If you are looking for bursaries closing in October 2026, you still have several opportunities to apply for funding for the 2027 academic year.
October is an especially important month for South African students because many universities, government departments, municipalities, companies and foundations close their bursary applications during this period.
And there is an important reason not to wait until the final day.
Some bursaries close early in October, while others remain open until the final week or 31 October 2026. In addition, application requirements can be very different. One bursary may require certified documents, another may require proof of university acceptance, while another may only accept applications through an online portal.
So, if you are planning to study in 2027, October is the month to get serious about funding your education.
This guide highlights bursaries with October 2026 closing dates and explains what you should do before submitting your application.
Important: Closing dates can change, and some programmes may close once enough applications have been received. Always check the official bursary provider’s application page before submitting your application.
Bursaries Closing in October 2026 – Quick List
Here are some of the important opportunities with October 2026 deadlines:
| Bursary / Scholarship | Closing Date | Main Study Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Tiso Foundation Undergraduate Bursary | 8 October 2026 | Various undergraduate fields |
| Harmony Bursary | 9 October 2026 | Mining, Engineering, IT, Finance, Health Sciences and more |
| Motsepe Foundation Bursary | 16 October 2026 | STEM, Accounting, Humanities, LLB, Music |
| Etion Create Bursary | 16 October 2026 | Electronics & Computer Engineering |
| KN Inzuzo Trust Bursary | 18 October 2026 | Commerce |
| Magalies Water Bursary | 23 October 2026 | Engineering, Water Care, Sciences, ICT |
| SAAFoST Foundation Bursary | 30 October 2026 | Food Science-related studies |
| AGSA/Solarpop Bursary | 30 October 2026 | Various fields |
| City of Johannesburg Bursary | 30 October 2026 | Engineering, IT, Finance, Health, Commerce and more |
| STET Bursary | 30 October 2026 | Various fields |
| NSFAS 2027 | 31 October 2026 | Universities & TVET colleges |
| The Monocle Foundation Bursary | 31 October 2026 | Various fields |
| SANRAL Scholarships | 31 October 2026 | School-level scholarship opportunities |
| KZN Tourism & Film Authority Bursary | 31 October 2026 | Tourism, Film, TV, Animation and related fields |
| South African Geomatics Council Bursary | 31 October 2026 | Geomatics and related fields |
| BDO South Africa Bursary | 31 October 2026 | Accounting / CA stream |
The dates above reflect information available around 5 October 2026, but students should verify each deadline with the provider before applying.
1. Tiso Foundation Undergraduate Bursary – 8 October 2026
If you are looking for a comprehensive undergraduate funding opportunity, the Tiso Foundation Undergraduate Bursary should be near the top of your October application list.
Applications for the 2027 programme close on 8 October 2026. The foundation says the programme is not restricted to first-year students; registered undergraduate students can also apply if they meet the requirements.
The programme is aimed at South African students who demonstrate financial need and academic potential.
Among the stated requirements are:
- South African citizenship
- Age between 18 and 34
- Financial need
- Unemployment
- Strong academic performance
- Registration or intention to study at an accredited South African institution
The foundation has indicated that applicants should pay close attention to completing every part of the application properly.
Closing date
8 October 2026
This is one of the earliest major October deadlines, so students who qualify should not leave this application until the last minute.
2. Harmony Bursary – 9 October 2026
The Harmony Bursary Programme 2027 is another opportunity closing very early in October.
Harmony has announced that applications close on 9 October 2026. The programme supports qualifying South African students pursuing fields relevant to the company’s operations, including mining, engineering, finance, information technology, health sciences and human resources.
This makes the programme particularly interesting for students interested in technical and professional careers.
Closing date
9 October 2026
If you intend to apply, check the latest eligibility criteria and application instructions directly with Harmony before submitting your application.
3. Motsepe Foundation Bursary – 16 October 2026
The Motsepe Foundation Bursary is listed among the October opportunities, with the University of Cape Town’s bursary noticeboard giving a closing date of 16 October 2026.
The bursary covers fields including:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Mathematics
- Humanities
- Music
- LLB
This is therefore an opportunity worth investigating if your chosen qualification falls into one of these areas.
