The Standard Bank Group Bursary Fund is administered by StudyTrust. Undergraduates need a 65% average in their latest exams, must be registered full-time and must need funding from their second year; postgraduates up to Master’s level need a 65% average at a public South African institution. Details are on the StudyTrust Standard Bank page.
The application season runs from 1 June to 30 September each year, and the 2026 window has now closed. Applications must be completed before 30 September to be considered for the following year. See finance and funding requirements for other funding options.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
- Undergraduate: on track to complete first year, with funding needed from second year.
- Latest exam average of 65%.
- Full-time registration; postgraduates at a public South African institution, up to Master’s level.
- A formal assessment, made up of a psychometric test and an interview.
Financial need is considered. Because funding starts from second year, this is not a bursary for school leavers.
Funded fields include agriculture, commerce, engineering, mathematics, statistics, technology and science areas such as actuarial, analytics, business, computer, data and information, as well as behavioural economics disciplines. StudyTrust does not state a Maths or citizenship requirement on this page, so confirm both with StudyTrust.
Income and Affordability Requirements
You upload proof of your combined household income as part of the application. StudyTrust’s page states no household income limit, so do not assume a cut-off; ask StudyTrust how need is assessed.
Credit and Financial Requirements
StudyTrust’s page states no credit check or credit requirement. The bursary is full-cost: fees, accommodation, meals, books and study materials, a laptop, a monthly living stipend and four bus tickets a year.
Documents and Verification Required
- Proof of combined household income, uploaded with the application.
StudyTrust does not list further documents on its page, so check the application portal for what it asks you to upload, and confirm with StudyTrust.
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Apply through the Standard Bank Group Bursary programme on StudyTrust. Standard Bank’s how we hire bursary page confirms applications open from June to the end of September each year. The next window is expected 1 June to 30 September; confirm the exact dates for the coming year with StudyTrust.
Before then, keep your exam results above 65%, collect your household income proof and prepare for the psychometric test and interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which qualifications are funded?
Commerce, engineering, mathematics, statistics, technology, agriculture, the listed science areas and behavioural economics disciplines. Courses outside these fields are not listed.
Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy?
StudyTrust’s page states no Maths requirement. Confirm the subject requirements for your chosen course with StudyTrust and your institution.
Is there a work-back obligation?
Beneficiaries must work for Standard Bank if they receive an offer of employment after graduating. The page states no fixed work-back period.
Is the bursary means-tested?
Financial need is considered and you upload proof of combined household income. No income limit is published.
Is the 2026 application still open?
No. The season ended on 30 September. Applications completed in the season are considered for the following year.
What are Standard Bank fiduciary services?
Not part of the bursary. Standard Trust offers wills, trusts and estate administration; see the estate administration page.
Confirm all details with StudyTrust. See loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.