Finding a bursary that covers tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and living costs — all through a single application — sounds too good to be true. But that is exactly what StudyTrust offers South African students every year. Whether you are in Grade 12 or already enrolled at university, understanding the Study Trust bursary requirements is your first step toward securing funding that can change your future. StudyTrust is a national educational trust and public benefit organisation that connects talented, financially disadvantaged students with bursaries from corporate sponsors, foundations, and trusts. It administers bursaries on behalf of major companies, matching each applicant to every opportunity they qualify for. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Study Trust bursary requirements for 2026/2027, including eligibility, supported fields, required documents, the application process, and deadlines.
What Is StudyTrust?
StudyTrust (formerly known as Studietrust) is an independent bursary management organisation established in 1974. For over 48 years, it has been connecting deserving South African students with funding from a wide network of sponsors. StudyTrust operates on Christian principles and functions as a registered public benefit organisation, helping financially restricted but academically talented South Africans access higher education. What makes StudyTrust unique is its “one application, many opportunities” model. You submit a single online application, and StudyTrust automatically considers you for every bursary in its portfolio that matches your profile. Beyond financial support, bursary recipients also benefit from mentorship programmes, psycho-social support, life skills training, and career development workshops.
Who Funds StudyTrust Bursaries?
StudyTrust administers bursaries for a diverse portfolio of funders including Standard Bank, Investec, Amazon, Toyota SA Motors, Santam, Takealot, Old Mutual, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP Inc., Oracle, Pioneer Foods, AVI Limited, Hitachi Vantara, and the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, among others. Some are recruitment bursaries with a work-back agreement after graduation, while others are scholarships with no employment obligation. Each sponsor sets its own criteria, but StudyTrust handles all applications through its single online platform.
Study Trust Bursary Requirements: Who Qualifies?
The Study Trust bursary requirements combine academic merit, financial need, and alignment with South Africa’s critical skills priorities. While individual sponsors may add specific criteria, the general eligibility requirements are:
Citizenship
You must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID document. International students and permanent residents do not meet the Study Trust bursary requirements for any sponsor in the portfolio.
Academic Performance
Strong academic results are essential. Most sponsors look for applicants who demonstrate proven academic potential. For Grade 12 learners, this means achieving competitive results in your final Matric examinations, particularly in subjects relevant to your chosen field. For students already at a tertiary institution, you generally need an average of 60% or above in your most recent results, though some sponsors set the bar at 65% or higher. The stronger your academic record, the more opportunities open up within the StudyTrust system.
Financial Need
Financial need is a critical factor. StudyTrust bursaries target students from households that cannot afford the full cost of tertiary education. You must provide proof of your combined household income, which plays a major role in eligibility. Income thresholds vary by sponsor — the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation caps household income at R700,000 per year, while others may use different thresholds. Generally, the lower your household income, the stronger your application.
Field of Study and Institution
The majority of StudyTrust bursaries fund full-time students at South African public universities and universities of technology in critical and scarce skills fields. A limited number are also available for TVET and agricultural college students. The Study Trust bursary requirements prioritise fields such as engineering, information technology, computer science, commerce, accounting, actuarial science, finance, mathematics, natural sciences, education, and law. Some sponsors fund specific qualifications — Investec focuses on Commerce, Business Science, Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Commercial LLB, and Medicine, while Toyota funds computer science, accounting, informatics, marketing, and engineering. Always check the StudyTrust bursaries page for details.
Study Level
Most StudyTrust bursaries are for undergraduate students, particularly those entering first year. However, some sponsors also fund postgraduate studies at Honours or postgraduate diploma level, especially where the qualification is essential for entering a profession (such as accounting or actuarial science). Understanding the Study Trust bursary requirements at your study level is important, as current Grade 12 learners and students who completed Grade 12 within the last 1–3 years are the primary target group.
What Does a StudyTrust Bursary Cover?
The coverage depends on the sponsor, but StudyTrust bursaries fall into three categories. Full-cost bursaries cover tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and sometimes a stipend and laptop — Standard Bank and Investec offer these. Partial-cost bursaries cover approximately 50% of annual costs, requiring students to supplement with NSFAS or a loan. Specific-cost bursaries cover only what the donor specifies. A StudyTrust bursary is a grant — not a loan. However, recruitment bursaries from companies like Standard Bank, Toyota, or Takealot may include a work-back obligation after graduation.
