Secure Your Funding Before the Academic Year Gains Full Momentum
March represents the concluding wave of major bursary deadlines for the 2026 academic year in South Africa. As universities and colleges complete their first-month registration processes, March offers the last substantial opportunities for students to secure financial support before academic commitments intensify. This period requires decisive action and efficient application processes to capitalize on remaining funding options.
All March 2026 Bursaries. See all bursaries closing in March 2026 for South African students. Find government, private, and university bursaries still open for applications this month before the academic year progresses further.
Many institutions finalize their internal funding allocations in March, with deadlines for faculty-specific, merit-based, or needs-based awards targeting already-registered students.
Some companies release bursary opportunities after finalizing annual budgets in early January, creating March deadlines for these newly available funds.
Funding for honours, masters, and doctoral studies often has March deadlines, particularly for programmes commencing in the second semester or following academic year.
March applications require balancing academic responsibilities with funding pursuits. Successful applicants during this period employ focused strategies to maximize their chances while managing their new study commitments.
Target Already-Registered Requirements
Prioritize bursaries requiring proof of current registration, as you now have this advantage over pre-registration applicants.
Leverage New Academic Performance
Include any early first-term results or assessments that demonstrate your academic commitment and capability.
Focus on Field-Specific Awards
Concentrate on bursaries in your specific field of study where your newly gained knowledge gives you competitive advantage.
By March, applicants have access to documents and proof that weren’t available earlier in the year. Strategically utilizing these can strengthen your applications:
Beyond March: Alternative Funding Pathways: If March deadlines yield limited results, immediately explore alternative options. Many institutions offer emergency bursaries or short-term loans for registered students facing financial difficulties. Additionally, investigate work-study programmes, paid internships, or part-time employment opportunities through your institution’s career center. Begin preparations for the 2027 bursary cycle, which typically opens applications just a few months later.
For the most current and detailed information on all bursaries with March deadlines, including direct application links and specific requirements, visit the complete bursary resource:
https://www.edufunds.co.za/bursaries-south-africa-2026
This portal provides updated listings throughout the month as new March opportunities are announced.
March represents your final organized opportunity to secure substantial funding for the 2026 academic year. By strategically utilizing the documents and status you’ve gained since January, targeting programmes that value current registration, and managing the application process alongside your new academic responsibilities, you can successfully obtain financial support even at this stage of the academic cycle. Approach each application with the understanding that these are among the last major opportunities for the year, and ensure your submissions reflect your current academic engagement and future potential.
Department of Tourism External Bursary 2026 — The National Department of Tourism is offering external bursary opportunities for the 2026 academic year to South African students. Tourism is poised to play a greater role than ever before, both on the global stage and in the lives of South Africans. Being a labour-intensive sector with a … Read more
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) International Bursary 2026 — The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites students to apply for their international bursary programme for the 2026 academic year (starting in September or October 2026). Bursaries will be awarded for International Postgraduate studies towards a Film or Television qualification (excluding Live Performance or … Read more
Cecchetti Society Trust Teacher Study Bursary 2026 — The Cecchetti Society Trust funds a Teacher Study Bursary for teachers who are members of the Cecchetti Society of Southern Africa (CSSA) and are working towards the Fellowship or the Enrico Cecchetti Diploma. With a maximum value of £1,200 GBP, the bursary honours the dedication and contribution … Read more
South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP) Bursary 2026 — The South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP), established in 1971 as a leader in crop science research and training, invites students to apply for their undergraduate and postgraduate bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. Bursaries are awarded to students studying Crop Production, Agronomy, … Read more
Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship Program 2026 — The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) invites applications from exceptional, community-focused young leaders across Africa for their first undergraduate degree scholarship programme. This partial scholarship supports university tuition, fees, books, accommodation, meals, and transportation, with recipients committing to 100 hours of annual community service and above-average academic performance. Final … Read more
South African Nursery Association (SANA) Bursary 2026 — The South African Nursery Association (SANA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. Bursaries will be awarded for studies towards Horticulture and Landscaping qualifications, supporting the growth of South Africa’s green industry. About South African Nursery Association (SANA) The South … Read more
Power Construction Bursary South Africa 2026 — Power Construction (Pty) Ltd, a leading group in South Africa’s construction and building industry, is now offering a specialized bursary opportunity for aspiring civil engineers pursuing BSc or BEng qualifications. This programme reflects the company’s commitment to developing future talent in civil engineering while promoting equitable employment practices. … Read more
Herman Mashaba Scholarship at MCI 2026 — Promoting Entrepreneurship, Society and Good Governance is a joint mission of South African Entrepreneur and Statesman Herman Mashaba and MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® in Innsbruck, Austria. This prestigious scholarship supports South African students engaged in activities related to this mission to personally and professionally develop by studying … Read more
Compensation Fund Bursary Scheme 2026 — The Compensation Fund invites unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (PWD), their dependents, and dependents of fatally injured employees to apply for the External Bursary opportunity. This comprehensive support programme aims to enable beneficiaries to gain qualifications for workplace reintegration or self-employment through technical and vocational education. About the … Read more
© 2026 EduFunds SA. All rights reserved. EduFunds SA is an independent student funding information platform.