Many South African students miss out on funding opportunities simply because they wait for application season. Fortunately, there are several bursaries in South Africa that accept applications anytime during the year. This is a game-changer for students who need urgent support or want to get ahead in planning their academic journey.
These year-round bursaries offer flexibility and open doors for learners at various stages of their education. Whether you are in high school, enrolled at a university, or studying at a TVET college, you can benefit from these bursaries. They do not restrict you to strict deadlines, making them ideal for students who may not be aware of traditional cut-off dates.
What Are Year-Round Bursaries?
Year-round bursaries are funding opportunities that allow students to apply at any point during the year. These bursaries are usually offered by private companies, foundations, NGOs or academic institutions that have rolling application systems. Some may even review applications monthly or quarterly to accommodate new applicants.
Unlike bursaries with fixed deadlines, these options stay open and ready to receive applications, often until the funding runs out or the target number of recipients is reached. This means you can take your time to prepare your documents and submit a strong application without the pressure of tight closing dates.
Top Bursaries That Accept Applications Anytime
Below are some reputable bursary providers in South Africa that accept applications throughout the year:
- Feenix Student Fund: Accepts applications anytime for university students seeking to crowdfund their fees.
- National Youth Development Agency (NYDA): Offers various opportunities depending on available funding and partnerships.
- South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA): Accepts rolling applications for accounting bursaries.
- Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP): Occasionally opens bursaries depending on donor cycles and funding availability.
- StudyTrust: Offers donor-funded bursaries with flexible intake periods depending on the bursary sponsor.
Who Can Apply?
Each bursary has its own criteria, but in general, the following applicants are eligible:
- Grade 12 learners who plan to study further
- TVET college students
- Undergraduate university students
- Students in financial need with good academic performance
- South African citizens or permanent residents
How to Apply for Year-Round Bursaries
Start by researching bursaries that match your field of study or educational level. Visit the official websites or contact the providers directly to confirm that applications are still open. Make sure you gather all required documents in advance.
These documents usually include:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Latest academic results
- Proof of household income
- Motivational letter
- Proof of admission or registration (if available)
Always submit complete and truthful applications. Use a valid email address, double-check your form for errors, and follow the application instructions carefully.
Benefits of Applying Anytime
The biggest benefit of these bursaries is flexibility. You do not need to rush or worry about missing deadlines. This increases your chances of applying correctly and reduces the pressure usually associated with bursary applications. You can also apply for more than one bursary over time without being limited by fixed schedules.
Furthermore, some providers may contact you in future even if your first application is not successful. Staying in the system keeps your chances alive.
There is no need to wait for the next bursary season when you can apply today. With bursaries in South Africa accepting applications anytime, students now have greater access to education funding than ever before. Make sure to take action, research your options and submit your application as soon as possible.