The Study Trust bursary application platform is officially open for applications.
It manages a range of bursaries and scholarships on behalf of trusts, foundations, and private and corporate donors.
Each opportunity has its own selection criteria.
You only need to apply once, and StudyTrust will automatically match your profile with every bursary you qualify for.
Depending on the specific bursary, they can cover tuition fees, registration, accommodation in a tertiary residence, meals, laptops, stationery, and travel allowances.
They go beyond financial assistance by offering personal and career development support, including mentoring, workshops, and counselling to ensure you thrive emotionally and academically.
Many of their corporate sponsors offer vacation work, graduate programs, and assistance with building your resume, preparing you for meaningful employment post-graduation.
While some opportunities are recruitment bursaries with work-back obligations, many others are non-restrictive, leaving your future employment options open.
The income selection criteria :
Some sponsors cover students who qualify for a NSFAS-administered bursary and others exclusively focus on funding students from “missing middle” households. “Missing middle” is also not a fixed category – some define it as households where the combined annual gross income is between R350,000 and R700,000. We do not have bursaries available for applicants from families where the combined annual income is more than R850,000.
Preferred Fields of StudyTrust primarily funds degrees and diplomas that lead to critical and scarce skills in the South African labour market. Preferred study fields generally include:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Commerce, Finance, and Accounting
- Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science
- Agriculture and related disciplines
Bursary selection is based on three key factors: academic potential, financial need, and the study programme
- University students (undergraduate and postgraduate): The majority of bursaries are for full-time students studying towards critical and scarce skills
- University of Technology students: A limited number of bursaries are available for full-time students with a pass symbol in all subjects, studying towards careers in demand in the labour market.
- TVET and Agricultural College students: A few bursaries are available for full-time students at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Agricultural Colleges.
- High School learners: StudyTrust administers one high school bursary programme (Gr 10-12) for top achievers (90% and above) in Mathematics and Accounting/Physical Science.
Ensure you have the following certified documents prepared before applying:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Academic Record A full academic record including your most recent results: First Semester 2026 examination results or progress report, or second term report card if you are in high school
- If you’ve completed Grade 12: your official Matric/NSC results.
- If you’re a current Grade 12 learner: your final Grade 11 results and your second term 2026 report card.
- If you are currently in Grade 9, 10 or 11 (applying for a high school bursary): your 2025 final report card and your second term 2026 report card.
- Proof of Address.
- Proof of household income (or affidavit if parents/guardians are unemployed).
- A motivational letter outlining why you deserve this award.
Steps on how to Apply
- Gather Required Documents
- Visit the Platform: Go to the StudyTrust Bursary Applications page.
- Register an Account: Click the "Apply Now" or "Apply Here"
- Complete the Form
- Upload & Submit
Got questions? Drop an email at apply@studytrust.org.za.
📅 Deadline: 30 September 2026
Ensure you submit your application before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.