial support to qualifying students at approved public universities and TVET colleges.
For the 2027 academic year, the official NSFAS website currently states that applications opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026.
Therefore, NSFAS should not be treated as a November 2026 bursary deadline.
If you qualify for NSFAS, you should apply before its October deadline rather than waiting for November.
This is an important distinction because students searching for “bursaries closing in November 2026” may otherwise miss the NSFAS deadline.
Don’t Forget Bursaries With Earlier Deadlines
If you are reading this article in October, do not focus only on November opportunities.
Some major funding programmes close before November.
For example, the NSFAS 2027 application cycle currently closes on 31 October 2026.
That means October should be treated as an important application month.
Check all available opportunities rather than waiting for November.
What If You Miss the November 2026 Deadline?
Missing a bursary deadline does not necessarily mean that you will have no funding options.
There are several things you can do.
Look for December deadlines
Some bursaries remain open into December.
Search for January 2027 opportunities
A number of companies and organisations open applications with deadlines in December or January.
Check university financial aid
Your university may have its own bursaries, scholarships, hardship funds or financial aid programmes.
Consider NSFAS if you are still within the application period
If you qualify and the application window is open, apply through the official NSFAS process.
Look at TVET funding
Students considering vocational education should also investigate TVET-specific funding opportunities.
Bursary Application Tips for 2027
Here are some practical tips that could improve your chances of submitting a successful application.
Apply for multiple opportunities
Don’t depend on one bursary.
Apply for every programme for which you genuinely qualify.
Read the requirements carefully
A bursary may look perfect but have a specific requirement that excludes you.
Always check before applying.
Keep your documents organised
Create a folder on your phone or computer containing your:
- ID
- Matric certificate
- Academic record
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income
- Registration letter
- Admission letter
- CV
- Motivation letter
This makes future applications much faster.
Use a professional email address
If possible, use an email address based on your name rather than an inappropriate nickname.
Check your emails regularly
Bursary providers may contact shortlisted applicants by email.
Also check your spam or junk folder.
Never pay someone simply to “guarantee” a bursary
Be careful of scams.
A person promising that they can guarantee you a bursary in exchange for money should be treated with caution.
For government funding such as NSFAS, the official application process is free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bursaries Closing in November 2026
Which bursaries are closing in November 2026?
Some of the currently published November 2026 opportunities include the MacMillan Foundation Bursary, Free State Office of the Premier Bursary, Babette Taute Scholarship, Bakwena Bursary, SIOC-CDT Bursary, UNISA postgraduate bursaries, Funza Lushaka returning-bursar applications, Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary, Silulumanzi Bursary, Boston City Campus Bursary and Access Trust Bursary.
New opportunities may be added, and deadlines can change.
What is the latest date to apply for a November bursary?
Several opportunities currently have a deadline of 30 November 2026.
However, you should not wait until the final day. Some November bursaries close much earlier, including opportunities with deadlines on 1, 10, 13 and 20 November.
Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can generally apply for multiple bursaries.
However, check the individual bursary’s rules because some providers have restrictions on receiving multiple forms of funding simultaneously.
Can Grade 12 learners apply for bursaries?
Yes. Many bursaries accept current Grade 12 learners, although requirements vary.
Some programmes may require your latest results, proof of university application or eventual proof of admission.
Can university students apply for bursaries?
Yes. Many bursaries are specifically intended for students who are already studying.
You may be required to provide your latest academic record and proof of registration.
Are there bursaries for postgraduate students?
Yes.
For example, UNISA’s 2027 postgraduate bursary application period runs until 30 November 2026, covering qualifying postgraduate funding opportunities.
Is Funza Lushaka closing in November 2026?
The deadline depends on whether you are a new or returning applicant.
For 2027, Funza Lushaka states that returning bursars must apply by 30 November 2026, while new applications remain open until 31 January 2027.
What happens if I submit my application after the closing date?
Usually, late applications are not accepted.
This is why you should submit before the deadline rather than relying on an extension.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for financial assistance for your 2027 studies, November 2026 could provide another important opportunity to secure funding.
There are bursaries for different categories of students, including university students, postgraduate students, education students, TVET students and students who meet particular provincial, municipal or community requirements.
However, remember that not every bursary closes at the end of November.
Some deadlines fall on 1 November, 10 November, 13 November or 20 November. Others run until 30 November.
The best strategy is therefore simple:
Start your applications early.
Prepare your ID, academic results, proof of income, proof of residence, admission or registration documents and any required motivation letters before you begin applying.
And don’t apply for only one opportunity.
The more legitimate bursaries you apply for — provided you meet their requirements — the more opportunities you give yourself to obtain funding for 2027.
For more opportunities, keep checking our updated bursary listings and look at our guides on [How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa], [Bursaries for 2027 Studies in South Africa], [Postgraduate Bursaries in South Africa], and [What Documents Are Needed for a Bursary Application?].
Good luck with your 2027 bursary applications!