The Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen by birth, currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and you are pursuing or intend to pursue full-time undergraduate studies in Business, Commerce, Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, this opportunity could help you fund your education. Vodacom is a leading and purpose-led African connectivity, digital and financial services company, serving over 220 million customers across the continent. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About Vodacom
Vodacom is a leading and purpose-led African connectivity, digital and financial services company. The Group, including Safaricom, serves over 220 million customers spanning across the consumer and enterprise segments. From our roots in South Africa, we have grown our business to include operations in the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their academic Merit Bursary for the 2027 academic year. This programme is designed to support talented students who demonstrate strong academic potential and financial need.
Organisation: Vodacom • Customers: 220+ million • Operations: South Africa, DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 will be awarded for Undergraduate studies within the following fields:
- Business
- Commerce
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
What Expenses and Benefits Does the Bursary Cover?
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 will provide cover for the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Textbook allowance
- Meal allowance
- Accommodation in university residence or capped allowance for private accommodation
- Laptop and cellphone
Additional Benefits for Bursary Recipients
- Orientation workshop for all new bursary students
- Workplace exposure via the structured Vacation Work programme
- Work readiness skill training for final year students to gain skills to enter the working world
- Full access to Wellness Programme (ICAS) services
Eligibility Requirements for the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 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 by birth
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the fields listed above
- You must be entering the 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of full-time study in 2027
- You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must achieve an exemption pass in Matric and a minimum result of 70% for all subjects
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% at tertiary level, if currently studying
- You must be in financial need
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application for the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.
- ID document
- Grade 11 results and Matric latest results, if currently in Matric
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric
- Full academic record / transcripts, if currently studying (on institution’s letterhead)
- Fee statement, if currently studying (on institution’s letterhead)
- Proof of acceptance into a tertiary institution (on institution’s letterhead)
- Proof of any other bursary awards currently held
- A completed Parental Consent Form (for applicants under 18 years old)
Important Information
- All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by no later than 15 December 2026. If you do not receive any feedback by this date, please consider your application unsuccessful
- After submitting an application, all candidates will receive a confirmation email from Vodacom
- The Bursary Management team will carefully assess each application and provide feedback every step of the way
How to Apply for the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 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 by birth, achieving 70% for all Matric subjects, and having a 65% average if currently studying.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. This includes your ID, results, academic record, fee statement, proof of acceptance, and parental consent form if applicable.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official Vodacom application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://externalbursary.vodacom.co.za/
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 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 Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027, please contact Vodacom directly:
- Bursary Department Email: Externalbursaries@vodacom.co.za
Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Vodacom
- Bursary Name: Vodacom External Academic Merit Bursary
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens by birth, currently in Matric or completed Matric
- Fields of study: Business, Commerce, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
- Study level: Undergraduate (1st, 2nd, or 3rd year full-time)
- Minimum Matric requirement: Exemption pass and 70% for all subjects
- Minimum tertiary requirement: 65% overall average
- What is covered: Registration fees, tuition fees, textbook allowance, meal allowance, accommodation, laptop, cellphone
- Additional benefits: Orientation workshop, vacation work, work readiness training, wellness programme access
- Required documents: ID, results, academic record, fee statement, proof of acceptance, proof of other bursaries, parental consent form (if under 18)
- Application method: Online via Vodacom portal
- Closing date: 31 August 2026
- Notification date: By 15 December 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am not a South African citizen by birth?
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 requires applicants to be South African citizens by birth. Naturalised citizens or permanent residents are not eligible.
2. What is the minimum Matric requirement?
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 requires an exemption pass in Matric and a minimum result of 70% for all subjects. This is a strict requirement.
3. Can I apply if I am in my final year of study?
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 is open to students entering 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of full-time study. Fourth-year and final-year students are not eligible.
4. Does the bursary cover a laptop and cellphone?
Yes. The Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 provides a laptop and cellphone as part of the bursary package.
5. What is the Vacation Work programme?
The Vacation Work programme is a structured workplace exposure opportunity provided to bursary recipients of the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027, allowing students to gain practical experience at Vodacom.
6. When will I know if my application was successful?
All applicants for the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027 will be notified of the outcome of their application by no later than 15 December 2026. If you do not receive any feedback by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.
7. Do I need a Parental Consent Form?
If you are under 18 years old, you must complete and submit a Parental Consent Form along with your application for the Vodacom External Bursary Programme South Africa 2027.
8. Where can I find more STEM and business bursaries?
Visit EduFunds STEM bursaries page or commerce bursaries section for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Vodacom
External Bursary Programme 2027
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