Required Documents
Meeting the Study Trust bursary requirements means having every document ready before you start your application. StudyTrust will not allow you to submit an incomplete application — all required information and supporting documents must be uploaded before submission is possible. Here is what you need:
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Latest academic results — your most recent school report (for Grade 12 learners) or university academic transcript (for current students)
- Official Matric certificate (for applicants who have already completed Grade 12)
- Proof of household income — salary slips of parents or guardians, an affidavit stating unemployment or self-employment income, bank statements if a parent owns a business, SASSA letter showing grants received, or a court letter confirming child support amounts
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter from your tertiary institution
- A clear head-and-shoulders photograph of yourself
- Completed essay questions — the online application form includes essay prompts that form part of your profile, which is shown to potential sponsors
Every document must be clearly legible. Blurry scans or uncertified copies can disqualify your application. StudyTrust reminds applicants that a bursary represents an investment of up to half a million rand, so sponsors look for evidence that your application is completed with care.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The application process for the Study Trust bursary requirements is fully online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the StudyTrust Website: Go to studytrust.org.za and click on the “Apply Now” or “Bursary Applications” tab.
- Register an Account: Enter your email address and personal information to create your application profile. You have 14 days from registration to complete and submit your application.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in every section, including personal details, academic history, financial information, and field of study. Select your preferred bursary, but StudyTrust will consider you for all opportunities you qualify for.
- Answer the Essay Questions: Take your time with these. Your answers form the profile that sponsors review. Write thoughtfully, check your spelling, and capitalise names correctly.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Upload certified copies of all required documents. The system will not allow submission until all uploads are complete.
- Submit: Review everything one final time and submit your application before the closing date.
StudyTrust accepts only ONE application per student for all bursaries in its portfolio. Your single application covers every sponsor you qualify for.
Application Closing Date
The Study Trust bursary requirements include strict adherence to the application deadline. For most bursaries, the closing date is 30 September each year for funding in the following academic year. Some sponsors have slightly different deadlines (the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation closes on 5 October), so always check the specific bursary page. Applications open from around May each year, and shortlisted candidates typically receive offers between December and January. For the 2027 academic year, aim to submit by 30 September 2026. Do not wait until the last day — the portal can experience high traffic near the deadline.
How Are Applicants Selected?
StudyTrust receives thousands of applications each year and verifies all data. Meeting the Study Trust bursary requirements is just the first step — the selection process involves several more stages. StudyTrust creates shortlists based on each sponsor’s criteria. Shortlisted candidates may then complete psychometric testing, interviews, or additional assessments. Final selection is based on academic potential, financial need, study programme, and alignment with the sponsor’s skills development goals. Once selected, a binding contract is drawn up between the student and the funder, outlining expected academic standards, funding conditions, and any work-back obligations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting inaccurate information. StudyTrust’s system blocks incomplete submissions, but rushed or incorrect entries weaken your application.
- Uploading blurry, uncertified, or outdated documents. Every copy must be clear and legible.
- Ignoring the essay questions. Sponsors assess your motivation through these — generic responses weaken your application significantly.
- Applying for a field of study that is not funded. Check which qualifications each sponsor supports.
- Missing the 30 September deadline. Late applications are not accepted.
- Not providing accurate proof of household income. Incomplete financial documentation can disqualify you immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for more than one StudyTrust bursary?
You only need to submit one application. StudyTrust automatically matches your profile against every bursary and scholarship in its portfolio. You can indicate your first and second preferred sponsor, but you will be considered for all opportunities you qualify for based on the Study Trust bursary requirements.
Are TVET college students eligible?
Yes, a limited number of bursaries within the StudyTrust portfolio fund full-time TVET college students. However, the majority of opportunities — and the core Study Trust bursary requirements — focus on university and university of technology students studying in scarce skills fields.
Do I have to pay the bursary back?
No. StudyTrust bursaries are grants, not loans. This is one of the most appealing aspects of the Study Trust bursary requirements — you receive funding without a repayment obligation. However, some recruitment bursaries from corporate sponsors like Standard Bank, Toyota, or Takealot include a work-back agreement. This means you commit to working for the sponsor company for a set period after graduation. The terms are clearly outlined in your bursary contract.
Can I apply if I already receive NSFAS funding?
Yes, you can apply. StudyTrust encourages applicants to apply for multiple funding sources, including NSFAS, to broaden their chances. However, some individual sponsors may have rules about dual funding, so read the specific eligibility criteria carefully.
How do I check the status of my application?
Log into your StudyTrust profile to check for updates. StudyTrust communicates key information via email. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted for further assessments. The review process takes several weeks, so be patient.
Who do I contact for more information?
Contact StudyTrust at Tel: 011 403-1632 x 200 or Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za. The official website is www.studytrust.org.za. Grade 12 learners can also use the Pace Career Centre resources on the StudyTrust website for career guidance.
Final Thoughts
The Study Trust bursary requirements are designed to identify South Africa’s brightest students who need financial support to reach their potential. With a single online application, you gain access to bursaries from some of the country’s most respected companies and foundations — covering tuition, accommodation, textbooks, meals, and even mentorship. The key is preparation: gather your documents early, invest real effort into your essay answers, ensure your academic record is strong, and submit well before the 30 September deadline. Visit studytrust.org.za, start your application, and take the first step toward a fully funded education.