Finding bursary funding in South Africa can feel overwhelming when every funder has a different portal, deadline, and set of requirements. StudyTrust simplifies this by allowing you to submit a single application matched to multiple bursary opportunities from corporate sponsors, foundations, and private donors. If you are preparing your Study Trust bursary 2026 application, this guide covers everything – eligibility, fields of study, required documents, deadlines, and step-by-step instructions.
StudyTrust (also known as Studietrust) is an educational trust and public benefit organisation established in 1974. For over 50 years, it has connected talented but financially disadvantaged South Africans with bursary funding. The organisation manages bursaries on behalf of trusts, foundations, and corporate donors while providing mentoring and personal development support. StudyTrust complements the government’s NSFAS programme and encourages students to apply for both.
How the StudyTrust Bursary System Works
What makes the Study Trust bursary 2026 application unique is the one-application model. Instead of applying individually to dozens of funders, you complete a single comprehensive application on the StudyTrust online portal. StudyTrust then creates a profile based on your academic performance, financial need, field of study, and personal background. This profile is presented to all sponsors whose criteria you match.
StudyTrust manages bursaries from private companies, international partners, and family foundations. Some are recruitment bursaries with work-back obligations – you commit to working for the sponsor after graduation. Others are purely philanthropic. You indicate your preferred bursary on the form, but StudyTrust considers you for every opportunity you qualify for.
Who Qualifies for the Study Trust Bursary?
The Study Trust bursary 2026 application is open to South African citizens who demonstrate both academic potential and genuine financial need. StudyTrust funds three categories of students:
- University students – Full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students at recognised public universities
- University of Technology students – Full-time students studying diploma or degree programmes at public universities of technology
- TVET and Agricultural college students – A limited number of bursaries are available for students at TVET colleges and agricultural institutions
The majority of bursaries target university students studying in critical and scarce skills programmes. Current Grade 12 learners planning to study the following year, as well as students already enrolled at a tertiary institution, are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
Before starting your Study Trust bursary 2026 application, confirm that you meet the following minimum criteria. Failure to meet any requirement results in automatic disqualification:
- South African citizen
- Achieved a minimum of 50% in every subject in matric (Mathematical Literacy is accepted) if currently in Grade 12
- Achieved a minimum of 50% in every tertiary subject if currently studying at a higher education institution
- Intend to study full-time at a recognised South African public university, university of technology, TVET college, or agricultural college
- Studying or intending to study within one of StudyTrust’s approved fields of study
- Total household income of not more than R650,000 per year
StudyTrust also values behavioural competencies such as decision-making, critical judgement, resilience, self-motivation, and social responsibility. These qualities are assessed through essay questions in the application form – treat them as seriously as a job interview.
Approved Fields of Study
The Study Trust bursary 2026 application funds qualifications in scarce and critical skills areas that align with South Africa’s economic needs. Priority fields include:
- Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial)
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Commerce, Accounting, and Finance
- Education and Teaching
- Health Sciences and Nursing
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Social Work
Exact fields vary by sponsor, as each donor has specific development goals. Some bursaries are linked to renewable energy projects and only available to students living within 50 kilometres of a solar or wind farm. Check the bursaries page on studytrust.org.za for sponsor-specific criteria.
What the Study Trust Bursary Covers
Coverage varies by sponsor, but a successful Study Trust bursary 2026 application can unlock funding that includes tuition fees, study materials, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, meals, transport, a living allowance, and in some cases a laptop. Beyond financial support, StudyTrust provides individual mentoring, personal development workshops, and career readiness programmes to help students transition from study to employment.
StudyTrust categorises its bursaries into three tiers. Partial bursaries cover a portion of study costs – students must supplement with additional funding or a loan. Half-cost bursaries cover approximately 50% of all annual costs. Full-cost bursaries cover all expenses as determined by the donor. The tier you receive depends on the sponsor and your financial profile.
How to Complete Your Study Trust Bursary 2026 Application
The Study Trust bursary 2026 application process is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the StudyTrust website: Go to studytrust.org.za and click the “Apply Now” button on the homepage.
- Register an account: Create a new account using your email address. You have 14 days from the date of registration to complete and submit your application.
- Complete the application form: Fill in all sections, including personal details, academic history, financial information, and field of study. Carefully answer the essay questions – this information forms the profile that sponsors review.
- Upload supporting documents: Attach certified copies of all required documents (listed below). Incomplete uploads lead to disqualification.
