How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary in South Africa (Step-by-Step Guide for 2025) Easy

AdminOctober 11, 2025

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How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary in South Africa (Step-by-Step Guide for 2025)

How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Introduction

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking career opportunities in South Africa. But for many students, financial constraints make tertiary education seem out of reach. That’s where company-sponsored bursaries come in — financial assistance offered by corporations to help talented, hardworking students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Unlike general government funding such as NSFAS or public bursaries, company-sponsored bursaries are often tied to specific career paths and industries. Companies use these bursaries to invest in South Africa’s youth, build future talent pipelines, and promote transformation in the workforce.

This detailed, step-by-step guide explains how to apply for a company-sponsored bursary in South Africa, what documents you’ll need, how to write a winning motivational letter, and how to boost your chances of being selected. Whether you’re in matric, a university student, or planning to study in 2026, this is your complete roadmap. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Step 1: Understand What a Company-Sponsored Bursary Is

A company-sponsored bursary is financial aid provided by a business or corporation to students pursuing qualifications relevant to the company’s operations. In return, students often commit to working for that company after completing their studies, usually for a period equal to the years funded.

For example:

Anglo American, Sasol, and Eskom fund engineering and science students.
Shoprite, Woolworths, and Capitec fund commerce and IT students.
Netcare, Mediclinic, and Life Healthcare fund nursing and medical students. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

These bursaries cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and sometimes a stipend for personal expenses. Some companies even offer holiday work or vacation training, giving you practical experience before graduation. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Unlike NSFAS (a government-funded scheme), company bursaries focus on academic performance, leadership, and commitment to a specific field — meaning they’re highly competitive but incredibly rewarding. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Step 2: Research Available Company Bursaries

Before applying, it’s vital to find companies offering bursaries aligned with your chosen field of study. Start by identifying industries that match your career aspirations — then explore corporate websites, career portals, and bursary databases.

Here are trusted sources for bursary listings:

Popular company-sponsored bursaries for 2025–2026 include:

Sasol Bursary Programme – Engineering, Science, Accounting
Eskom Bursary Scheme – Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering
Shoprite Bursary – Retail Management, Accounting, Logistics
Transnet Bursary – Engineering, Supply Chain, Maritime
MTN Foundation Bursary – ICT, Computer Science, Engineering
Vodacom Bursary – IT, Engineering, Marketing, and Business

Always check the closing dates — most open between July and December for the following academic year.

Tip: Set up Google Alerts for phrases like “company bursaries South Africa 2025” so you’re first to know when new opportunities open. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Step 3: Check the Eligibility Requirements

Each bursary has specific requirements, but the following are common across most company-sponsored bursary programs in South Africa:

South African citizenship
Strong academic record (usually 60%+ average or higher)
Acceptance or conditional acceptance at a recognized institution
Field of study relevant to the company’s operations
Financial need (for some bursaries)
Good communication and leadership skills

For example, Sasol may require students to have Maths and Physical Science above 70%, while Shoprite may prioritize Commerce or Retail Management students with a solid academic record and leadership qualities.

It’s essential to read all requirements carefully. Missing one condition — like not providing proof of registration or incorrect documents — can automatically disqualify your application.

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

To apply for a company-sponsored bursary, you’ll typically need the following documents:

Certified copy of your ID
Latest academic results (matric results or university transcript)
Proof of acceptance or registration at a tertiary institution
Proof of residence
Parent or guardian’s income statement or affidavit
Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting achievements, leadership roles, and skills

Make sure all documents are certified within three months and uploaded in the correct format (PDF or JPEG) as required. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Pro Tip: Use clear file names like “John_Mokoena_ID.pdf” or “Matric_Results_2024.pdf” to make your submission professional and easy for recruiters to navigate. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Step 5: Write a Winning Motivational Letter

Your motivational letter can make or break your bursary application. It’s your opportunity to convince the company that investing in you will yield real value.

Here’s a sample structure for your letter:

Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, your current academic level, and the course you’re studying or plan to study.
Body: Explain your passion for your chosen field, how it aligns with the company’s goals, and why you need financial assistance.
Conclusion: Summarize your aspirations, express gratitude, and state your readiness to represent the company’s values as a bursary recipient.

Example snippet:

“As a dedicated learner from Limpopo, I have always been passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. The Vodacom Bursary would enable me to continue my studies in Computer Science at the University of Pretoria and contribute to South Africa’s growing digital economy. I am committed to excellence, innovation, and giving back to my community.”

