The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African student passionate about science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or green economy skills, this opportunity could help you fund your undergraduate or honours degree. Nedbank is one of the largest financial services groups in Africa, serving almost 8 million clients through wholesale and retail banking, insurance, asset management, and wealth management. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what the green economy means, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the Nedbank External Bursary Programme
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 aims to provide financing for full-time study to those who are in need and have the potential to acquire undergraduate or honours qualifications at any South African public university or university of technology.
The aim of the bursary programme is to address South Africa’s scarce-skills shortages, with a specific focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and green economy skills. Nedbank is well positioned to provide world-class sustainable financial solutions to grow the continent’s ambitions and to achieve a net-zero economy.
Organisation: Nedbank • Clients: Nearly 8 million • Focus: STEM and green economy skills • Academic Year: 2027
What is the Green Economy?
A green economy approach promotes economic, environmental and social well-being. The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 places special emphasis on green economy skills, which come from areas of study that focus on improving human well-being and social equity, while also significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
Achieving a green economy involves reducing carbon emissions and pollution, increasing energy and materials efficiency, as well as enhancing our natural capital. If you are studying or want to study in a field that contributes to these goals, you are an ideal candidate for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027.
Who Can Apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027?
You may apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 if you are a South African citizen who intends to pursue an undergraduate or honours degree within the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or green economy development. Successful candidates must have proven financial need as determined by household income.
Eligibility Requirements for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
Before you apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying towards your first undergraduate or Honours degree or diploma in 2027, focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and green economy skills
- You must be studying or have been accepted to study full-time at a recognised and accredited public University or University of Technology in South Africa
- You must have a strong academic record
- You must have passed Mathematics in Matric (NOT Mathematics Literacy)
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% for the 2026 academic year (at Matric or University level)
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% for all subjects that are aligned to your University qualification
- You must have proven financial need (to be determined by household income)
- You must have consent from your parent or legal guardian to apply for the bursary, if you are under 18 years old
Required Documents for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027. The submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified.
- ID document or card (certified copy)
- Grade 11 final results and Matric mid-year results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
- Matric certificate and latest mid-year results, if currently in 1st year at University (certified copy)
- Latest tertiary results and mid-year results, if currently in 2nd or 3rd year at University (certified copy)
- Proof of admission to a South African public university or university of technology
- A completed Nedbank Financial Checks Affidavit – signed by the applicant and parent or guardian (download here)
- Your latest 3 months’ bank statements
Additional Documents for Shortlisted Candidates
Parents, legal guardians, and all income-earning members of a shortlisted applicant’s household must provide the following supporting documents:
- A completed income-and-expenditure statement for the applicant’s combined household income
- Certified copies of each parent or guardian’s ID, most recent payslip, and letter of employment (not older than 3 months)
- Proof of income, home loan account statement, and city or town council rates and taxes statement (not older than 3 months) – if parents or guardians are informal traders or hawkers
- IRP5, IT3 and IT12 forms for the past two years, if parents or guardians are earning commission only
- An official pension slip or bank statement (not older than 3 months) – if parents or guardians receive income in the form of a pension, grant, maintenance, rent, or interest from investments
- The parents’ or guardians’ latest 3 months’ bank statements
The Selection Process
- All applications will be screened and shortlisted in line with the qualifying criteria
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a virtual interview, partake in psychometric testing and other assessments
- After the screening process, applications and results will be assessed by the Nedbank Educational Trust
- Bursaries will then be awarded at the discretion of the Trust
- All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their applications, after the recruitment process is complete
How to Apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen, having passed Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), achieving a 65% average, and studying or intending to study a STEM or green economy qualification.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, including your certified ID, academic results, proof of admission, the Nedbank Financial Checks Affidavit, and your latest 3 months’ bank statements.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official Nedbank application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://nedbankex.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eXneIZdSSqwmFCK
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027: 31 August 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027, please contact Nedbank directly:
- Email: Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za
- Bursary Team: Nedbank External Bursary Programme
Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Nedbank
- Bursary Name: Nedbank External Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens with proven financial need
- Study level: First undergraduate or Honours degree/diploma
- Study type: Full-time at a public university or university of technology
- Fields covered: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Green Economy skills
- Minimum academic requirement: 65% overall average
- Mathematics requirement: Pure Mathematics (NOT Maths Literacy)
- Application method: Online via Qualtrics portal
- Closing date: 31 August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
1. Can I apply if I have Maths Literacy?
No. The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 requires that you have passed Mathematics in Matric. Mathematics Literacy is NOT accepted.
2. What is the minimum average required?
You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% for the 2026 academic year (at Matric or University level). You must also have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% for all subjects that are aligned to your university qualification.
3. Can I apply if I am already in my second or third year?
Yes. The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 is open to students currently in Matric as well as those already studying at university. You will need to submit your latest tertiary results and mid-year results.
4. What is the green economy?
A green economy approach promotes economic, environmental and social well-being. It focuses on improving human well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks. The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 supports students in fields that contribute to reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and enhancing natural capital.
5. Do I need to complete a financial affidavit?
Yes. You must complete the Nedbank Financial Checks Affidavit, signed by both you and your parent or guardian. This form is available on the Nedbank website and must be uploaded with your application.
6. What happens if I am shortlisted?
Shortlisted candidates for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 will be required to attend a virtual interview, complete psychometric testing, and other assessments. Parents or guardians of shortlisted candidates will also need to provide additional financial documents.
7. When will I know if my application was successful?
All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their applications after the recruitment process is complete. The Nedbank Educational Trust assesses all applications and awards bursaries at their discretion.
8. Where can I find more STEM and green economy bursaries?
Visit EduFunds STEM bursaries page or green economy bursaries section for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Nedbank
External Bursary Programme 2027
Unlock your ambition • Build South Africa’s future • Achieve a net-zero economy