If you are looking for bursaries closing in September 2026, September is one of the most important months to watch when searching for funding for the 2027 academic year.
A large number of South African companies, government departments, trusts, universities and organisations set their bursary deadlines for September. Some opportunities close early in the month, while a particularly large group has a deadline of 30 September 2026.
This means students who want financial assistance for university, college or other tertiary studies need to prepare their applications well before the closing date.
Important: September 2026 has now passed. This article is intended as a 2026 deadline reference and can also help students understand which bursary programmes typically open for the following academic year. Always confirm the current deadline on the bursary provider’s official website before applying.
According to university funding listings, opportunities that closed during September 2026 included the CSIR Bursary Programme, SAPOA Bursary Fund, FirstRand Bursary, Department of Agriculture Bursary, Amazon Recruitment Bursary and several others.
Bursaries Closing in September 2026
Below are some of the major bursary and scholarship opportunities that had September 2026 closing dates.
| Bursary / Scholarship | Closing Date | Main Study Areas |
|---|---|---|
| KAS-SAIIA Scholarship | 1 September 2026 | Various |
| Hollywood Foundation Bursary | 3 September 2026 | Various |
| Bergrivier Municipality Bursary | 4 September 2026 | Various |
| AfriSam Bursary | 11 September 2026 | Engineering |
| Caroline Mack Foundation Bursary | 12 September 2026 | Nursing |
| Sasol Mining Women in Communities Bursary | 13 September 2026 | Mining, Engineering, Geology |
| MMEG Education Grants | 14 September 2026 | Postgraduate |
| CSIR Bursary | 15 September 2026 | Science, Engineering & Technology |
| CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary | 15 September 2026 | Science & Engineering |
| Citrus Academy Bursary | 15 September 2026 | Agriculture |
| IMESA Bursary | 15 September 2026 | Engineering |
| Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursary | 15 September 2026 | Medical Research |
| Volkswagen Group Africa Bursary | September 2026 | Various |
| Eskom Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Various |
| Amazon Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Technology & Engineering |
| Investec Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Finance-related fields |
| National Treasury Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Finance, Economics, Law |
| Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship | 30 September 2026 | Various |
| SANRAL Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Engineering & related fields |
| SARB Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Economics & related fields |
| Standard Bank Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Various |
| Sappi Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Engineering & related fields |
| Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Commerce, Engineering, Science |
| Western Cape Health & Wellness Bursary | 30 September 2026 | Health Sciences |
The September deadline list is supported by multiple South African bursary directories and university funding pages, although individual requirements and deadlines can differ between programmes.
Why September Is Important for Bursary Applications
September is particularly important because many organisations begin accepting applications months before the new academic year.
For example, the University of Cape Town’s bursary noticeboard listed several opportunities closing on 15 September and 30 September 2026, including CSIR, SAPOA, FirstRand, Department of Agriculture and Amazon-related funding.
This is particularly important for students seeking funding for 2027 studies.
Many bursaries are not designed to fund students retrospectively. Instead, organisations want to select recipients before the new academic year begins.
Therefore, students should not wait until January 2027 before beginning their bursary search.
Bursaries Closing on 30 September 2026
The biggest group of September deadlines fell on 30 September 2026.
Some of the notable opportunities included:
1. Investec Bursary
The Investec Tertiary Bursary Programme provides financial assistance to qualifying young South Africans studying towards financial-sector-related degrees.
Investec confirmed that applications for the programme closed on 30 September 2026.
The programme is administered in partnership with StudyTrust and is designed to help students with academic potential access university education.
Students interested in financial services, commerce and related careers should keep an eye on future application cycles.
2. South African Reserve Bank Bursary
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) also had bursary opportunities closing on 30 September 2026.
The programme included opportunities for prospective undergraduate students entering their first year in 2027, particularly in fields such as:
- Economics
- Economics and Econometrics
- Economics and Mathematical Statistics
- Economic Science
The SARB confirmed the 30 September 2026 closing date for its external bursary programme.
Students interested in economics and financial-sector careers should monitor the SARB’s bursary announcements for future intakes.
3. Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary
The Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary was another opportunity with a 30 September 2026 deadline.
Fields listed by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s bursary information included areas such as:
Commerce
- Accounting
- Analytics
- Economics
- Environmental Science
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Science and Technology
- Business Science Analytics
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
The programme required applicants to be South African citizens studying full-time in an eligible field.
4. Amazon Bursary
The Amazon Recruitment Bursary was also listed among the September 2026 opportunities.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to students interested in technology-related fields such as:
- Computer Science
- Software development
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Technology-related qualifications
Students interested in technology careers should monitor Amazon’s official careers and education opportunities for future bursary cycles.