Keep your letter around 300–400 words, concise but powerful, and proofread it before submission. A clear, heartfelt message stands out far more than generic statements. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Step 6: Complete and Submit Your Application

Most company-sponsored bursary applications are now done online via official company portals or bursary partner websites. Carefully fill out all required fields — avoid spelling mistakes and double-check your personal information.

If the application is offline (some still use downloadable forms), print neatly, use black ink, and ensure all documents are attached. Submit your application before the closing date — late submissions are rarely considered.

Before you hit “submit,” go through this quick checklist:
All required fields are completed
Correct contact and ID details
Certified documents attached
Motivational letter uploaded
Proof of registration included (if applicable)

Remember to keep copies of your application and all supporting documents for your records. You may need them for follow-ups or reapplications. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Step 7: Prepare for Interviews or Assessments

Some bursary providers invite shortlisted candidates for interviews, psychometric tests, or academic assessments. This stage helps them evaluate not only your academic ability but also your motivation, problem-solving skills, and personality fit for the company.

Common interview questions include:

Why did you choose this field of study?
What do you know about our company?
How will this bursary help you achieve your goals?
What challenges have you overcome in your academic journey?

Tip: Research the company before the interview — understand its mission, values, and community involvement. Dress professionally, arrive early (if in-person), and speak clearly.

Confidence, humility, and authenticity are key. Remember, they’re not only funding a student — they’re investing in a potential future employee.

Step 8: Follow Up After Submission

If you don’t hear back within the stated timeframe, it’s perfectly fine to follow up politely via email. Mention your full name, ID number, and the bursary you applied for.

Example email:

“Good morning, I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the [Company Name] Bursary for 2025 and would like to confirm whether my application was successfully received. Thank you for the opportunity to apply and for your continued support of South African students.”

This shows initiative and professionalism — qualities companies value highly. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Step 9: Understand the Terms and Conditions

If you’re successful, take time to read the bursary agreement carefully before signing. It usually includes:

Duration of funding
Repayment conditions (if any)
Academic performance requirements
Post-graduation work-back obligations

For instance, if you receive a bursary from Sasol, you may need to work for them for 3 years after completing your degree. Breaking such agreements prematurely can lead to repayment clauses.

Always ask questions if something is unclear — it’s better to understand expectations upfront than to face challenges later. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Step 10: Maintain Good Academic Standing

Once awarded a bursary, your main responsibility is to excel academically. Most bursary providers require progress reports or academic transcripts every semester. Failing to maintain satisfactory performance can lead to withdrawal of funding. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Here are ways to stay on track:

Attend classes consistently
Seek academic support early if struggling
Communicate with your bursary administrator about any issues
Participate in mentorship or leadership programs offered by the company

Consistent performance not only secures your bursary but also strengthens your relationship with the sponsoring company — improving your chances of permanent employment after graduation.

Real-Life Example: Shoprite Bursary Success Story

Take the case of Lerato Mokoena, a former bursary recipient of the Shoprite Group. Coming from a township in the Free State, Lerato struggled to afford university tuition. She applied for the Shoprite Bursary in 2019, got selected, and completed her BCom Accounting degree debt-free. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Today, she works as a Financial Analyst at Shoprite Head Office. In her words:

“The bursary didn’t just pay for my studies — it gave me a purpose, a network, and a career. I learned that companies don’t only look for perfect grades; they look for potential and persistence.”

Stories like Lerato’s prove how powerful bursaries can be in shaping South Africa’s future talent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete applications
Missing closing dates
Ignoring eligibility criteria
Uploading incorrect or uncertified documents
Copying motivational letters from the internet
Using the wrong email address or contact details

These small oversights can lead to rejection — even if you’re an excellent candidate. Always double-check before sending.

Why Companies Offer Bursaries

Company bursaries are not just acts of goodwill — they’re strategic investments. Businesses benefit by:

Building skilled talent pipelines
Supporting transformation and B-BBEE targets
Reducing recruitment costs
Enhancing their brand reputation
Fulfilling corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments

This symbiotic relationship benefits both sides — the company gains trained, loyal employees, and students gain education, mentorship, and career opportunities. How to Apply for a Company-Sponsored Bursary

Applying for a company-sponsored bursary can open doors you never thought possible. It’s more than just funding — it’s a partnership between your future and the company’s vision. By following the steps outlined in this guide — from researching opportunities to preparing a strong application — you can stand out among thousands of applicants and secure your place in South Africa’s growing professional landscape.

Your education is your passport to a better tomorrow — and a company-sponsored bursary might just be the key that unlocks it.