SITA External Bursary 2026 – Nationwide | ICT & Technology | 20 Fully Funded Bursaries Available

The State Information Technology Agency (SITA), South Africa's leading government ICT services provider established in 1999, is inviting second-year ICT students at public universities to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Programme.

SITA is responsible for managing the South African government's IT procurement, delivery, and e-government services — making it one of the most strategically important technology organisations in the country. Through this bursary programme, SITA aims to create a direct pipeline of ICT talent to address critical and scarce skills gaps within South Africa's rapidly growing digital economy.

Only 20 bursaries will be awarded nationwide for the 2026 academic year — making this one of the most competitive, fully funded ICT bursaries available to South African students. Beyond financial support, bursary recipients gain access to Work Integrated Learning opportunities within SITA's government technology environment — creating a clear pathway into a career in public sector IT.

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted — no exceptions.

What the Bursary Covers

Tuition fees

Prescribed study materials and textbooks

Accommodation

Meals and food allowance

General student allowances

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement (where applicable)

Qualifying Fields of Study

Applications are open to students pursuing qualifications in the following ICT fields:

Computer Science

Information Technology

ICT Application Development

ICT Communication Networks

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Cybersecurity

Data Science

Software Engineering

Computer Engineering

Related ICT and technology fields

Eligibility Requirements

South African citizen with a valid South African ID

Currently registered for second year (Year 2) of an ICT qualification at a registered public university or university of technology in 2026

Minimum overall academic average of 65% across all completed courses

Not currently in receipt of any other bursary or financial aid for studies

Must not have previously received a SITA bursary

Preference will be given to:

Students living with disabilities

White, Coloured, and Indian students (in line with SITA's Employment Equity Plan)

Apply Now

Online Application Form:

👉 Clihttps://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=JFfNSMeIw0imZZRUNu3X_ETZrb2gY_ZMmWDH4OXVPlZURE1RTU9OMDFBREo5RFZURThLRDA3RUM5Wi4u

📧 Email your supporting documents to:

👉 externalbursaries2026@sita.co.za

💡 Complete the online application form AND email all required documents to the address above. Both steps must be completed for your application to be considered.

Certified copy of South African ID

Certified copy of Matric / Grade 12 statement of results

Proof of registration at your institution (2026)

Official acceptance letter from your public institution of higher learning (on institution letterhead)

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Academic record / transcript (first year results)