Top South African Companies Are Offering Life-Changing Bursaries for 2026 – Here’s Who’s Hiring and Funding

For South African students with big academic dreams but tight budgets, the 2026 academic year could bring a breakthrough. Several of the country’s largest companies—Shoprite, Sasol, Allan Gray, FirstRand, Sanlam, and Shell—are offering generous bursaries to cover tuition and more, while also opening doors to future job opportunities.

At a time when youth unemployment sits above 45%, tertiary education remains one of the most powerful tools to secure a stable future. In contrast, the unemployment rate among graduates is only 8.7%, according to Q4 2024 data—proof that higher education pays off.

However, with first-year university costs estimated at R50,000 or more, not including accommodation, food, textbooks, or tech equipment, getting that degree is out of reach for many. That’s why these corporate-backed bursaries are such game-changers. Let’s take a closer look at who’s offering what—and how to apply.

Shoprite Bursary (Deadline: 30 April 2025)

As South Africa’s largest private employer, Shoprite is offering full financial support for high-performing students in:

• Accounting (CA Stream – SAICA)

• Retail Business Management

• Supply Chain & Logistics

• Biological and Agricultural Sciences

• Food Science

The bursary includes tuition, on-campus accommodation, and a monthly grocery allowance.

Allan Gray Fellowship (Deadline: 30 April 2025)

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is calling future changemakers to apply for its Fellowship Programme, available at top universities like WITS, UJ, UCT, and more. It supports undergraduate degrees in:

• Commerce

• Engineering

• Science

• Law

• Arts and Humanities

• Health Sciences (excluding Medicine and Dentistry)

Successful candidates also benefit from leadership development and entrepreneurial training.

Sasol Bursaries (Deadline: 18 May 2025)

Sasol offers an extensive bursary programme across:

• Undergraduate (BEng / BSc)

• University of Technology (BEng Tech)

• Postgraduate (MSc / MEng / PhD)

Fields range from Chemical Engineering to Cybersecurity, Mining, Environmental Science, Mathematics, and more.

Bursaries cover fees, living allowances, book stipends, and even provide technical mentorship, vacation work, and practical training where applicable.

Sanlam Bursary (Deadline: 30 June 2025)

Sanlam is investing in the next generation of actuaries with its Actuarial Science bursary. The programme funds tuition, accommodation, and study material. It also includes:

• Support for board exams

• Vacation work

• Guaranteed employment with rotational placements after graduation

FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (Deadline: Extended)

This postgraduate bursary supports honours students in a wide array of fields, including:

• Accounting

• Data Science

• Agricultural Sciences

• Environmental Sciences

• Indigenous Knowledge Systems

• Renewable Energy

• Physics

• Mathematical and Information Sciences

Applicants must be 21–35, have completed an undergrad degree between 2022 and 2024, and meet the income threshold.

Shell STEM Bursary (Ongoing)

While no deadline has been set, Shell is offering bursaries to previously disadvantaged South African students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers.

The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and equipment such as books. Shell’s programme is aimed at developing local talent in high-demand technical fields.

Why These Bursaries Matter

These bursaries go beyond just funding—they offer mentorship, industry exposure, and often guaranteed job placements. In a country where many graduates still struggle to find work, this is a significant head start.

Whether you’re pursuing engineering, law, data science, or retail management, these companies are not just offering financial aid—they’re investing in South Africa’s future talent.

How to Apply

Interested students should visit each company’s official careers or bursary portal. Early applications are advised, especially for programmes closing in April and May.

If you’re planning to study in 2026, don’t let finances stop you. These bursaries from Shoprite, Sasol, Allan Gray, Sanlam, Shell, and FirstRand could be your ticket to a fully funded education and a fast-tracked career.\

{Source: BusinessTech}

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