Apply for Nedbank External Bursaries 2027: A Practical Guide for South African Students

For thousands of South African students, the dream of studying at university is often challenged by financial barriers. With tuition fees, accommodation costs, learning materials, and living expenses continuing to rise, bursary opportunities remain one of the most important pathways to higher education.

Nedbank has officially opened applications for its External Bursary Programme 2027, offering financial support to academically deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who want to pursue studies in high-demand sectors. The programme focuses heavily on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications, while also placing significant emphasis on emerging green economy careers.

Applications close on 31 August 2026, and successful candidates will study at South African public universities and universities of technology.

Why the Nedbank Bursary Matters in 2027

South Africa continues to face shortages in critical technical and scientific skills. At the same time, industries linked to sustainability, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and environmental management are expanding rapidly.

The Nedbank External Bursary Programme is designed to respond directly to these economic realities by funding qualifications aligned with future workforce demands. According to Nedbank, the initiative aims to support students who have the academic potential to succeed but lack the financial means to complete tertiary education.

The programme also reflects growing interest in “green economy” development — a field focused on reducing environmental risks while promoting economic and social well-being. This includes efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and support sustainable development across industries.

Which Fields of Study Are Covered?

The bursary covers a broad range of qualifications linked to scarce skills and future-focused industries.

Science Qualifications

Students pursuing science-related degrees can apply in areas such as:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Biological Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences

Technology Qualifications

Technology remains one of the programme’s strongest focus areas. Supported qualifications include:

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Software Development
• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence

Engineering Disciplines

Engineering students are also strongly encouraged to apply. Fields covered include:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering

Mathematics and Statistical Sciences

The bursary also supports highly analytical disciplines such as:

• Actuarial Science
• Statistics
• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Sciences

Green Economy Qualifications

One of the defining features of the 2027 bursary programme is its emphasis on sustainability and environmental innovation. Supported green economy fields include:

• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Environmental Management
• Climate Science
• Sustainable Development
• Conservation Management
• Water Resource Engineering
• Energy Management
• Sustainable Agriculture

This reflects a broader shift in South Africa’s education and employment landscape, where sustainability-related careers are becoming increasingly important.

Who Can Apply?

The bursary is specifically targeted at South African citizens studying full-time at public higher education institutions.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Have a valid South African ID
• Intend studying full-time
• Study at a South African public university or university of technology
• Achieve a minimum average of 65%
• Demonstrate financial need

One of the most important conditions relates to mathematics performance.

Mathematics Literacy Will Not Qualify

Nedbank has clearly stated that applicants who completed Grade 12 using Mathematical Literacy instead of pure Mathematics will not qualify for the programme.

This requirement reflects the technical nature of most supported qualifications, particularly in STEM and engineering-related disciplines.

Academic Requirements by Study Level

The bursary application process differs slightly depending on the student’s current level of study.

Grade 12 Learners

Current matric learners must submit:

• Grade 11 final results
• Grade 12 mid-year results

First-Year University Students

First-year students are required to provide:

• Grade 12 final results
• Current university mid-year results

Second- and Third-Year Students

Students already progressing through university must submit:

• Previous academic year final results
• Current academic year mid-year results

These requirements help Nedbank assess academic consistency and readiness for higher-level study.

Financial Need Is a Major Requirement

Unlike merit-only bursaries, the Nedbank External Bursary Programme places strong emphasis on financial need.

Applicants must submit supporting financial documentation, including:

• Financial check affidavit
• Three months’ bank statements
• Parent or guardian income documents
• Payslips or proof of grants or pension where applicable

According to programme details, shortlisted candidates may also be asked to provide additional household income documentation and undergo further financial verification.

What the Bursary Covers

Successful applicants may receive support for:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Study-related expenses
• Academic support
• Development opportunities

The programme therefore goes beyond simple tuition funding by helping students manage the broader costs associated with tertiary education.

The Selection Process Explained

The application process involves several stages.

After applications are submitted:

1. Applications are screened against the qualifying criteria
2. Shortlisted candidates may attend virtual interviews
3. Psychometric testing and assessments may be conducted
4. Final selections are reviewed by the Nedbank Educational Trust

All applicants will later be informed of the outcome once the recruitment process is complete.

How to Apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027

Students interested in applying should prepare all required documents before beginning the online process.

Documents Required

Applicants should gather:

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Proof of admission or acceptance
• Academic records and results
• Updated CV (if applicable)
• Financial documentation proving need

Online Application Process

Applications are submitted online through Nedbank’s official bursary portal.

Before submitting, applicants should carefully review:

• Academic results
• Certified documentation
• Financial affidavits
• Supporting household income documents

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Important Deadline

The closing date for applications is:

31 August 2026

Late submissions are unlikely to be accepted, making early preparation essential.

Click here to apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027

Why STEM and Green Economy Funding Is Expanding

The focus on STEM and green economy skills is part of a broader transformation occurring within South Africa’s economy and labour market.

Fields such as renewable energy, data science, AI, cybersecurity, and climate management are expected to become increasingly important over the next decade. Governments, banks, and private-sector institutions are therefore investing more heavily in educational pipelines that can produce skilled graduates in these sectors.

Nedbank’s programme aligns with this long-term trend by supporting qualifications linked to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

A Growing Opportunity for South African Students

The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 arrives at a critical time for many students navigating rising education costs and limited funding opportunities.

For academically strong learners with financial challenges, the programme offers more than financial assistance. It creates access to careers in industries that are expected to shape South Africa’s future economy — from engineering and data science to renewable energy and climate sustainability.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to begin preparing their documents well ahead of the August deadline, particularly because financial verification and academic documentation requirements are extensive.

As competition for bursaries continues to intensify across South Africa, programmes like this remain among the most significant opportunities available for ambitious students pursuing scarce and future-focused skills.