Closing date
16 October 2026
4. Etion Create Bursary – 16 October 2026
Students interested in engineering should also look at the Etion Create Bursary Programme.
The 2027 bursary is aimed at students studying areas such as:
- BEng Electronics Engineering
- BEng Computer Engineering
The programme has a closing date of 16 October 2026. Available information indicates that applicants should be South African citizens and that the programme targets students who have progressed into their university studies.
The bursary may cover costs such as tuition, registration, textbooks, accommodation and meal support, subject to the programme’s terms.
Closing date
16 October 2026
5. KN Inzuzo Trust Bursary – 18 October 2026
The KN Inzuzo Trust Bursary is another October opportunity listed by the University of Cape Town’s bursary noticeboard.
The programme is listed for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Commerce, with a closing date of:
18 October 2026.
Students interested in commerce-related qualifications should investigate the eligibility criteria and application requirements before applying.
6. Magalies Water External Bursary – 23 October 2026
The Magalies Water External Bursary Programme 2027 is particularly useful for students interested in engineering, science, water-related studies and technology.
The programme has 14 bursaries available across several fields.
These include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Water Care
- Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology / Microbiology
- Information and Communication Technology
The programme is aimed at South African citizens aged 18 to 35, with a stated minimum Grade 12 average of 65%.
Applications close on:
23 October 2026
Students are advised to prepare their documents carefully because incomplete applications may not be considered.
7. SAAFoST Foundation Matriculant Bursary – 30 October 2026
If you are interested in food science and related studies, the SAAFoST Foundation Matriculant Bursary is worth investigating.
The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) states that applications close on 30 October 2026.
Applicants are required to provide supporting documentation, which includes academic results, identification and other application materials.
Closing date
30 October 2026
Because this is a specialised bursary, make sure your intended qualification meets the programme’s requirements before applying.
8. AGSA/Solarpop Bursary – 30 October 2026
The African Global Skills Academy/Solarpop Bursary Programme 2026 is another opportunity with an October deadline.
Unlike many bursaries aimed at funding future study, this programme is focused on students who already have outstanding institutional fees for the 2026 academic year.
The programme is open to qualifying students enrolled at recognised universities, colleges or public TVET colleges.
Applicants are required to provide documentation such as:
- ID
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic transcript
- Proof of registration
- Latest institutional financial statement
- CV
- Motivational letter
- Disability documentation, where applicable
Closing date
30 October 2026
This is particularly important for students who are currently studying and have outstanding fees.
9. City of Johannesburg Bursary – 30 October 2026
Students who live in Johannesburg should pay close attention to the City of Johannesburg Bursary for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary is aimed at students pursuing a wide range of qualifications, including:
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Information Technology
- Finance
- Health
- Law
- Commerce
- Construction
- Architecture
- Quantity Surveying
- GIS
- Business Management
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Emergency Management Services
- Real Estate
- Logistics
The listed closing date is 30 October 2026.
The programme may provide funding for tuition and registration as well as prescribed books or study materials, subject to the bursary’s conditions.
Applicants should also pay attention to the residency requirements.
Closing date
30 October 2026
10. STET Bursary – 30 October 2026
The STET Bursary is another opportunity with an October deadline.
Applicants are expected to provide supporting documents including:
- Certified ID
- Matric results/certificate
- Latest academic record, if currently studying
- Motivational letter
The published closing date for the 2027 programme is:
30 October 2026.
Students should ensure that their documents are clear and meet the certification requirements before submitting.
11. NSFAS 2027 Applications – 31 October 2026
One of the most important funding deadlines in October is NSFAS.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has confirmed that applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026.
NSFAS is particularly important for students who need financial support to study at public universities and TVET colleges.
Depending on eligibility and the applicable funding arrangements, NSFAS support can include education-related and student-support costs.
Closing date
31 October 2026
Do not wait until 31 October to begin your NSFAS application.
Create your account, gather your documents and complete the application as early as possible.
Apply through the official NSFAS website
12. The Monocle Foundation Bursary – 31 October 2026
The Monocle Foundation Bursary is also listed by the University of Cape Town’s bursary noticeboard.
It is listed for:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
and covers a broad range of study areas.
