South African students searching for funding for the 2027 academic year have a limited window to apply for several bursaries closing between 11 and 15 September 2026.
The opportunities cover a wide range of study areas, including engineering, nursing, agriculture, science, technology, civil engineering and postgraduate medical research. Some are open nationally, while others have specific requirements relating to location, gender, field of study or academic level.
Students should not wait until 15 September to submit their applications. The earliest deadline in this list is AfriSam on 11 September, followed by the Caroline Mack Foundation on 12 September, Sasol Mining on 13 September and MMEG on 14 September.
The remaining five opportunities have deadlines on 15 September 2026.
Important: Closing dates and eligibility requirements can change. Applicants should verify the final requirements on the bursary provider’s official application platform before submitting personal documents.
9 bursaries closing between 11 and 15 September 2026
| Bursary / Scholarship | Closing date | Main study area |
|---|---|---|
| AfriSam Bursary 2027 | 11 September 2026 | Civil & Mechanical Engineering |
| Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursary 2027 | 12 September 2026 | Nursing |
| Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary 2027 | 13 September 2026 | Engineering, Geology & Mine Surveying |
| MMEG Education Grants 2027 | 14 September 2026 | Postgraduate studies |
| CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 | 15 September 2026 | Science, Engineering & Technology |
| CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary 2027 | 15 September 2026 | Science, Engineering & Technology |
| Citrus Academy Bursary 2027 | 15 September 2026 | Agriculture & related fields |
| Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursary | 15 September 2026 | Virology & medical research |
| IMESA Bursary 2027 | 15 September 2026 | Civil & Infrastructure Engineering |
Several university funding offices are also listing these opportunities with the same deadlines, providing an additional cross-check for students.
1. AfriSam Bursary 2027 — closes 11 September
The AfriSam Bursary Programme 2027 is the first deadline students should prioritise because applications close on 11 September 2026.
The available opportunities are linked to AfriSam’s operations in the Western Cape and include:
- Civil Engineering Diploma at Peninsula Quarry
- Mechanical Engineering Diploma at Rheebok Quarry
Current programme information indicates that the bursary may support up to 36 months of study and requires a strong academic record, including a minimum overall average of 60%. Preference is indicated for Historically Disadvantaged South African students and female students.
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Why this opportunity stands out
Engineering remains an important skills area in South Africa, and this opportunity connects financial support with qualifications directly relevant to the construction and industrial sectors.
Students interested in this opportunity should prepare their supporting documents immediately because the deadline arrives before the other bursaries in this article.
2. Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursary 2027 — closes 12 September
Students pursuing a career in nursing have another opportunity through the Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursary.
The foundation, in partnership with SD Recruitment, is offering one bursary for the 2027 academic year.
The official foundation information states that the bursary provides:
- Full tuition fees for the nursing qualification
- A small monthly learner stipend
- Industry mentorship
- Support towards starting a healthcare career
The bursary does not cover accommodation, textbooks or travel.
Applicants must be South African citizens residing in the Western Cape, have been accepted into or be studying towards a SANC-recognised nursing qualification, and have a minimum academic average of 65%. Financial need is also considered.
The application deadline is 12 September 2026.
A particularly important detail
This is not an unlimited bursary programme. The official announcement states that only one bursary is available for the 2027 academic year.
That makes submitting a complete and well-prepared application particularly important.
3. Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary — closes 13 September
Sasol Mining is offering bursary opportunities aimed at female students from communities around the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex.
The programme supports undergraduate studies in areas including:
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Geology
- Mine Surveying
Sasol states that applicants must be female, no older than 25 at the time of application, and either Grade 12 learners or first-, second- or third-year university students. Academic requirements include at least 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science and 60% in English.
Applicants must also meet the programme’s community-location requirements.
The application deadline is midnight on 13 September 2026.
Why students should check the location requirement first
This is not simply a national bursary open to every applicant. The programme is specifically designed to support women living in communities around Sasol Mining’s Secunda operations.
Students should therefore confirm their residential eligibility before spending time completing the application.
