Understanding the National treasury bursary programme eligibility requirements is the first step towards securing one of South Africa’s most valuable government-funded study opportunities. The National Treasury runs a bursary scheme specifically designed to develop skilled professionals in fields that are critical to the country’s financial management, economic planning, and public sector governance.
This bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a personal allowance, giving recipients the freedom to focus entirely on their academic goals. It targets students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic performance in scarce skills areas. If you are currently studying or planning to study accounting, economics, IT, supply chain management, or related fields, understanding the National treasury bursary programme eligibility criteria in detail can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful application.
About the National Treasury Bursary Programme
The National Treasury is the government department responsible for managing South Africa’s public finances. It oversees the national budget, economic policy, tax administration, financial regulation, and public procurement. To ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals in these critical areas, the Treasury runs an annual bursary scheme through its commitment to youth and skills development.
The bursary scheme provides financial support to South African students studying in fields deemed critical and scarce for the National Treasury’s operations. It is available from the second year of undergraduate studies onwards at accredited public universities and universities of technology. The National treasury bursary programme eligibility framework is designed to attract high-performing students who can eventually contribute to strengthening South Africa’s financial infrastructure.
Eligible Fields of Study
A key component of the National treasury bursary programme eligibility is ensuring your field of study aligns with the Treasury’s scarce skills requirements. The bursary funds students pursuing qualifications in the following areas:
| Field of Study | Field of Study |
| Accounting / Financial Accounting | Economics / Development Economics |
| Internal Audit / Forensic Auditing | Taxation |
| Supply Chain Management | Logistics / Purchasing Management |
| Information Technology / Computer Science | Data Science / Data Management |
| Financial Management / Risk Management | Econometrics / Statistics |
| Graphic Design / Visual Communications | Law (LLB, specialising in Tax or Environmental) |
| Human Resources Management | Business Intelligence / Informatics |
| Investment Management | Communication Studies / Journalism |
This is one of the broadest government bursary programmes in terms of eligible fields. However, your qualification must align directly with the Treasury’s operational needs. If your course falls outside these listed areas, your application is not considered.
Core Eligibility Requirements
The National treasury bursary programme eligibility criteria are specific and must be met in full before your application can be considered. Here is a detailed breakdown of every requirement:
Citizenship and Residency
You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID document. The bursary is not available to permanent residents or foreign nationals studying in South Africa.
Academic Standing
You must be registered for full-time undergraduate studies at an accredited South African university or university of technology. The bursary is available from your second year of studies onwards, meaning first-year students are not eligible. You must have achieved an academic average of 65% or above in your most recent examinations (typically mid-year/June results). Preference is given to high-performing students with top grades.
Financial Need
You must demonstrate genuine financial need. Your combined household income must not exceed R600,000 per year. Proof of income is required for both employed and unemployed parents or guardians, including payslips, affidavits, or SASSA grant documentation.
Field of Study
Your qualification must fall within one of the approved fields listed above. Studying in an unrelated discipline automatically disqualifies your application, regardless of your academic performance or financial need. This is why checking the National treasury bursary programme eligibility requirements carefully before applying is essential.
What the Bursary Covers
The National Treasury bursary is a comprehensive funding package that covers most essential study-related expenses. Here is what successful applicants can expect to receive:
- Tuition fees at your registered institution
- Accommodation in university residence
- Meals (as per university guidelines)
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- A personal allowance for daily expenses
The bursary is renewed annually based on satisfactory academic performance. This means you must maintain your grades to continue receiving funding in subsequent years. Failure to meet the academic requirements can result in the bursary being withdrawn for the following year.
How to Apply
Once you confirm that you meet the National treasury bursary programme eligibility requirements, the application process is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Download the Application Form: Visit the official National Treasury website at www.treasury.gov.za to download the bursary application form in PDF format.
- Complete the Form Accurately: Fill in all required sections with correct personal, academic, and financial details. Incomplete forms are automatically disqualified.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Collect certified copies of all required documents (listed below) and ensure they are clear and legible.
- Submit via Email: Send your completed application form and all supporting documents to bursaries@treasury.gov.za. Use the subject line “DWS Bursary 2026” or as specified in the application form.
- Meet the Deadline: Applications for the 2026 academic year typically close around August–September 2025. No late applications are accepted, and submissions via post, fax, or hand delivery are not considered.
Required Supporting Documents
When applying for the National treasury bursary programme eligibility programme, you must submit the following certified documents along with your completed application form:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Grade 12 certificate and statement of results
- Official academic transcript (first-year mid-year/June 2025 results)
- Certified copies of parent(s) or guardian(s) South African IDs
- Proof of parent(s) or guardian(s) income (salary slips if employed, sworn affidavit if unemployed)
- Death certificate if parent(s) are deceased
- Affidavit if parent(s) are not in your life
All copies must be recently certified. Missing, blurry, or uncertified documents can lead to automatic disqualification. Prepare your document pack well in advance of the deadline.
