Your Complete Guide to Funding Business, Finance & Economics Studies
Commerce education forms the economic backbone of South Africa, developing the business leaders, financial experts, and economic strategists who drive growth, innovation, and sustainable development. As South Africa navigates complex economic challenges and seeks to enhance global competitiveness, there is increasing demand for skilled commerce professionals with both technical expertise and strategic vision. Commerce bursaries provide essential financial support to cultivate this talent.
Commerce bursaries represent strategic investments in South Africa’s economic future. These opportunities ensure that talented individuals can develop the analytical, financial, and managerial skills needed to strengthen businesses, drive innovation, and contribute to economic transformation and job creation across all sectors of the South African economy.
Degrees under Commerce focus on Business, Finance, and Economics, developing critical skills in analysis, strategy, management, and innovation. As demonstrated by leading institutions like the University of Cape Town Commerce Faculty, commerce education combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Here are the primary Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degrees available in South Africa:
Financial accounting, auditing, taxation, management accounting, and financial reporting leading to CA(SA) or other professional designations.
Strategic management, organizational behavior, operations management, leadership, and business ethics across various sectors.
Microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, economic policy, development economics, and international trade theory.
Corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets, risk management, banking, and financial modeling techniques.
Consumer behavior, market research, digital marketing, branding, marketing strategy, and integrated marketing communications.
Business planning, venture creation, innovation management, small business development, and entrepreneurial finance.
Talent management, labor relations, organizational development, compensation strategies, and HR analytics.
Logistics, procurement, inventory management, distribution, operations, and global supply chain optimization.
South Africa offers extensive bursary opportunities for commerce students through corporate sponsors, professional bodies, government initiatives, and financial institutions. Below is a comprehensive overview of major bursary providers for the 2026 academic year.
| Bursary Provider | Focus Areas | What’s Covered | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Four Accounting Firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) | Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Consulting | Full tuition, articles placement, mentorship, study support | Strong academic performance (75%+ average); leadership potential; SA citizenship |
| Major Banks (Absa, Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank) | Finance, Economics, Investment Management, Risk | Tuition, accommodation, book allowance, vacation work | Numerical proficiency; interest in banking sector; academic excellence |
| SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund | Chartered Accounting (CA) qualification | Comprehensive funding through university and articles | African/Coloured students; mathematics excellence; financial need |
| Corporate Bursaries (Sasol, MTN, Vodacom, etc.) | Business Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR | Full tuition with work-back obligation post-graduation | Alignment with company business needs; academic merit; leadership qualities |
| Government & SETA Bursaries (FASSET, BANKSETA) | Scarce skills in finance, accounting, business sectors | Tuition, stipend, study materials, laptop allowance | South African citizens; financial need; academic potential |
| Retail & Corporate Bursaries (Woolworths, Investec) | Retail Management, Investment Banking, Finance | Tuition plus internship/mentorship opportunities | Strong commercial acumen; innovation mindset; career alignment |
Commerce bursaries are highly competitive, requiring strong academic performance (typically 70%+ average). Excel in mathematics, accounting, business studies, and economics. Include academic awards, competitions, or relevant projects in your application.
Highlight entrepreneurial initiatives, business projects, or leadership roles. Even small ventures (school businesses, fundraising projects) demonstrate initiative, problem-solving, and commercial awareness valued by sponsors.
Begin your search 12-15 months in advance. Commerce bursary deadlines typically fall between March and August. Tailor each application to the specific industry sector (accounting, banking, retail, etc.) and align with their strategic priorities.
South Africa boasts several world-class institutions for commerce education that attract significant bursary funding:
Professional Designations: Many commerce bursaries target students pursuing professional qualifications like CA(SA) (Chartered Accountant), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), or CMSA (Chartered Marketer South Africa). Research which designations align with your career goals.
Securing a commerce bursary opens doors to diverse, high-demand careers in South Africa’s economy:
• Chartered Accountant • Investment Banker • Financial Analyst
• Business Consultant • Marketing Manager • Supply Chain Director
• HR Director • Economist • Entrepreneur/Business Owner
• Management Accountant • Retail Executive • Data Analyst
• Risk Manager • Corporate Strategist • Financial Planner
Bookmark this page for regular updates on new commerce bursary opportunities for 2026.
The commerce sector drives economic growth, innovation, and employment in South Africa. With strong academic performance, demonstrated commercial acumen, and strategic approach to bursary applications, you can secure the funding needed to develop your skills and become part of the next generation of South African business leaders and economic innovators.
Pro Tip: Attend career fairs, corporate open days, and industry networking events. These provide valuable opportunities to connect with bursary providers, learn about their programs, and make positive impressions before submitting formal applications.
PSG Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 — PSG Financial Services, a highly respected advice-led financial technology firm in South Africa, invites consistently top-performing students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. PSG is a leading financial services group founded on personal service, lifelong relationships with clients, trust and transparency. Bursaries are … Read more
South African Actuarial Development Programme Bursary 2027 — The South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) is a non-profit organisation committed to nurturing actuarial skills and advancing diversity within South Africa’s actuarial profession. Established in 2003 with support from Sasria SOC Ltd, our mission is to increase the number of Black actuarial professionals, promoting diversity, equity, … Read more
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Bursary 2026 — Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) invites students to apply for the Study Buddy Fund bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. CCBSA is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and bottler for The Coca-Cola Company, operating across South Africa manufacturing, bottling and distributing non-alcoholic beverages. The Study Buddy … Read more
City of Ekurhuleni Community Bursary Programme 2026 — The City of Ekurhuleni invites applications from academically deserving and committed students who intend to pursue full-time undergraduate studies through the Community Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. Ekurhuleni is one of the major metropolitan municipalities in the province of Gauteng, located on the eastern side … Read more
Trans Hex Group Bursary South Africa 2026 — Trans Hex Group, a diamond mining company with more than 50 years’ experience in producing gem-quality diamonds for the local and international market, invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. Through their bursary programme, Trans Hex aims to support and develop … Read more
Glencore Community Bursary South Africa 2026 — Glencore Coal South Africa invites students to apply for their Community Bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. Glencore is one of the world’s largest globally diversified natural resource companies, responsibly supplying commodities that are fundamental to the building blocks of life. Through the scale and diversity of … Read more
SEDISA Trust Bursary South Africa 2027 — The SEDISA Trust, a Black Woman Owned Education Trust and shareholder of KAEFER Thermal Contracting Services (Pty) Ltd, invites Black female students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. Established in 2010, the Trust was created with the aim of empowering South African black … Read more
Indalo Education Bursary South Africa 2026 — The Indalo Education Fund, established by the iNdalo Water Technologies (Pty) Ltd Foundation, invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. iNdalo Water Technologies is a South African environmental engineering company specialising in sustainable water and wastewater treatment solutions. The bursary will be … Read more
SANPC Bursary Scheme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) 2026 — The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), the newly established State-Owned Company formed after the merger of Igas, PetroSA and Strategic Fuel Fund, invites students with disabilities to apply for their bursary scheme for the 2026 academic year. The SANPC bursary scheme forms part of … Read more
Exness Fintech Scholarship South Africa 2026 — Exness, a leading global multi-asset broker, invites students to apply for their Fintech scholarship programme for the 2026 academic year. This scholarship was made possible by Exness’ partnership with the University of Cape Town (UCT), the country’s leading tertiary educational institution. Scholarships will be awarded for Masters degree … Read more
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