4. Margaret McNamara Education Grants — closes 14 September
The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) provide financial assistance to eligible women pursuing postgraduate studies.
For the 2027 South African call, the University of Pretoria lists the opportunity for Master’s and Doctoral-level study, with applications closing on 14 September 2026.
The programme has specific eligibility criteria, including age, nationality and enrolment requirements.
Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to improving the wellbeing of women and/or children in developing countries.
The University of Pretoria’s funding notice states that the award is a one-time financial assistance of US$8,000.
Who should consider it?
This is primarily relevant to postgraduate women who meet the programme’s specific eligibility conditions.
It should not be confused with a general undergraduate bursary.
Five more opportunities closing on 15 September 2026
The pressure increases on 15 September, when five of the bursaries in this list reach their closing date.
5. CSIR Bursary Programme 2027
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has opened applications for its 2027 bursary programme.
The official CSIR website confirms that the programme supports undergraduate and postgraduate students in areas important to science, engineering and technology. The organisation says the bursary provides full-cost financial support and can also include academic support, career guidance, personal and psychological support and structured vacation work.
The application deadline is:
15 September 2026
The CSIR is particularly relevant for students interested in scientific and technical careers.
Applicants should carefully review the programme’s official guidelines because the requirements vary according to study level and qualification.
6. CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary 2027
The CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme is another major opportunity closing on 15 September.
The programme focuses on undergraduate qualifications in priority science, engineering and technology areas.
Listed fields include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Genetics and Cell Biology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Systems Engineering
The University of Pretoria’s funding information confirms the 15 September 2026 closing date.
Applications for the CSIR bursary programmes must be submitted through the designated online application process; the CSIR has specifically warned that applications submitted by email will not be considered.
7. Citrus Academy Bursary 2027
Students pursuing agriculture-related qualifications should also look at the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund.
The programme is designed to help develop skills for South Africa’s citrus industry and supports fields linked to agriculture and the citrus value chain.
Relevant fields can include:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Management
- Entomology
- Horticulture
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Production
- Agricultural Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Other citrus-related disciplines
Current information confirms that 2027 bursary applications close on 15 September 2026.
The programme is particularly worth considering for students who want to build careers in agriculture rather than only traditional corporate sectors.
8. Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursary
The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) offers funding for postgraduate research related to virology and infectious diseases.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to students pursuing areas such as:
- Virology
- Medical microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Infectious diseases
- Laboratory research
Available information indicates support for postgraduate levels such as BSc Honours, MSc and PhD, subject to the programme’s requirements. The current closing date is 15 September 2026.
This is therefore a highly specialised opportunity rather than a general bursary for all university students.
9. IMESA Bursary 2027
The Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) bursary is aimed primarily at students pursuing Civil Engineering and related infrastructure disciplines.
IMESA’s official website states that the bursary scheme provides financial assistance to students studying full-time at recognised tertiary institutions in South Africa. The organisation says the bursary generally supports Civil Engineering, although other engineering disciplines may be considered at the discretion of its Executive Council.
The 2027 application deadline is:
15 September 2026
The programme information indicates that applications are available for both dependants of IMESA members and applicants who are not dependants of members.
Which bursary should you apply for?
The best approach is not to apply simply because a bursary is closing soon.
Instead, match the opportunity to your qualification, academic level, location and personal circumstances.
If you want engineering
Prioritise:
- AfriSam
- CSIR
- CSIR-Sasol Foundation
- IMESA
- Sasol Mining, where eligible
If you want nursing
Consider:
- Caroline Mack Foundation Nursing Bursary
If you want agriculture
Consider:
- Citrus Academy
If you want postgraduate research
Look at:
- MMEG
- Poliomyelitis Research Foundation
- CSIR postgraduate funding
If you want mining-related studies
Consider:
- Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary
Don’t make the mistake of waiting until 15 September
One of the biggest risks for students is treating 15 September as the deadline for every opportunity.
It isn’t.
The deadlines are spread across five consecutive days:
11 September: AfriSam
12 September: Caroline Mack Foundation
13 September: Sasol Mining
14 September: MMEG
15 September: CSIR, CSIR-Sasol Foundation, Citrus Academy, PRF and IMESA
This means students interested in AfriSam, for example, have significantly less time than someone applying for a CSIR bursary.