5. National Treasury Bursary
The National Treasury Bursary Scheme was another major September opportunity.
The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in areas such as:
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Law
According to current bursary listings, the 2026 deadline was 30 September 2026, with the closing time listed as midday.
6. SANRAL Bursary
Students interested in engineering and infrastructure-related careers could also consider the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) Bursary.
SANRAL bursary opportunities have traditionally targeted students in fields relevant to the country’s infrastructure and transportation needs.
The 2026 listing included a 30 September 2026 deadline.
7. Standard Bank Bursary
The Standard Bank Bursary was also among the opportunities closing at the end of September.
Students interested in banking, finance, technology, commerce and related career paths should watch for the next application cycle.
8. Sappi Bursary
The Sappi Bursary provides opportunities for students pursuing selected qualifications, particularly those connected to engineering, forestry and related disciplines.
The 2026 listing showed a 30 September 2026 closing date.
9. Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship
The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship was another opportunity listed with a 30 September 2026 deadline.
Students interested in future careers in areas supported by the programme should monitor future application announcements.
10. Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
Students pursuing selected health-science qualifications could also find funding through the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary.
The 2026 application deadline was listed as 30 September 2026.
Bursaries That Closed Earlier in September 2026
Not every September bursary had a 30 September deadline.
Some opportunities closed much earlier.
For example, the September 2026 list included:
- Hollywood Foundation Bursary — 3 September
- Bergrivier Municipality Bursary — 4 September
- AfriSam Bursary — 11 September
- Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursary — 12 September
- Sasol Mining Women in Communities Bursary — 13 September
- MMEG Education Grants — 14 September
- CSIR Bursary — 15 September
- CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary — 15 September
- Citrus Academy Bursary — 15 September
- IMESA Bursary — 15 September
- Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursary — 15 September
This illustrates why students should never assume that all September bursaries close at the end of the month.
If a bursary says 15 September, waiting until 30 September will mean missing the opportunity.
What Do Bursaries Usually Cover?
One of the biggest advantages of obtaining a bursary is that it can reduce several of the costs associated with tertiary education.
Depending on the provider, a bursary may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation
- Textbooks
- Study materials
- Meals
- Transport
- Living allowances
- Laptop or computer costs
- Learning equipment
However, not every bursary covers all these expenses.
Some programmes only pay tuition, while others provide comprehensive financial support.
Always read the bursary’s terms and conditions before accepting an offer.
Who Can Apply for South African Bursaries?
Eligibility varies considerably between bursaries.
However, common requirements include:
- Being a South African citizen
- Having a valid South African ID
- Being accepted at a recognised university or tertiary institution
- Studying full-time
- Meeting minimum academic requirements
- Studying an approved qualification
- Demonstrating financial need where required
- Meeting specific geographic or community requirements
Some bursaries are available to Grade 12 learners, while others are specifically intended for current university students, postgraduate students or students entering a particular year of study.
This means that you should always check the individual eligibility criteria rather than assuming that you qualify.
Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying
One of the easiest ways to make bursary applications less stressful is to prepare your documents before applications open.
Commonly requested documents include:
1. South African ID
A certified copy of your ID may be required.
2. Latest Academic Results
Applicants may need to provide:
- Grade 11 results
- Matric results
- University academic transcripts
- Latest examination results
The exact requirement depends on your academic level.
3. Proof of Registration or Acceptance
Current university students may need proof of registration.
Students entering university may need an acceptance letter.
4. Proof of Household Income
Need-based bursaries may request documentation showing your family’s financial circumstances.
5. Proof of Residence
Some community or provincial bursaries require proof that you live within a particular municipality, province or community.
6. Motivational Letter
Some providers ask applicants to explain why they deserve the funding and how the qualification connects to their career goals.
7. Additional Documents
Depending on the programme, you could also be asked for:
- Parent or guardian documentation
- Disability documentation
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic references
- Certificates
- Proof of university application
Always follow the exact document requirements provided by the bursary organisation.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Bursary
Finding a bursary is only the first step.
You also need to submit a strong application.
1. Apply for More Than One Bursary
Don’t put all your hopes into a single application.
If you qualify for several bursaries, apply for several.
Different organisations have different selection criteria, so being unsuccessful with one application doesn’t mean you will be unsuccessful with another.
2. Apply Only for Bursaries You Actually Qualify For
More applications don’t necessarily mean better applications.
