Thousands of South African students miss out on bursaries each year. They apply too late and lose their chance. If you plan to study in 2026, check out these South African bursaries 2026 now. Several big ones close before or on 15 March 2026. They cover fields like engineering, insurance, tourism, and agriculture. This list shares the top four. It gives key details so you can apply right away.
1. AfriSam Engineering Bursary 2026
AfriSam South Africa offers a bursary for students in engineering. It helps those who want to work in the mining, cement, and construction materials industry.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | AfriSam South Africa |
| Location | Zeekoewater Quarry, Mpumalanga |
| Fields | Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering |
| Positions | 1 |
| Closing Date | 13 March 2026 |
This bursary fits students who like industrial engineering careers. AfriSam leads in cement, aggregate, and construction materials. Click here to apply for the AfriSam Engineering Bursary 2026.
Here are tips for a strong application:
- Prepare certified copies of your ID and academic records.
- Write a clear motivational letter about your goals.
- Check all details match the requirements.
- Submit early to stand out.
2. Sasria Bursaries 2026
Sasria SOC Limited runs a bursary programme. It helps South African matriculants and students. The fields match the company’s special risk insurance work.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Sasria SOC Limited |
| Eligible | South African matriculants and students |
| Closing Date | 13 March 2026 |
The bursary supports higher education in key professional fields. It builds skills for careers at Sasria. Click here to apply for Sasria Bursaries 2026.
Benefits include:
- Full coverage for tuition and study costs.
- Chance to work in a state-owned company.
- Training in insurance and risk fields.
- Support for university entry.
3. Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026
The Department of Tourism has an External Bursary Programme for 2026. It targets tourism and hospitality studies. These fields help South Africa’s economy.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Department of Tourism |
| Programme | External Bursaries Programme |
| Fields | Tourism and related qualifications |
| Closing Date | 13 March 2026 |
This bursary grows skills for the tourism sector. It boosts jobs and economic growth. Click here to apply for Department of Tourism Bursaries 2026.
Follow these steps to prepare:
- Gather your ID and academic records.
- Draft a motivational letter on your interest in tourism.
- Review the application form carefully.
- Send it before the deadline.
4. South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP) Bursaries 2026
The South African Society of Crop Production offers bursaries. They support Crop Science and Agronomy studies. These fields improve farming and food security.
| Level | Value | Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | R15 000 | Crop Science and Agronomy |
| MSc | R20 000 | Crop Science and Agronomy |
| PhD | R25 000 | Crop Science and Agronomy |
| Closing Date | 15 March 2026 | |
| Organisation | SASCP |
The bursary pushes research and new ideas in crop production. It aids sustainable agriculture. Click here to apply for South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP) Bursaries 2026.
Reasons this bursary matters:
- Funds key levels from undergrad to PhD.
- Boosts food security in South Africa.
- Encourages innovation in farming.
- Fits students passionate about agriculture.