Important Dates
Timing is crucial when applying. The National treasury bursary programme eligibility window for 2026 follows this approximate schedule:
| Milestone | Date / Timeframe |
| Applications open | Mid-2025 (check Treasury website) |
| Applications close | Around August–September 2025 |
| Selection and shortlisting | October–December 2025 |
| Bursary awards confirmed | Before start of 2026 academic year |
The National Treasury is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities. Monitor the official website regularly for the exact opening and closing dates each year.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Meeting the National treasury bursary programme eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. The selection process is competitive, and several factors determine who receives the bursary.
Academic performance carries the most weight. Students with the highest marks in their approved fields are prioritised. Financial need is the second major factor, with preference given to applicants from poor and disadvantaged households. The Treasury also considers race and gender equity in line with national transformation goals, as well as the department’s specific workforce needs in relation to the applicant’s qualification.
Only a limited number of bursaries are available each year, so the strongest applications combine excellent grades, demonstrated financial hardship, and a qualification that directly aligns with the Treasury’s operational requirements.
Career Prospects After Graduation
One of the greatest advantages of meeting the National treasury bursary programme eligibility criteria and securing this funding is the career pathway it opens. Graduates from the programme are well-positioned for roles in both the public and private sectors.
Within the public sector, you can pursue careers in government finance, budget analysis, economic policy research, tax administration, internal auditing, supply chain management, and public procurement. The National Treasury also runs a Graduate Internship Programme that provides two-year placements for recent graduates, offering hands-on experience in one of the most influential government departments in the country.
In the private sector, qualifications in accounting, economics, IT, data science, and financial management are among the most sought-after in South Africa. Bursary recipients who complete their studies with strong academic records carry a significant advantage in the job market.
Tips for a Successful Application
Competition for the National treasury bursary programme eligibility bursary is fierce. Here are practical steps to strengthen your submission:
Ensure your academic average is at or above 65% before applying. If your grades are close to the threshold, focus on improving them before the application window opens. Choose a field of study that appears on the Treasury’s approved list, as applications for unrelated courses are rejected immediately.
Submit your application as early as possible. Late submissions are not accepted, and email traffic close to the deadline can cause delivery issues. Double-check every section of the application form for accuracy and completeness. Certify all documents at a police station or commissioner of oaths, and ensure scans are clear and legible when submitting via email. Keep a copy of your complete application for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can first-year students apply for this bursary?
No. The National treasury bursary programme eligibility specifies that the bursary is available from the second year of undergraduate studies onwards. First-year students are not eligible. You must have completed at least one year of tertiary studies and have mid-year or annual results to submit with your application.
Can I hold this bursary alongside NSFAS?
The bursary terms typically require that you are not receiving full funding from another source. If you hold NSFAS or another bursary, you may need to choose between the two. Always check the specific terms in the application form and consult the Treasury’s bursary coordinator for clarity on concurrent funding.
Does the bursary fund postgraduate studies?
The primary focus of the National treasury bursary programme eligibility is on undergraduate qualifications. The standard bursary scheme targets students from their second year of undergraduate studies at accredited universities and universities of technology. However, the Treasury may offer separate postgraduate or internship opportunities. Check the official website for the latest information on postgraduate funding options.
What happens if my grades drop below 65%?
The bursary is renewed annually based on satisfactory academic performance. If your grades fall below the required threshold, your bursary may not be renewed for the following year. It is essential to maintain consistent academic performance throughout your studies to keep your funding.
How do I know if my application is successful?
Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the National Treasury. If you do not receive any written communication within a reasonable period after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful for the current cycle. You may reapply in the following year if you still meet the requirements.
Are students with disabilities eligible?
Yes. The National Treasury actively encourages applications from students living with disabilities. The National treasury bursary programme eligibility framework supports equity and transformation, and disability status is positively considered during the selection process.
Conclusion
The National Treasury bursary programme is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive government-funded study opportunities in South Africa. With coverage that extends to tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a personal allowance, it removes virtually all financial barriers for students pursuing critical skills qualifications in finance, economics, IT, and related fields.
If you are a second-year or higher undergraduate student with an academic average of 65% or above and a combined household income below R600,000, this bursary could be the key to completing your studies without financial stress. Download the application form from www.treasury.gov.za, prepare your documents carefully, and submit your application before the closing date.
Investing in your education through this programme does not just benefit you personally. It strengthens South Africa’s capacity to manage public finances, drive economic growth, and deliver services to all citizens. Take the first step today.