5 Bursaries Still Open for 2027 With Deadlines Closing 31 October 2026
- A TikToker shared a list of 2027 bursaries still accepting applications after the September deadline passed
- The bursaries cover fields including science, engineering, accounting, humanities and health safety for South African students
- Several options target students who earn too much for NSFAS but still cannot afford university fees
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Source: TikTok
A TikToker known as @africantechbro.ai posted a video on 6 October 2026 reassuring South African students that missing September bursary deadlines was not the end of the road. The clip highlighted five funding opportunities still open for 2027, with several closing at the end of October.
The video quickly gained traction among students anxious about funding for the upcoming academic year.
Bursaries still open for 2027
The Tiso Foundation Undergraduate Bursary is one of the options on the list. It funds undergraduate degrees and national diplomas and is open to students already enrolled at university, not just first-years. Applicants need a minimum average of 65% to qualify, and the deadline is 8 October 2026.
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The Motsepe Foundation STEAM Bursary covers science, technology, engineering, accounting, mathematics and selected humanities fields. According to the University of Cape Town's bursary notice board, applications close on 16 October 2026.
ISFAP, the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme, targets the so-called "missing middle": students whose household income is too high to qualify for NSFAS but who still cannot afford university on their own. It supports eligible students in high-demand fields at participating institutions. The 2027 application deadline is 31 October 2026.
The JDK Benefit Trust Bursary is aimed at South African students between the ages of 17 and 21 who are in matric or have already completed it. It covers accounting, economics, human resources, logistics, management, sciences, marketing and health and safety. The bursary is fully funded and includes skills development support, with applications closing 31 October 2026.
NSFAS applications are also currently open until 31 October 2026 for eligible students.
View the TikTok video below:
Mzansi students react to the bursary list
The video on the page drew hundreds of responses from students with questions and concerns:
@vel.vet_scene asked:
"Is it possible to still apply with an average of 65%? 😭"
@moonface809 warned:
"ISFAP won't take you. You will wait until June, they will promise you a bursary until they say 'after careful consideration' and it's already June and you're in school."
@Lakanya💋 ᥫ᭡ wrote:
"Can we please have more bursaries for private institutions."
@𝓦𝓲𝓼𝓪𝓪𝓵 ᥫ᭡ said:
"How do I apply for ISFAP bursary? It's so confusing and it keeps redirecting me to different bursaries/websites."
@Two Steps Verification 🇿🇦 noted:
"ISFAP says applications are closed, why?"
@SneKP asked:
"Quick question: if I'm in university but I'm applying for first year in another degree, should I apply with my Grade 12 results?"
@Bekithemba Mbanjwa added:
"Any bursary that covers teaching, besides Funza Lushaka?"
More Briefly News stories on bursaries
- A UCT graduate has shared five bursaries closing on 30 September 2026, including funding from Amazon, Toyota, National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank.
- Find out how to apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary in 2027, a financial aid scheme for college and university students pursuing teaching-related courses.
- Researcher Bertus Preller exposes South Africa’s R1bn school rugby recruitment system, bursary bidding wars and psychological risks for teenagers amid code calls.
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Source: Briefly News
