In South Africa, many students rely on bursaries to afford higher education.
The Free State province has several bursary opportunities available for learners who want to study further after finishing matric.
These bursaries help cover costs such as tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and sometimes living expenses.
Most bursaries are offered by the government, private companies, municipalities, and educational institutions.
If you live in the Free State or wish to study at a university or college in the province, there are different bursary options available for the year 2026.
These bursaries are meant for students who cannot afford to pay for their studies but have good academic performance or show potential in specific study fields.
What are the types of bursaries available in the Free State?
There are different types of bursaries available in the Free State, depending on the sponsor and the field of study.
Most bursaries fall under the following categories:
- Government Bursaries: These are funded by national or provincial departments, including the Free State Department of Education.
- Municipal Bursaries: Local municipalities such as Mangaung Metro, Matjhabeng, and others offer bursaries for residents.
- Private Sector Bursaries: Companies like Sasol, Harmony Gold, and others fund students who study in fields they support.
- University Bursaries: Institutions such as the University of the Free State (UFS) and Central University of Technology (CUT) offer merit or need-based bursaries.
Each bursary has its own rules, and applicants must check if they qualify before applying.
What are the requirements for applying for bursaries in the Free State?
To apply for bursaries in the Free State for 2026, students must meet certain requirements.
These requirements depend on the bursary provider, but common ones include:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen.
- The applicant must live in the Free State or study in a Free State institution.
- The applicant must have passed Grade 12 or be currently in Grade 12.
- Some bursaries require a minimum average percentage, such as 60% or 70%.
- Certain bursaries are only for specific courses, such as Engineering, Health Sciences, Agriculture, or Teaching.
- Some bursaries are only given to students from disadvantaged families.
Applicants may also need to submit proof of income, academic results, a certified ID copy, and a motivation letter.
Which municipalities in the Free State offer bursaries?
Many local municipalities in the Free State offer bursaries to help youth in their communities.
Some well-known municipalities that usually provide bursaries include:
- Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality: Offers bursaries for scarce skills fields like Engineering, Town Planning, and Environmental Health.
- Matjhabeng Local Municipality: Focuses on fields that support service delivery, such as Finance, Civil Engineering, and Public Administration.
- Moqhaka Local Municipality: Often provides bursaries for disadvantaged students in the region.
Municipal bursaries usually require proof of residence and are only for students from that specific area.
Can students apply for more than one bursary in the Free State?
Yes, students are allowed to apply for more than one bursary. However, they cannot accept funding from two different bursaries for the same costs.
For example, a student cannot receive full tuition coverage from both a municipal bursary and a private bursary.
When applying, students must inform bursary providers if they have applied for other funding.
Some bursary contracts require students to commit to working for the sponsor after graduation.
In such cases, students must be careful not to sign multiple agreements that could create problems later.
When is the application period for bursaries in the Free State?
Most bursaries for the 2026 academic year will open for applications between August 2025 and January 2026.
Each bursary has its own deadline, so it is important to keep track of dates.
Universities like UFS and CUT usually open internal bursary applications in the second semester of the academic year.
Government departments and municipalities may announce bursaries on their websites or in local newspapers.
What are the best ways to find bursary opportunities in the Free State?
Finding bursary opportunities in the Free State requires careful research. Some helpful ways to find current bursaries include:
- Visiting official websites of municipalities, government departments, and universities.
- Checking notice boards at schools, colleges, and universities.
- Reading local newspapers that often advertise open bursary opportunities.
- Following social media pages of bursary providers or educational institutions.
- Using trusted bursary websites that list available opportunities in South Africa.
Students should avoid applying through untrusted platforms or paying to apply for a bursary.
Do bursaries in the Free State cover all study costs?
Not all bursaries cover every cost. Some bursaries only pay for tuition, while others may include:
- Textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
It is important to read the bursary terms and conditions carefully. Some may only fund studies at specific institutions or courses. Others may only pay a certain amount, leaving the student to cover the rest.
What should I include in a bursary application?
When applying for a bursary in the Free State, students must prepare all required documents. Most bursary applications include:
- Certified copy of ID
- Latest academic results
- Proof of residence
- Parent or guardian income documents
- Motivation letter or personal statement
- Acceptance letter from a university or college (if already admitted)
Make sure each document is clear and not older than three months.
If you are a student living in the Free State or planning to study there in 2026, there are many bursary opportunities available to support your education.
It is important to plan early, meet deadlines, and follow instructions carefully when applying.