Here are some of the hottest bursaries going around.

EDITOR | May 2024

Just like people on TikTok, some bursaries are hot, and some are not so hot. So, seeing as finding funding for your tertiary education is one of the most important things you’ll do in life – of far greater importance than going viral on said TikTok – we thought we’d show you the hottest options out there right now.

From agriculture to transport to investment management, there are companies and institutions lining up to finance the future of grade 12 pupils with the necessary drive and marks to make the step up to the working world. Don’t let a lack of money stand in your way of achieving your dreams. Follow up on one of the options below and get the support you need to reach the heights you know you can.

TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA MOTORS BURSARY FUND

Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary Fund has been established in an effort to provide support to its communities, specifically to emerging talent who proudly display commitment and excel academically. The company believes that such talent belongs at Toyota influencing the future of mobility in Africa and beyond.

Toyota recognises the value of bridging the gap between tertiary education and the world of work. Their vision is not only to contribute financially but to equip successful candidates with workplace experience through vacation work and potential exposure to their flagship graduate programme. 

Who can apply?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

✍ Only applications from South African citizens will be considered

✍ Strong academic and leadership potential

✍ Achieved a minimum result of 65% for Mathematics and English in Matric

✍ Achieved an overall average above 65% at Tertiary

✍ Combined household income lower than R750 000 per annum.

How to apply

Applications must be completed before 30 September to be considered for a bursary for the next year.

The following documents will have to be uploaded:

✐ Certified copy of ID

✐ Proof of all academic results to date (Grade 12 certificate and full tertiary academic record)

✐ Proof of combined household income.

Closing date

✐ Application Season: 1 June to 30 September.

HORTGRO BURSARY FOR 2025

Hortgro is a South African organisation that represents the interests of the horticulture industry, including nursery stock, cut flowers and vegetables.

The organisation aims to promote sustainable and responsible practices in the industry, while also providing training and development opportunities to its members.

The Hortgro Bursary for the academic year 2025 is an initiative designed to support students pursuing studies in the agricultural sector, specifically in fields related to the deciduous fruit industry. Hortgro, focusing on research and technology within this industry, offers this financial assistance to develop future leaders in agriculture.

Who can apply?

✍ Must be a South African citizen

✍ Must have completed or be in Grade 12

✍ Must be enrolled or intend to enrol in fields such as agricultural economics, agri- management, entomology, horticulture, microbiology, plant pathology, soil/water science, and other related research and technical fields at a recognised South African tertiary institution.

How to apply

Applicants must submit the following documents:

✐ Certified copies of ID

✐ Matric certificate

✐ Latest academic records: most recent academic transcripts

✐ Proof of tertiary registration: confirmation of enrolment at a tertiary institution

✐ Estimated study fees breakdown: includes tuition, books and accommodation

 ✐ Parents/guardians’ ID documents: certified copies

✐ Personal essay: an essay including details about oneself, career plans, future aspirations in the agricultural            environment, and reasons for applying for the bursary. This essay must be handwritten and included in the          application form.

✐ Two contactable references: provide contact details for two references.

Applications are submitted online through the Hortgro Bursary Application Form.

Closing date

The application deadline is 15 August 2024.

OLD MUTUAL IMFUNDO TRUST SCHOLARSHIP

The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust is on a mission to cultivate and empower black investment professionals, with a specific focus on uplifting black women from constrained backgrounds. Their commitment to excellence and transformation is embedded in their core values. Imfundo channels resources into funding students pursuing degrees crucial to the investment management sector. Their vision extends beyond conventional courses, encompassing disciplines like engineering, data science, and climate-related studies.

Who can apply?

To be considered for a scholarship, you must be:

✍ A South African citizen

✍ Currently in grade 12

✍ Grade 12 applicants must have achieved an average of at least 70% in their mid-year examinations, with a            minimum of 70% in Mathematics and 70% in English FAL or 60% in English HL

✍ Applicants from rural and township backgrounds will be given preference.

What’s in it for you?

✔ Tuition and accommodation costs are covered in full

✔ You receive a book and spending allowance

✔ You have access to ICAS for psychosocial support

✔ You will be under a mentorship programme from 3rd year onwards.

Closing date

The application deadline is 30 September 2024.

NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a bursary scheme funded by the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation for those who do not have the financial means to fund their studies and cannot access bank funding, study loans or bursaries.

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

✍ All South African citizens

✍ All SASSA grant recipients qualifies for funding

✍ Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum

✍ Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum

✍ Students who started studying before 2018 whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

To apply for NSFAS, you must meet the following criteria:

✪ All SASSA grant recipients must have email and cell phone number

✪ Be a South African citizen with a valid ID number

✪ Be a first-time entering university or TVET college student

✪ Household income must not exceed R350 000 per annum

✪ Must meet the academic requirements for admission to a university or TVET college

✪ For persons living with disabilities, household income should not exceed R600 000 per annum.

What are the required documents?

✐ Applicant should have a copy of student ID / birth certificate

✐ Must have a copy of parent/s or guardian/ spouse ID

✐ Smart card: both sides of the card required

✐ Provide proof of income (if applicable)

✐ Persons living with a disability must have a Disability Annexure A form

✐ Applicant who is recognised as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide a        completed Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker

✐ If you have no family member details and or abridged birth certificate, you must complete the Declaration:          Non-SASSA.

How to apply

✪ Go to NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za

✪. Click on the “myNSFAS” tab at the top right menu of the page

✪. Login with your ID number and password to start your application

✪ If you don’t have an ID number, create a “myNSFAS account“

✪ You will be generated a Student ID Number that will help you to apply

✪ Click on the “APPLY” tab and complete the sections on the screen

✪ Upload the required supporting documents where applicable

✪ Then, click on the “Submit” button to submit your application for evaluation.

What does a NSFAS bursary cover?

✔ Accommodation: NSFAS covers the cost of on-campus or off-campus student housing.

✔ Textbooks and study materials: NSFAS can provide you with a study allowance to purchase the required                textbooks and materials for your course.

✔ Meals: NSFAS provides a meal allowance to help cover the cost of food while you are studying.

✔ Travel expenses: NSFAS provides a travel allowance to help cover the cost of travel to and from campus.

University Students Allowances

• Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must          not exceed costs for university residence)

• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum

• Living allowance R15 000 per annum

• Book allowances R5 200 per annum

• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2 900 per annum for students in catered residences.

TVET College NSFAS Allowance

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24 000 per annum

• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18 900 per annum

• Accommodation in a rural area is R15 750 per annum

• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 350 per annum

• Transport R7 000 per annum

• Incidental/personal care allowance R2 900 per annum.

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT:

• National Student Financial Aid Scheme on 086 006 7327, info@nsfas.org.za or www.nsfas.org.za

• Career Centre on 086 999 0123 or www.careerhelp.org.za

• Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation on 0800 087 2222 or www.dhet.gov.za

• National Career Advice Portal at http://ncap.careerhelp.org.za/

• For lists of bursaries available, check out www.bursaries-southafrica.co.za or www.zabursaries.co.za