SITA Bursary South Africa 2026 — The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. SITA was established in 1999 with the sole purpose of consolidating the State’s information and technology resources to increase delivery capabilities, achieve cost savings through scale, and enhance interoperability. SITA is a leading IT business, generating the most employer and IT products services within the country. 20 bursaries will be awarded for studies within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, aiming to establish a pipeline that addresses the current skills gap within the ICT sector.
About SITA
SITA was established in 1999 with the sole purpose of consolidating the State’s information and technology resources. It was established with the goal of increasing delivery capabilities, achieving cost savings through scale, and enhancing interoperability.
Fields Covered
20 bursaries will be awarded for studies within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, including the following fields:
- Computer Science (BSc)
- Computer Science and Informatics specialising in AI (Artificial Intelligence) (BSc)
- Cyber Security (BSc)
- Data Science (BSc)
- Information and Communication Technology in Application Development (Diploma)
- Information and Communication Technology in Communication Networks (Diploma)
- Information Technology (BSc)
The SITA bursary programme aims to establish a pipeline that addresses the current skills gap within the ICT sector.
Expenses Covered by SITA Bursary South Africa 2026
The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Allowances
- Work integrated learning (where applicable)
Eligibility Requirements for SITA Bursary South Africa 2026
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying towards one of the ICT-related qualifications listed above
- You must be registered for your 2nd year of study in 2026
- You must be studying at a public tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%
- You must NOT be receiving any other bursary funding
- You must NOT have been previously funded by the SITA bursary scheme
Preference: Students living with disabilities, as well as White students, Coloured students and Indian students.
Selection & Important Notes
- SITA is a registered Employment Equity Provider, as such, the bursary will be awarded based on the company’s Equity Plan
- Only successful candidates and their relevant tertiary institution will be contacted. This will happen once the committee has finalized their decision
- If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful
- SITA reserves the right to not award the bursary
How to Apply for SITA Bursary South Africa 2026
Step 1: Complete the SITA Bursary Application form online.
Step 2: Submit clear copies of the supporting documentation listed below along with your application to:
Email address: externalbursaries2026@sita.co.za
Email subject line: “SITA Bursary 2026”
⏰ Closing Date: 1 April 2026
Important: Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Required Documents
The submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified:
- Identity Document (certified copy)
- Matric Certificate / Statement of results (certified copy)
- Academic record or transcript (1st year results)
- Proof of tertiary registration
- Acceptance letter from tertiary institution (on letterhead)
- Curriculum Vitae
Contact
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SITA directly:
Programme Details
- Company: State Information Technology Agency (SITA)
- Bursary Name: SITA Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2026
- Total Bursaries: 20
- Study Year: 2nd year (registered for 2nd year in 2026)
- Fields: Computer Science, AI, Cyber Security, Data Science, ICT Application Development, ICT Communication Networks, Information Technology
- Institution Type: Public tertiary institutions in South Africa
- Academic Requirement: Minimum overall average of 65%
- Coverage: Tuition, study materials, accommodation, meals, allowances, work integrated learning
- Preference: Students with disabilities, White students, Coloured students, Indian students
- Application Method: Online form + email submission
- Closing Date: 1 April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the SITA Bursary Programme?
A bursary programme offered by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) for the 2026 academic year, awarding 20 bursaries to 2nd-year students pursuing ICT qualifications at public tertiary institutions. The programme aims to address the skills gap within the ICT sector.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
South African citizens who have completed Matric, are studying towards an ICT qualification at a public tertiary institution, registered for their 2nd year in 2026, with a minimum 65% average, not receiving other bursary funding, and not previously funded by SITA.
3. What fields of study are covered?
Computer Science, Computer Science with AI specialisation, Cyber Security, Data Science, ICT in Application Development (Diploma), ICT in Communication Networks (Diploma), and Information Technology.
4. What does the bursary cover?
Tuition fees, prescribed study materials, accommodation, meals, allowances, and work integrated learning (where applicable).
5. What are the academic requirements?
A minimum overall average of 65% is required. Applicants must be registered for their 2nd year of study in 2026.
6. Is there preference for certain groups?
Yes, preference will be given to students living with disabilities, as well as White students, Coloured students and Indian students, in line with SITA’s Employment Equity Plan.
7. What documents are required?
Certified ID, certified Matric certificate/results, academic record/transcript (1st year results), proof of tertiary registration, acceptance letter from institution, and CV.
8. How do I apply?
Complete the online application form at https://forms.office.com/r/Fp1D8weqCB, then email the required documents to externalbursaries2026@sita.co.za with “SITA Bursary 2026” in the subject line. Closing date: 1 April 2026.
9. When will I know if my application is successful?
Only successful candidates and their relevant tertiary institutions will be contacted once the committee has finalized their decision. If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
10. Where can I find more IT bursaries?
For more IT and computer science bursaries, explore our IT bursaries database or check government bursaries.
For more IT and government bursaries, visit EduFunds.co.za
State Information Technology Agency (SITA)
Bursary Programme 2026
Consolidating Government IT • Building ICT Skills • Serving Citizens