The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027: Undergraduate or Honours
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme aims to provide financing for full-time study to those who are in need, and have the potential to acquire undergraduate or honours qualifications at any South African public university or university of technology.
The aim of the bursary programme is to address South Africa’s scarce-skills shortages, with a specific focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and green economy skills.
What is the green economy?
A green economy approach promotes economic, environmental and social well-being. Green economy skills are from areas of study that focus on improving human well-being and social equity, while also significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
Achieving a green economy involves reducing carbon emissions and pollution, increasing energy and materials efficiency, as well as enhancing our natural capital.
Who can apply for a Nedbank bursary?
You may apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme if you are a South African citizen who intends to pursue an undergraduate or honours degree within the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or green economy development. Successful candidates must have a proven financial need as determined by household income.
Please note: Applicants who completed their grade 12 or senior certificate with Mathematics Literacy will not qualify.
Applications for our 2027 academic year are now open. Applications close 31 August 2026.
To qualify for a bursary you will need to have obtained the following
- An average of 65% in the year that you are applying for the bursary, and for the subjects aligned to the degree you plan to study (applicable to grade 12 or university level students)
- Admission to a South African public university or university of technology for the qualification you require. Your qualification must be within the specified fields of study
- Consent from a legal parent or guardian, and proof of financial need as detailed in the application process that follows
You may download the financial check affidavit here, complete it and make sure that it is signed by all the parties above – then add it to your application.
Documents you will need to submit
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Your most recent Grade 11 final results and your current mid-year results if you are in Grade 12
- Your most recent Grade 12 final results and your current mid-year results if you are in your first year at university
- Your last academic year results and your current mid-year results if you are in your second or third year at university
- A financial check affidavit, which must be signed by you and your parents or guardians
- Your latest 3 months’ bank statements
Parents, legal guardians and all income-earning members of a shortlisted applicant’s household must provide the following.
Supporting documents for your application
- A completed income-and-expenditure statement for the applicant’s combined household income
- Certified copies of each parent or guardian’s ID, most recent payslip, and letter of employment (not older than 3 months)
- Proof of income, home loan account statement, and city or town council rates and taxes statement (not older than 3 months) – if parents or guardians are informal traders or hawkers
- IRP5, IT3 and IT12 forms for the past two years, if parents or guardians are earning commission only
- An official pension slip or bank statement (not older than 3 months) – if parents or guardians receive income in the form of a pension, grant, maintenance, rent, or interest from investments