The listed deadline is:
31 October 2026.
Students should check the latest application requirements before applying.
13. KZN Tourism and Film Authority Bursary – 31 October 2026
Students interested in the creative industries and tourism should investigate the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority Bursary.
The programme is relevant to fields connected with:
- Tourism
- Film
- Television
- Animation
- Digital skills
- Related creative disciplines
Applications close on:
31 October 2026.
Applicants may be required to submit academic records, proof of household income, proof of registration or acceptance, a motivational letter and other supporting documents.
14. South African Geomatics Council Bursary – 31 October 2026
Students interested in surveying, GIS, mapping and related fields should consider the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) Bursary.
Geomatics can include areas such as:
- Land surveying
- Geographic Information Systems
- Mine surveying
- Mapping
- Remote sensing
- Geoinformatics
- Spatial data
- Engineering surveying
The SAGC bursary has a closing date of 31 October 2026.
The programme can be particularly relevant for students considering careers involving infrastructure, mining, land administration, construction and spatial technology.
15. BDO South Africa Bursary – 31 October 2026
Students pursuing Chartered Accountancy should also consider the BDO South Africa Bursary.
The programme supports students following the CA stream at SAICA-accredited universities and can extend through higher levels of study depending on the programme requirements.
Relevant areas include:
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Financial Management
- Chartered Accountancy
The listed closing date is:
31 October 2026.
16. SANRAL Scholarships – 31 October 2026
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) also has educational funding opportunities with an October closing date.
SANRAL states that applications for its scholarship programme close on 31 October 2026.
The programme can provide educational support to qualifying learners, and learners with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
SANRAL also indicates that preference may be given to applicants from Quintile 1–3 public schools, previously disadvantaged communities and rural areas.
Closing date
31 October 2026
Why You Should Apply Before the Closing Date
One of the biggest mistakes students make is treating the closing date as the date they should start their application.
It is not.
The closing date is the deadline by which your application should already be completed and submitted.
Imagine waiting until 31 October to apply for five different bursaries.
You discover that one requires a certified ID.
Another requires proof of registration.
Another requires a motivational letter.
Another requires your parents’ proof of income.
Another has an online application that takes 30 minutes to complete.
Suddenly, what looked like a simple application becomes a stressful race against the clock.
That is why you should start now.
Documents You Should Prepare for October Bursaries
Although requirements vary between bursary providers, many applications request similar documents.
Create a folder on your computer and keep digital copies of the following:
1. South African ID
Have a clear copy of your ID ready.
Make sure the information is readable.
2. Matric certificate or latest school results
Depending on your situation, you may need:
- Matric certificate
- Grade 11 results
- Grade 12 results
- Latest academic results
3. Latest tertiary academic record
If you are already studying, many bursaries will want to see your latest academic transcript.
4. Proof of registration
Current university students may need proof that they are registered.
5. Proof of acceptance
If you are starting university in 2027, some bursaries may request proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance.
6. Proof of household income
Financial-need bursaries commonly request documents showing household income.
Depending on your family circumstances, this could include payslips, pension documents, SASSA documentation, an affidavit or other evidence.
7. Motivational letter
Some bursaries require applicants to explain:
- Why they deserve funding
- Why they selected their course
- Their career goals
- Their financial circumstances
- Their academic achievements
- How the qualification will help them contribute to society
Do not copy a generic motivational letter and send the exact same version everywhere.
Tailor it to the bursary.
8. Proof of residence
This is particularly important for municipal and community-based bursaries.
9. CV
Some programmes may request a CV, particularly where they combine funding with mentorship, work experience or career development.
How to Make Your Bursary Application Stronger
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically mean that you will receive funding.
Bursaries can be highly competitive.
Here are some practical ways to improve your application.
Complete every section
Do not leave unnecessary sections blank.
If the application asks a question, answer it properly.
Check your spelling
A rushed application can contain avoidable mistakes.
Before pressing submit, read through everything.
Use the correct documents
Uploading the wrong document can create problems during assessment.
Check each attachment before submission.
Make your motivation specific
Instead of saying:
“I need this bursary because education is important to me.”
Explain your situation.
Tell the bursary provider what you want to study, why you selected the field, what you have achieved and what you intend to do with your qualification.