A practical strategy is to work backwards from the earliest deadline.
Bursary application checklist
Before submitting any application, prepare the following where required:
- South African ID or relevant identification
- Matric certificate or latest school results
- Full academic record
- Proof of registration or university acceptance
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence where required
- Proof of household income or financial need where required
- Motivational letter where required
- Other programme-specific supporting documents
Do not submit the same generic application to every bursary.
A strong application should clearly demonstrate why your academic background, career goals and chosen field match the organisation’s objectives.
How to improve your chances
A bursary is not guaranteed simply because you meet the minimum requirements.
Competition can be high, particularly for programmes that provide substantial financial support.
Students should therefore focus on five areas.
1. Meet every mandatory requirement
If a programme requires a particular qualification, academic average, age or residential area, confirm that you meet it before applying.
2. Submit complete documentation
Incomplete applications can be rejected even when the applicant is academically suitable.
3. Explain your career direction
Where a motivational letter is requested, explain how your qualification connects with your intended career.
4. Don’t exaggerate financial circumstances
Financial information should be truthful and supported by the documents requested by the bursary provider.
5. Apply early
Technical problems, missing documents and slow internet connections can become serious problems on the final day.
Submitting early gives you time to correct mistakes.
What this means for South African students
The concentration of deadlines in September highlights an important part of the South African higher-education funding cycle.
Many organisations begin recruiting and selecting students months before the new academic year. Students who wait until registration opens in January can therefore miss opportunities that were available several months earlier.
For students planning for 2027, September is an important month to monitor bursaries, scholarships and other forms of student funding.
The opportunities also show that funding is available across very different career paths — from engineering and technology to nursing, agriculture and scientific research.
This means students should not search only for bursaries carrying the name of their intended occupation. It is often more effective to search by field of study, academic level, province and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do these nine bursaries close?
The deadlines range from 11 September to 15 September 2026. The earliest is AfriSam on 11 September, while five opportunities close on 15 September.
Are these bursaries for 2026 or 2027?
Most of the opportunities listed here are for the 2027 academic year, although specific programmes have their own funding periods and eligibility rules.
Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Generally, you can submit applications to multiple bursary providers if you meet their respective requirements. However, check each provider’s rules concerning other funding before accepting an award.
Do all these bursaries cover accommodation and living expenses?
No. Coverage varies significantly.
For example, the Caroline Mack Foundation explicitly states that its bursary covers tuition and a monthly stipend but does not cover accommodation, textbooks or travel.
Never assume that a bursary is fully funded unless the provider explicitly says so.
Which bursary closes first?
The earliest deadline among these nine is the AfriSam Bursary on 11 September 2026.
Where should I apply?
Applicants should use the official application route specified by each bursary provider. Avoid paying third parties to submit an application unless the provider explicitly uses an authorised application service.
Final word
For South African students planning their 2027 studies, this is a week worth taking seriously.
Nine opportunities are scheduled to close between 11 and 15 September 2026, with funding options spanning engineering, nursing, agriculture, science, technology and postgraduate research.
The most important point is to start with the earliest deadline rather than waiting for 15 September.
Students interested in AfriSam need to act first, followed by Caroline Mack Foundation applicants, Sasol Mining applicants and MMEG applicants. Those targeting CSIR, CSIR-Sasol Foundation, Citrus Academy, PRF or IMESA have until 15 September, subject to the providers’ stated closing times.
Before submitting an application, check the official provider’s latest requirements and ensure every required document is included.
Sources and editorial verification
This article was prepared using current information from official and institutional sources, including the CSIR, Sasol, IMESA, Caroline Mack Foundation, University of Pretoria and university funding noticeboards, supplemented by current bursary listings where necessary.
Publishing transparency: EduPage does not award or administer these bursaries. The purpose of this article is to help South African students identify opportunities and understand their published requirements. Closing dates, eligibility criteria and funding terms can change, so applicants should confirm the information on the provider’s official application platform before submitting personal information.