- Select preferred bursaries: Indicate your first and second preferred bursary or scholarship from the StudyTrust portfolio. You are automatically considered for all opportunities you qualify for.
- Submit before the deadline: Review your application for accuracy, then submit. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
The portal may experience maintenance downtime. Start early to avoid last-minute technical issues and use a stable internet connection when uploading documents.
Required Documents
Your Study Trust bursary 2026 application requires the following certified supporting documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Full academic record including your latest available results (June examination results or progress report for current students)
- Official matric or NSC results (if you have completed Grade 12) or final Grade 11 results and June report card for current Grade 12 learners
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, or bank statements)
- Proof of address (required for bursaries linked to renewable energy projects – only applicants within 50km of a solar or wind farm qualify)
Ensure all copies are clearly certified, legible, and recent. Missing or blurry documents can disqualify your application. Scan at high quality and organise files by type before uploading.
Closing Date for Applications
The Study Trust bursary 2026 application closes on 30 September each year. For the 2027 academic year, the deadline is 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date are not accepted under any circumstances. Some individual bursaries within the StudyTrust portfolio may have earlier closing dates, so check the bursaries page for specific deadlines.
Remember that you have only 14 days from the date you register your account to submit a complete application. Do not register until you have all your documents ready and your academic information at hand.
Notable Bursary Sponsors Through StudyTrust
StudyTrust administers bursaries from a diverse range of funders. While the full list changes annually, notable sponsors include the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, which offers full-cost bursaries for first-year university students in critical skills fields with household income up to R700,000. Other sponsors include corporate partners from the banking, mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors, as well as international foundations focused on social development.
Some sponsors offer recruitment bursaries where recipients commit to working for the company after graduation. Others provide purely developmental funding with no work-back obligation. The Study Trust bursary 2026 application form allows you to indicate preferences, but StudyTrust matches you with all qualifying sponsors automatically.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Your Study Trust bursary 2026 application is essentially a request for an investment of up to half a million rand in your education. Treat it accordingly. Answer essay questions thoughtfully – sponsors use your responses to assess your character, motivation, and potential. Spell-check everything, ensure names start with capital letters, and double-check figures.
Apply for NSFAS and other external bursaries alongside StudyTrust to maximise your chances. StudyTrust actively encourages this. If you are unsure about your career direction, visit the Pace Career Centre website – their career questionnaire can help you identify the right study programme before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Grade 12 learners apply for the StudyTrust bursary?
Yes. Current Grade 12 learners are eligible and encouraged to apply. You need a minimum of 50% in every matric subject, proof of provisional acceptance at a recognised institution, and must submit your latest results with the application.
Do I need to apply separately for each StudyTrust bursary?
No. StudyTrust accepts only one application for all the bursaries in its portfolio. Your single Study Trust bursary 2026 application is matched to every sponsor whose criteria you meet. You indicate your preferred bursary, but you are considered for all qualifying opportunities.
Does StudyTrust fund postgraduate studies?
Yes. Some sponsors fund postgraduate qualifications, particularly where a postgraduate diploma or Honours degree is essential for employment – such as in accounting or actuarial science. Check the specific bursary descriptions on the StudyTrust website for details.
Can I hold a StudyTrust bursary and NSFAS funding at the same time?
StudyTrust encourages students to apply for NSFAS alongside their application. Whether you can hold both depends on the specific sponsor’s terms. Some bursaries are partial and expect supplementary funding from NSFAS or loans. Always declare all funding sources in your application.
What happens if I miss the 30 September deadline?
Late applications are not accepted. If you miss the deadline, you must wait for the next application cycle. The portal typically reopens around May the following year for the subsequent academic year.
Are private university students eligible?
Most StudyTrust bursaries are for students at recognised South African public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges. Private institutions generally do not qualify unless a specific sponsor permits it. Confirm eligibility on the bursaries page before applying.
Who do I contact for queries about my application?
Contact StudyTrust directly at 011 403 1632 or 087 511 3373. You can also email apply@StudyTrust.org.za for bursary application queries. Visit studytrust.org.za for the latest updates on available bursaries and deadlines.
Final Thoughts
The Study Trust bursary 2026 application offers one of the most efficient ways to access multiple bursary opportunities through a single submission. With over 50 years of experience connecting students to sponsors, StudyTrust has built a reputation for transparency, fairness, and genuine impact in South African education.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, gather your documents early, complete the online application with care, and submit before 30 September. This single application could open doors to funding that covers your entire tertiary education and sets you on a path to meaningful employment.