South African students looking for financial assistance to study scarce and future-focused qualifications now have an opportunity to apply for the Nedbank External
South African students pursuing qualifications in scarce-skills and future-focused industries now have an opportunity to apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027.
Nedbank’s bursary initiative focuses heavily on STEM-related qualifications and green economy sectors, helping support the development of skills that are important for South Africa’s future economic growth and sustainability.
Applications for the 2027 academic year are officially open and will close on 31 August 2026.
Programme Information
- Programme: Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
- Closing Date: 31 August 2026
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Citizenship Requirement: South African citizens only
- Minimum Academic Requirement: 65% average
- Contact Email: Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za
About the Nedbank External Bursary Programme
The bursary programme forms part of Nedbank’s investment in education and youth development.
Its main purpose is to help academically deserving students overcome financial barriers that may prevent them from pursuing higher education in critical skills sectors.
The programme specifically supports students who demonstrate:
- strong academic performance
- financial need
- leadership potential
- commitment to completing their studies
- interest in scarce-skills sectors
Funding is available for students studying full-time at recognised public higher education institutions in South Africa.
Understanding the Green Economy Focus
One of the unique aspects of this bursary programme is its emphasis on green economy qualifications.
The green economy focuses on balancing:
- economic growth
- environmental sustainability
- social development
As South Africa continues transitioning toward more sustainable industries, qualifications linked to environmental and renewable sectors are becoming increasingly important.
Examples of green economy fields include:
- renewable energy
- environmental management
- climate science
- water resource management
- sustainable agriculture
- conservation science
- green engineering
- energy efficiency
- sustainable development
These sectors are expected to create significant employment opportunities in the future.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet several important requirements before applying.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
- be South African citizens
- possess a valid South African ID document
Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
- maintain a minimum average of 65%
- perform well in subjects linked to their intended qualification
- demonstrate consistent academic performance
Study Requirements
Applicants must intend to study:
- a full-time undergraduate qualification; or
- a full-time honours qualification
at either:
- a South African public university; or
- a South African university of technology
Financial Need Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate financial need using supporting financial documentation during the application process.
Important Mathematics Requirement
Students who completed Grade 12 using Mathematical Literacy instead of Core Mathematics will not qualify for the bursary.
Fields of Study Supported
The bursary mainly supports STEM and green economy qualifications.
Science Fields
Supported fields may include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Biological Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
Technology Fields
Technology-related qualifications may include:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
Engineering Fields
Engineering qualifications may include:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Mathematics Fields
Mathematics-related qualifications may include:
- Actuarial Science
- Statistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematical Sciences
Green Economy Qualifications
Green economy qualifications may include:
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Climate Science
- Sustainable Development
- Conservation Management
- Water Resource Engineering
- Energy Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications align with Nedbank’s identified scarce-skills and sustainability focus areas.
Academic Requirements by Applicant Category
Different academic documents are required depending on the applicant’s study level.
Grade 12 Learners
Current matric learners must submit:
- Grade 11 final results
- Grade 12 mid-year results
First-Year University Students
First-year students must provide:
- Grade 12 final results
- current university mid-year results
Second-Year and Third-Year Students
Applicants in later years of study must submit:
- previous academic year final results
- current academic year mid-year results
All applicants must maintain at least a 65% academic average.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare all required documents before applying.
Personal Documents
Required personal documents include:
- certified copy of South African ID
- proof of university admission or acceptance
- academic records relevant to study level
Academic Documents
Depending on the applicant category, academic documents may include:
- Grade 11 results
- Grade 12 results
- university transcripts
- mid-year academic records
Financial Documents Required
Applicants must provide evidence of financial need.
Financial Check Affidavit
Applicants are required to submit:
- completed financial check affidavit
- applicant signature
- parent or guardian signatures
Bank Statements
Applicants must provide:
- latest three months’ bank statements
- parents’ or guardians’ bank statements
- statements for all income-earning household members
Additional Financial Supporting Documents
Depending on household income type, additional documents may be required.
Salaried Employees
Required documents may include:
- certified ID copy
- latest payslip
- employment confirmation letter not older than three months
Informal Traders or Hawkers
Applicants may need:
- proof of income
- home loan statement
- municipal rates and taxes statement
Commission-Based Earners
Supporting documents may include:
- IRP5 forms
- IT3 forms
- IT12 forms
- records covering the previous two years
Pensioners or Grant Recipients
Applicants may provide:
- official pension slips
- bank statements reflecting income
This may include income received from:
- pensions
- grants
- maintenance
- rental income
- investments
Why This Bursary Matters
Many talented South African students struggle to access higher education because of financial difficulties.
Programmes like this help students:
- access university education
- reduce financial pressure
- pursue scarce-skills careers
- improve employability
- build long-term professional opportunities
By supporting STEM and green economy qualifications, the bursary also contributes to South Africa’s future workforce development.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE NEDBANK EXTERNAL BURSARY PROGRAMME 2027 HERE
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