Key Takeaways: Funding Alternatives
- The Reality: Corporate bursaries usually close in September.
- The Opportunity: Government (SETA) and Municipal bursaries often open in January.
- Target: High-performing students (Merit) or Missing Middle (Income R350k – R600k).
- Action: You need to check specific portals daily as these windows are short.
The NSFAS rejection SMS is painful. Perhaps your parents earn R360,000 a year—just barely over the limit. You are now in the “Missing Middle”: too “rich” for government aid, but too poor to pay R60,000 for tuition upfront.
But NSFAS is not the only bank in town.
While most big corporate bursaries (like Sasol or Allan Gray) closed their applications last year, a second wave of funding opens in January. These are typically Government Department, Municipal, and SETA bursaries that wait for Matric results to be released before they start recruiting.
Here is where to look for funding right now to save your 2026 academic year.
1. The “SETA” Bursaries (The Hidden Goldmine)
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are huge government bodies that manage skills development. They have millions of Rands to spend on students in specific sectors.
Because they operate on financial year cycles, many open their “Discretionary Grants” window in January/February.
- W&RSETA (Wholesale & Retail): often funds diplomas in Retail Management, Supply Chain, and Logistics.
- CATHSSETA (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, Sport): Look here if you are studying Tourism or Hospitality.
- MICT SETA: For IT, Coding, and Computer Science students.
- TETA (Transport): For logistics, maritime, and road freight studies.
How to Apply:
Do not apply on a general site. Go to the specific SETA website (e.g., www.wrseta.org.za) and look for “Discretionary Grant Window 2026”.
2. Funza Lushaka (Teaching Bursary)
If you have been accepted for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a PGCE, this is your best option.
- Status: While official applications often close late in the previous year, the Department of Basic Education frequently does a “District Recruitment” drive in January to fill specific subject gaps (like Math and Science teachers).
- What it covers: Everything. Tuition, books, meals, and a small stipend.
- The Catch: You must work back 1 year of teaching for every year of funding.
- Check: Contact the Financial Aid office at your university’s Education Faculty immediately. They usually control the late lists.
3. Mayoral and Municipal Bursaries
This is the most overlooked source of funding. Almost every local municipality has a “Mayoral Relief Fund” or a bursary scheme for residents.
- Timing: These usually open in January after the Mayor receives the local Matric results.
- Where to find them: They are rarely online. You must go to your local Municipality Office or check the local community newspaper.
- Target: They prioritize students from that specific town. If you live in Polokwane, the Polokwane Municipality wants to fund you, not someone from Cape Town.
4. Provincial Government Departments
Specific provincial departments often advertise bursaries in January newspapers (City Press, Sunday Times) for scarce skills.
- Department of Public Works: Often looks for Quantity Surveying and Civil Engineering students.
- Department of Water & Sanitation: Funds Hydrology and Water Care.
- Department of Health: Provincial bursaries for Nursing and Pharmacy are often managed at the hospital level. Go to your local hospital HR department and ask.
5. Feenix (Crowdfunding)
This is not a traditional bursary, but it is a powerful tool for the Missing Middle.
- What is it? A crowdfunding platform specifically for students.
- How it works: You create a profile, tell your story, and upload your fee statement. Donors (corporates and individuals) donate money directly to your university account.
- Why use it: It is open all year. You can start raising funds in January and pay off your fees by June.
- Website:
www.feenix.org
6. Where to Find the Daily Lists
Since these opportunities open and close within days, you need to follow aggregators who post daily updates.
Top Portals to Bookmark:
- Zabursaries: (
www.zabursaries.co.za) – Excellent categorization. - All Bursaries SA: (
allbursaries.co.za). - GoCareers: (
gocareers.co.za). - Career Wise: (
careerwise.co.za) – They manage bursaries for big mines. Register your CV with them; they might match you to a late opening.
7. How to Write a “Late” Motivation Letter
When applying for late bursaries, your motivation letter matters more than your marks. Everyone applying has good marks. You need to show grit.
Template Structure:
- Para 1: Who you are and what you are studying. “I am a first-year Civil Engineering student accepted at TUT.”
- Para 2: The Financial Gap. “My father is a security guard earning R8,000pm. This is above the NSFAS threshold but insufficient for university fees. I am the ‘Missing Middle’.”
- Para 3: The Solution. “I am not asking for charity; I am asking for investment. I achieved 70% in Math and I am willing to work back…”
Conclusion: Don’t Rely on One Source
The mistake students make is waiting for NSFAS to save them. By the time the final “No” comes in February, the external bursaries are closed too.
Apply for everything. Apply for the SETA grants. Walk into your Mayor’s office. Create a Feenix profile. Treat “Funding Hunting” as your full-time job for January.
Disclaimer: Bursary availability is subject to the discretion of the donor. ApsScore.com does not offer bursaries directly.