The SANAS bursary is the External Bursary Programme run by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). The 2026 round was aimed at unemployed South African youth who are committed to advancing their education. It closed on Friday, 30 January 2026 at 16:30.
Before you plan around this bursary, check the SANAS website or email the HR Department to ask whether a 2027 round is planned.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
The official 2026 advert sets out one eligibility requirement in plain terms.
- You must be an unemployed South African youth who is committed to advancing your education.
The advert does not name a field of study, a minimum mathematics or science result, or an institution list. Do not assume the bursary is limited to science or technical fields. If you want to know whether your course qualifies, ask SANAS before you apply.
Income and Affordability Requirements
SANAS funds tuition only. For the 2026 academic year the caps were:
- National Diploma or Degree: up to R50 000
- Honours or Postgraduate Diploma: up to R70 000
Because the programme covers tuition only, plan how you will pay for other costs yourself. The advert does not publish a household income threshold. Ask SANAS whether one applies.
Credit and Financial Requirements
The advert does not list any credit-record or repayment criteria. If SANAS attaches a funding agreement or any obligation to an award, ask for those terms in writing before you accept.
Documents and Verification Required
You must submit the SANAS Bursary Application Form together with the required supporting documentation. The advert does not list the supporting documents, and incomplete applications are not considered.
Ask for the application form and the full document list from SANAS at [email protected] before you assemble your application, and do not use forms from third-party sites.
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Applications are made by email. You send the completed Bursary Application Form and the required supporting documents to [email protected]. Enquiries go to the HR Department; the 2026 advert names Ms Lesedi Aphiri as the contact. Read the official 2026 advert and check the SANAS website for any new round.
To be ready when a round opens:
- Ask SANAS HR now whether a 2027 round is planned and when it is expected.
- Keep your ID, academic records and proof of registration or acceptance at your institution ready to scan.
- Submit one complete application well before the closing time, since incomplete applications are not considered.
- Keep other funding options open, such as NSFAS requirements and the general bursary requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SANAS bursary open now?
No. The 2026 round closed on 30 January 2026. Contact SANAS HR to ask whether a later round will be advertised.
Who can apply for the SANAS bursary?
The 2026 programme was aimed at unemployed South African youth committed to advancing their education.
How much does the SANAS bursary pay?
For 2026 it covered tuition only: up to R50 000 for a National Diploma or Degree and up to R70 000 for Honours or a Postgraduate Diploma.
How do I apply for the SANAS bursary?
Email the Bursary Application Form and the required supporting documents to [email protected] by the closing date. Incomplete applications are not considered.
Does the SANAS bursary only fund science courses?
The official advert does not restrict the field of study. Confirm with SANAS whether your course qualifies.
Confirm whether a round is open, and its criteria and documents, with the SANAS HR Department. See loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.