📚 Fully Funded Bursaries in South Africa – 100% Coverage Explained (2025–2026)
South Africa is one of the African countries with some of the most comprehensive bursary and scholarship opportunities — some of which cover 100% of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. These opportunities are offered by the government, universities, private companies, and international partners.
Below, you’ll find the main bursary schemes, university programs, and key facts you need to know. All information is gathered from current verified sources. Career Drive+2Future SA+2
🇿🇦 1. NSFAS – National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, transport, meals, book allowance, and personal care for eligible students.
This is South Africa’s most prominent full-funding scheme for students from low-income families who are accepted into public universities and TVET colleges. CourseDemia.com
➤ Who qualifies?
- South African citizens
- Household income meets the eligibility threshold
- Accepted into a public university program
➤ What it covers
NSFAS can provide:
✔ 100% tuition
✔ Accommodation or transport
✔ Living allowance
✔ Book and incidental allowances CourseDemia.com
💡 Important: It is not a loan for many students — if you pass your exams, the funding turns into a bursary you don’t have to repay. CourseDemia.com
🎓 2. University-Linked Fully Funded Programs
Many South African universities run fully funded scholarship programs aimed at academically talented and financially disadvantaged students — including international African students.
🏆 UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- University: University of Cape Town
- Coverage: 100% tuition + accommodation + living allowance + travel + academic support
- Who it’s for: African students with excellent academic profiles and financial need
- Notes: This is one of the most prestigious full funding programs at a South African university. BFFS Scholar Quest
🎓 University of the Western Cape – Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Coverage: Fully funded for undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Who it’s for: African candidates with strong academic records
- Includes: Tuition, living costs, and more Reddit
🎓 University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) International Scholarships
- Coverage: 100% tuition + additional living support
- Who it’s for: International (including African) students; awards vary by category
- Many of these fully funded opportunities are merit-based and competitive. BFFS Scholar Quest
🎓 University of Pretoria — Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Coverage: Fully funded postgraduate support
- Who it’s for: African students at master’s level
- Includes: Full tuition and living stipend Reddit
📌 Many Universities Offer Internal Full Funding
Beyond the flagship programs, most South African universities provide a mix of need-based or merit scholarships — some with full tuition coverage. These include:
- Stellenbosch University – scholarships and funding awards during specific application windows. Bursaries South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal – institutional bursaries, sometimes fully covering tuition for select categories. Bursaries South Africa
- University of Johannesburg – high-value scholarships including international scholarships that can cover full fees. Best Fully Funded Scholarships
Always check each university’s financial aid office or online portal for exact requirements and deadlines. Bursaries South Africa
🏢 3. Corporate & Private Full-Funding Bursaries
Some major companies and foundations fund students with full bursaries — especially in critical skills fields like engineering, science, IT, and medicine.
⭐ Sasol Bursary Scheme
- Coverage: 100% tuition + accommodation + living allowance
- Field: Engineering and science programs
- Extra benefit: Often includes vacation work and guaranteed employment after graduation. BFFS Scholar Quest
⭐ Eskom Bursary Scheme
- Coverage: Full bursary for students in engineering, accounting, IT, and related fields.
- Extra: Potential job opportunities within Eskom after studies. https://bursaries-room.buzz
⭐ Transnet Bursary Programme
- Fully covers tuition and related study costs in engineering, maritime studies, logistics, and finance.
- Often tied to work placement after graduation. https://bursaries-room.buzz
🧑🏫 4. Government Sector “Fully Funded” Options
🎓 Funza Lushaka Bursary
- Designed for students training to become teachers in priority subjects
- Covers tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, and a monthly stipend
- Condition: Work as a teacher in a public school for the same number of years you received the bursary. CourseDemia.com
🧪 NRF (National Research Foundation) Scholarships
- Offers funding for postgraduate research (masters and PhD), including full tuition plus a research allowance. Career Drive
📌 Important Facts You Must Know
✅ 1. Full Funding ≠ Universal Access
Not every student gets fully funded bursaries — usually:
✔ Academic excellence is required
✔ Financial need is verified
✔ For some bursaries, post-study work requirements may apply (especially government bursaries like Funza Lushaka). CourseDemia.com
✅ 2. International Students Can Access Some 100% Programs
While the NSFAS full bursary is only for South African citizens, many university and corporate scholarships are open to international students, especially from Africa — e.g., Mastercard Foundation, UCT, Wits, UWC, etc. BFFS Scholar Quest
🔍 3. Application Timing Matters
Most bursaries open once a year, and deadlines vary.
➡️ You often must apply before securing admission at a university. Bursaries South Africa
✅ Summary – Fully Funded Bursary Options in South Africa
| Bursary/Scholarship | 100% Tuition | Accommodation | Living Allowance | Open to Int’l Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSFAS | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ (SA citizens only) |
| UCT Mastercard Foundation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Wits International Scholarships | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| UP Mastercard Scholarship | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| UWC Mastercard | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Sasol Bursary | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ⚠️* |
| Eskom/Transnet Bursaries | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ⚠️* |
⚠️ *Corporate bursaries may prioritize South African residents but sometimes open to African nationals — check criteria.
🏁 Final Advice
If you aim for 100% funded study in South Africa, here’s what to do:
- Apply early for university admission.
- Submit NSFAS application (if eligible).
- Target Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at UCT, UWC, Wits, UP, etc.
- Explore corporate bursaries in your field.
- Check each program’s official site for requirements.