If a bursary requires applicants to study engineering and you are studying marketing, applying is unlikely to help.
Instead, focus on opportunities that match:
- Your qualification
- Your academic results
- Your financial situation
- Your location
- Your year of study
- Your career goals
3. Don’t Submit Applications at the Last Minute
This is particularly important for online applications.
Websites can experience technical problems, documents may fail to upload, and you may discover that an important document is missing.
Try to submit several days before the official closing date.
4. Check Your Email After Applying
Some bursary providers may contact shortlisted candidates by email.
Check:
- Your inbox
- Spam folder
- Junk folder
- Promotions folder
Make sure the email address and telephone number on your application are correct.
What If You Missed the September 2026 Deadline?
If you’re reading this after September 2026, don’t panic.
Missing one bursary deadline doesn’t mean you have no options.
There may still be:
- October 2026 bursaries
- November 2026 bursaries
- December 2026 bursaries
- January 2027 funding opportunities
- University-specific bursaries
- Company bursaries with later deadlines
- Scholarships
- NSFAS or other government funding
- Student loans
- Community-based funding programmes
You should continue checking new opportunities rather than stopping your search after September.
You can also use our Complete Guide to Bursaries South Africa 2026 to explore different funding options.
And if you’re unsure how the application process works, see our guide on How to Apply for a Bursary in South Africa.
Tips for Students Applying for 2027
If your goal is to secure funding for the 2027 academic year, don’t wait until January.
Start preparing early.
Create a simple spreadsheet containing:
| Bursary | Field | Deadline | Documents | Applied? | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bursary 1 | Engineering | Date | ID, results, proof of income | Yes/No | Pending |
| Bursary 2 | Accounting | Date | ID, transcript, CV | Yes/No | Pending |
| Bursary 3 | IT | Date | ID, results, acceptance letter | Yes/No | Pending |
This makes it much easier to manage multiple applications.
Set your own deadline at least one week before the official deadline.
That gives you time to fix problems before submitting.
Don’t Ignore Smaller Bursaries
Students often focus exclusively on famous bursaries offered by major companies.
That’s understandable, but it can be a mistake.
There are also bursaries offered by:
- Municipalities
- Provincial government departments
- Community trusts
- Local companies
- Professional associations
- Universities
- Foundations
- Non-profit organisations
- Industry organisations
Some of these opportunities receive fewer applications because they are less well known.
If you meet the requirements, they can be worth applying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the bursaries closing in September 2026?
Several South African bursaries closed during September 2026, including opportunities from CSIR, Investec, Amazon, SANRAL, Standard Bank, Sappi, Toyota South Africa Motors, SARB, National Treasury and other organisations. Closing dates ranged from early September through to 30 September.
When did most September 2026 bursaries close?
A significant number of bursaries had a closing date of 30 September 2026, although many others closed earlier in the month.
Can I still apply for a September 2026 bursary after the deadline?
Generally, no. If the official application deadline has passed, the organisation may not accept new applications. Always check the provider’s official website for any extension or updated announcement.
Are September bursaries for 2026 or 2027 studies?
Many of the September 2026 bursaries were intended for the 2027 academic year. For example, the SARB external bursary programme was aimed at prospective undergraduate students entering their first year in 2027.
Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Yes. Unless a particular provider specifically prohibits it, applying for multiple bursaries can increase your chances of obtaining funding.
Do bursaries have to be repaid?
Most traditional bursaries do not have to be repaid, but some may include conditions such as maintaining a particular academic performance or completing a work-back period. Always read the terms and conditions.
What should I do if I don’t qualify for the bursaries on this list?
Continue looking for opportunities that match your circumstances. You can search by field of study, province, academic level and financial need. You can also investigate scholarships, university funding, government assistance and student loans.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Next Deadline
Bursaries closing in September 2026 represented some of the biggest funding opportunities available to South African students preparing for the 2027 academic year.
The important lesson is simple: bursary applications should be treated as a year-round activity.
Don’t wait for a single deadline and hope that one organisation will fund your studies.
Instead:
- Start searching early.
- Identify bursaries that match your qualification.
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your documents.
- Write a strong motivation.
- Apply to multiple suitable opportunities.
- Track every closing date.
- Submit applications before the deadline.
- Continue searching for opportunities that open later.
September may have passed, but there are always new funding opportunities appearing throughout the year.
For students planning ahead, keeping track of bursaries months before the academic year begins can make the difference between starting university with financial support and struggling to find funding at the last minute.
For more South African bursary opportunities, keep checking Bursaries Mzansi for new application announcements, closing dates and funding guides.