Bursaries are an essential avenue for many students in South Africa to finance their higher education. Numerous top companies offer bursaries, providing financial support and often additional benefits like mentorship, work experience, and job opportunities post-graduation. Here's a look at some of the leading companies offering bursaries in South Africa.

1. Sasol Bursary Scheme

Fields Covered: Engineering, Science, Commerce

Sasol, a global integrated chemicals and energy company, offers comprehensive bursaries covering tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and a monthly allowance. Sasol bursars also receive vacation work opportunities and potential employment within the company after graduation.

1. Anglo American Bursary

Fields Covered: Engineering, Geology, Environmental Sciences

Anglo American, a leading global mining company, provides bursaries that study advice cover tuition, accommodation, meals, and a stipend. Bursars gain practical work experience, mentorship, and potential employment with Anglo American upon completing their studies.

1. Shoprite Bursary

Fields Covered: Pharmacy, Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Information Technology

Shoprite, Africa's largest food retailer, offers bursaries that cover tuition fees and sometimes provide work experience within the Shoprite Group. This program is ideal for students interested in careers in the retail industry.

1. Nedbank Bursary

Fields Covered: Commerce, Science, Engineering, Technology

Nedbank provides bursaries that cover full tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a monthly allowance. Bursars also benefit from vacation work, potential employment, and mentorship programs within the bank.

1. Investec Bursary

Fields Covered: Commerce, Engineering, Information Technology

Investec offers bursaries that cover tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a stipend. In addition to financial support, Investec provides bursars with mentorship, leadership development, and work experience within the company.

1. Old Mutual Education Trust Bursary

Fields Covered: Various Fields

Old Mutual offers bursaries to dependents of Old Mutual employees. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a stipend, supporting students in a wide range of fields.

1. ABSA Bursary

Fields Covered: Commerce, Science, Engineering, Technology

ABSA provides bursaries that cover tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a monthly stipend. Bursars also receive mentorship, leadership training, and the possibility of employment within ABSA.

1. MTN Bursary

Fields Covered: Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering

MTN, a leading telecommunications company, offers bursaries that cover tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and a stipend. The program also includes vacation work and potential job opportunities within MTN.

1. Eskom Bursary

Fields Covered: Engineering, Accounting, IT, Technical Fields

Eskom, the primary electricity supplier in South Africa, provides bursaries that cover tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly allowance. Eskom also offers practical training and potential employment after graduation.

1. PwC Bursary

Fields Covered: Accounting, Auditing, Tax, Actuarial Science

PwC, a leading professional services firm, offers bursaries for students pursuing degrees in accounting, auditing, tax, and actuarial science. The bursary covers tuition fees and includes vacation work, training programs, and potential employment within the firm.

Applying for Bursaries

To apply for these bursaries, follow these steps:

1. Research: Identify the bursaries that match your field of study and career aspirations.
2. Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the academic, financial, and other criteria specified by the bursary.
3. Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, proof of income, ID copies, and personal statements.
4. Complete Application Forms: Fill out the application forms accurately and completely.
5. Submit Before Deadlines: Submit your applications before the specified deadlines and keep track of submission dates.
6. Follow Up: Monitor the status of your applications and follow up if necessary.

Conclusion

Securing a bursary from one of these top companies can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education and provide valuable opportunities for career development. By researching your options, meeting eligibility criteria, and applying diligently, you can take advantage of these opportunities to pave the way for a successful academic and professional future.