Apply for multiple bursaries
Do not rely on one application.
There is nothing wrong with applying for several bursaries for which you genuinely qualify.
In fact, it is often the smarter strategy.
What If You Miss an October 2026 Bursary Deadline?
Do not panic.
Missing one bursary does not mean that your funding opportunities are finished.
Some bursaries close in November and December, while others may open later for the 2027 academic year.
There are also opportunities such as NSFAS and other funding programmes that may have different application periods.
The important thing is to keep searching.
You should also look at:
- University financial aid offices
- Faculty-specific funding
- Municipal bursaries
- Corporate bursaries
- SETA funding
- Government bursaries
- Scholarships
- TVET funding
- Postgraduate funding
Bursary Scams: Be Careful
Unfortunately, students searching for funding can become targets for scammers.
Be extremely careful if someone claims they can guarantee you a bursary in exchange for money.
A legitimate bursary provider should clearly explain:
- Eligibility requirements
- Application process
- Closing date
- Supporting documents
- Contact details
Do not send your banking password, PIN or other sensitive security information to someone claiming to process a bursary.
And never assume that a WhatsApp message or social media post is automatically legitimate.
If you discover a bursary through a third-party website, use that information as a starting point and verify the opportunity through the official organisation before submitting your personal information.
October 2026 Bursary Deadline Strategy
If you are applying for 2027 funding, here is a simple strategy you can follow.
5–9 October
Prioritise the earliest deadlines:
- Tiso Foundation — 8 October
- Harmony — 9 October
These should be dealt with immediately.
10–18 October
Move on to opportunities such as:
- Motsepe Foundation
- Etion Create
- KN Inzuzo Trust
19–23 October
Focus on opportunities such as:
- Magalies Water
24–31 October
This is when you should finalise the later applications, including:
- SAAFoST
- AGSA/Solarpop
- City of Johannesburg
- STET
- NSFAS
- KZN Tourism and Film Authority
- SAGC
- BDO
- Other October-ending opportunities
But remember: do not wait until the final week if you can apply earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bursaries Closing in October 2026
Which bursaries close in October 2026?
Several South African bursaries and scholarships close during October 2026, including opportunities from the Tiso Foundation, Harmony, Motsepe Foundation, Etion Create, Magalies Water, SAAFoST, City of Johannesburg, NSFAS, KZN Tourism and Film Authority, SAGC and BDO.
Deadlines range from early October through 31 October 2026.
What is the most important bursary deadline in October?
There is no single “most important” bursary because eligibility differs.
However, NSFAS 2027 is one of the most important funding opportunities for eligible students because it supports students attending public universities and TVET colleges.
The current NSFAS application period closes on 31 October 2026.
Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Yes. Generally, you can apply for multiple bursaries for which you meet the requirements.
However, read the terms and conditions carefully because some providers may have restrictions regarding other funding.
Can Grade 12 learners apply for bursaries?
Yes. Many bursaries are specifically designed for students entering tertiary education after Matric.
However, each bursary has its own academic and eligibility requirements.
Can current university students apply?
Yes.
Some bursaries specifically accept students who are already studying.
For example, the Tiso Foundation has stated that its 2027 undergraduate bursary is not limited to first-year students.
What happens if I submit my application late?
Usually, a late application will not be considered.
Some providers explicitly state that applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
For that reason, aim to submit your application at least several days before the deadline.
Should I apply on the last day?
No.
Technical problems, missing documents, incorrect information or website congestion can all cause unnecessary problems.
Submit early.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until October 31
If you are searching for bursaries closing in October 2026, there are still valuable opportunities available.
But the window is getting smaller.
Some deadlines arrive very quickly — including Tiso Foundation on 8 October and Harmony on 9 October — while several major opportunities continue until the end of the month.
The best approach is simple:
Find the bursaries you qualify for. Prepare your documents. Complete the applications carefully. Submit before the deadline.
And don’t put all your hopes on one bursary.
Apply for multiple legitimate opportunities and keep checking for bursaries closing in November, December and early 2027.
Your education can be one of the biggest investments you make in your future. Finding the right funding can make that journey significantly easier.
Good luck with your bursary applications for the 2027 academic year!