South African students looking for financial assistance to study scarce and future-focused qualifications now have an opportunity to apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027. This bursary programme is designed to support academically deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue undergraduate or honours qualifications at public universities and universities of technology across South Africa.
The programme specifically focuses on developing skills in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and the rapidly growing green economy sector, helping to address critical skills shortages while contributing to the country’s future economic development.
Applications for the 2027 academic year are officially open and will close on 31 August 2026.
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Study Level: Undergraduate and Honours
Study Mode: Full-time
Fields of Study: STEM and Green Economy Qualifications
Citizenship Requirement: South African Citizens Only
Financial Need Requirement: Yes
Minimum Academic Requirement: 65% Average
Contact Email: Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za
About the Nedbank External Bursary Programme
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme forms part of Nedbank’s commitment to investing in education and creating opportunities for talented young South Africans who may not have the financial means to pursue higher education.
The bursary aims to remove financial barriers that prevent deserving students from obtaining qualifications in sectors that are critical to South Africa’s growth and development.
Through this initiative, Nedbank seeks to support students who demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance
- Financial need
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to completing their studies
- Interest in scarce and future-focused skills sectors
The bursary provides funding for full-time studies at recognised South African public higher education institutions.
What is the Green Economy?
One of the unique aspects of the Nedbank External Bursary Programme is its focus on supporting qualifications linked to the green economy.
The green economy promotes sustainable development by balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social well-being.
Green economy qualifications generally focus on:
- Renewable energy
- Environmental management
- Climate change adaptation
- Sustainable agriculture
- Green engineering
- Water resource management
- Energy efficiency
- Conservation science
- Sustainable urban development
- Environmental technology
These sectors are expected to create significant employment opportunities in South Africa over the coming decades as the country transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable economic practices.
Who Can Apply?
You may apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 if you meet the following requirements:
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Possess a valid South African Identity Document
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Obtained an average of at least 65%
- Achieved strong results in subjects relevant to their intended qualification
- Demonstrated consistent academic performance
Study Requirements
Applicants must intend to pursue:
- A full-time undergraduate qualification; or
- A full-time honours qualification
at a:
- South African public university; or
- South African university of technology
Financial Need Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial need based on household income and supporting financial documentation submitted during the application process.
Important Exclusion
Students who completed Grade 12 using Mathematics Literacy instead of Mathematics will not qualify for the bursary.
Fields of Study Supported
The bursary primarily supports qualifications within STEM and green economy sectors.
Examples include:
Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Biological Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
Technology
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Mathematics
- Actuarial Science
- Statistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematical Sciences
Green Economy Qualifications
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Climate Science
- Sustainable Development
- Conservation Management
- Water Resource Engineering
- Energy Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
Students should ensure their chosen qualification aligns with Nedbank’s identified scarce-skills and green economy focus areas.
Academic Requirements by Applicant Category
The bursary caters for various study levels.
Grade 12 Learners
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must submit:
- Grade 11 final results
- Current Grade 12 mid-year results
First-Year University Students
Applicants currently in their first year of study must provide:
- Grade 12 final results
- Current university mid-year results
Second-Year and Third-Year Students
Applicants must submit:
- Previous academic year’s final results
- Current academic year’s mid-year results
All applicants must maintain a minimum average of 65%.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying.
Personal Documents
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of admission or acceptance at a public university or university of technology
- Academic results as applicable
Academic Documents
Grade 12 Learners
- Grade 11 final results
- Grade 12 mid-year results
First-Year Students
- Grade 12 final results
- Current university mid-year results
Second-Year and Third-Year Students
- Previous year’s final results
- Current year’s mid-year results
Financial Documents Required
Applicants must submit evidence demonstrating financial need.
Financial Check Affidavit
Applicants must provide:
- A completed financial check affidavit
- Signed by the applicant
- Signed by parents or legal guardians
Bank Statements
Submit:
- Applicant’s latest three months’ bank statements
- Parents’ or guardians’ latest three months’ bank statements
- Bank statements of all income-earning household members
Supporting Financial Documentation
Depending on the household’s source of income, applicants may need to provide additional supporting documents.
Salaried Employees
Provide:
- Certified copy of ID
- Latest payslip
- Employment confirmation letter not older than three months
Informal Traders or Hawkers
Provide:
- Proof of income
- Home loan account statement
- Municipal rates and taxes statement not older than three months
Commission-Based Earners
Provide:
- IRP5 forms
- IT3 forms
- IT12 forms
- Documents covering the previous two years
Pensioners or Grant Recipients
Provide:
- Official pension slip; or
- Bank statement reflecting income
This applies to income received through:
- Pension payments
- Grants
- Maintenance
- Rental income
- Investment income
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE NEDBANK EXTERNAL BURSARY PROGRAMME 2027 HERE
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