It is 1 February 2026. If you are reading this, you might be panicking because most university registration periods are closing, and the "Januworry" deadlines have passed.
But here is the truth: The funding cycle is not over.
While the main NSFAS and corporate windows have closed, a "secondary market" of high-value bursaries opens in February and March to fill deficit quotas. Furthermore, some funders keep their applications open year-round to catch exceptional talent.
This guide lists the confirmed opportunities still accepting applications as of today.
Urgent: Closing in February 2026 These opportunities are time-sensitive. You have days, or at most weeks, to apply.
1. Eskom Graduate in Training (Diploma) Deadline: 03 February 2026
Who Should Apply: Students with a National Diploma (Technical/Supply Chain).
How to Apply: Visit the Eskom recruitment portal.
Why it matters: This is a "mop-up" intake for technical roles. It is rare for Eskom to be recruiting this late in the cycle.
2. HWSETA (Worker Leader Programme)
Deadline: 06 February 2026
Who Should Apply: Trade union members or community leaders in the health/welfare sector.
How to Apply: Applications are typically routed through trade unions or the click link
3.NERSA Bursary Programme
Deadline: 12 February 2026
Who Should Apply: Masters and PhD students in Energy Regulation, Engineering, or Economics.
How to Apply: Download the application form from the link or view the advert in the snippets.
- KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government Bursary
Deadline: 15 February 2026
Who Should Apply: KZN residents studying Health, Transport, Agriculture, or Public Works.
How to Apply: Collect forms from KZN Department District Offices or Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms. Contact the Office of the Premier for details.
5.Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT)
Deadline: 20 February 2026
Who Should Apply: Science and Engineering students (Water Care, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering).
How to Apply: Email your CV, ID, and Matric results to recruitment@erwat.co.za.
Crucial Step: You must use the subject line: "Ref: Bursary 2026" or your email will be ignored.
6. Armscor Bursary Scheme Deadline: 26 February 2026
**Who Should Apply: **Engineering (Aeronautical, Mechanical, Industrial), Computer Science, and Chemistry students.
How to Apply: Email bursaries@armscor.co.za.
*Crucial Step: Subject line must include: "Armscor Bursary Application -". *
7. FMCSA (Ford Motor Company) Bursary
Deadline: 28 February 2026
Who Should Apply: Students in Mechanical, Mechatronic, and Industrial Engineering.
How to Apply: Visit the Ford South Africa careers page or email recrui14@ford.com (check specific advert for updated contact).
8. GCRA (Gauteng City Region Academy)
Deadline: 28 February 2026
Who Should Apply: Top-performing youth residing in Gauteng.
How to Apply: Register and apply on the(https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za/).
Note: This is the primary funding mechanism for the "missing middle" in Gauteng.
Closing in March 2026
If you need a bit more time to gather documents (like updated academic transcripts), target these opportunities.
9. UKZN Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship
Deadline: 13 March 2026
Who Should Apply: Top-performing female students from eThekwini (Durban) intending to study postgraduate degrees overseas.
**How to Apply: **Contact the UKZN Financial Aid office or check the(https://studentfunding.ukzn.ac.za/).
10. KPMG Bursary
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Who Should Apply: Accounting students aiming for CA(SA) certification.
**How to Apply: ** Apply via the KPMG Careers Portal.
Year-Round & Open-Ended Bursaries
These organizations focus on talent rather than deadlines. They accept applications throughout the year or have rolling intakes.
11. BBD (Bursary & Beyond)
Status: Always Open
Who Should Apply: Software Engineers, Computer Scientists, Game Designers.
The "Hack": They care more about your GitHub profile and coding projects than your matric average.
How to Apply: Apply online here.
12. Career Wise
Status: Ongoing
Who Should Apply: Engineering, Geology, Accounting, and Finance students.
**How it works: **Career Wise manages bursaries for multiple mining and tech giants. Registering on their database puts you in line for "replacement" spots when other students drop out.
How to Apply: Register at link.
**Promo Code: ** Use code HMM26 (if applying for specific mining opportunities).
13. Mintek Postgraduate Bursary
Status: Year-Round
Who Should Apply: Masters/PhD in Chemistry, Physics, or Mineralogy.
**How to Apply: **Visit the link.
University Late Enquiries (Active Now)
You cannot get a bursary if you are not registered. Here is where you can still get a seat today.
University of Johannesburg (UJ):
Status: Late Enquiry System open until 28 February 2026.
Link: UJ Late Enquiry Link (Check between 02:00 AM and 05:00 AM for better server speed).
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT):
Status: Fully online late applications open for specific courses (e.g., Food Tech, Materials Engineering).
Link: link.
**University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): ** Status: Accepting late applications for specific College of Humanities programmes.
Link: UKZN Applications.
The NSFAS Appeal: Your Final Lifeline
If you applied for NSFAS and were rejected, do not give up. You have 30 days from the rejection date to appeal.
Deadline: Typically mid-February (30 days post-results).
How to Appeal:
Log into link.
Click "Track Funding Progress".
If rejected, click the "Submit Appeal" button.
Upload the Affidavit: You must upload a police affidavit proving your parents are unemployed or that your household income has changed.
— Lwandile Toto