2 Bursaries to Apply for Before October 2026
South African students looking for 2027 bursary funding have two opportunities to consider before October.
The Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027 closes on 3 October 2026, while the Nkangala District Municipality Bursary 2027 closes on 30 October 2026 at 13:30.
Students who meet the requirements should review the eligibility criteria and prepare their supporting documents early rather than waiting until the final day.
Quick Overview
| Bursary | Study Focus | Location | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027 | ICT and related fields | Western Cape | 3 October 2026 |
| Nkangala District Municipality Bursary 2027 | Multiple undergraduate fields | Mpumalanga | 30 October 2026 at 13:30 |
1. Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027
The Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027 is aimed at qualifying South African female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who want to study ICT or a related field.
The programme supports eligible students at selected universities in the Western Cape.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be female.
- Be between 18 and 27 years old.
- Come from a previously disadvantaged background.
- Reside in the Western Cape.
- Be in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Be studying or intending to study towards a Bachelor’s Degree in ICT or a related field.
- Study or plan to study at UCT, UWC, CPUT or Stellenbosch University.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have a strong academic record and academic potential.
Universities Covered
The bursary supports students at:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Stellenbosch University
Fields of Study
Priority is given to ICT and related programmes, including:
- Information and Communication Technology
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Other related fields
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The programme provides academic funding and additional support. Reported support includes tuition, accommodation, transport, living needs, mentorship, personal guidance and health and wellness support.
A specific monthly stipend is not confirmed, so applicants should not assume a fixed monthly cash payment.
Closing Date
3 October 2026
Students should complete the application before the closing date.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the prescribed application form and submit the required supporting documents through the online application process.
Apply for the Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027
2. Nkangala District Municipality Bursary 2027
The Nkangala District Municipality Bursary 2027 is available to qualifying South African students residing within the Nkangala District Municipality area in Mpumalanga.
The programme mainly targets undergraduate students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate financial need.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 17 and 35 years old.
- Reside within the Nkangala District Municipality area.
- Come from a historically disadvantaged background.
- Be in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Study or intend to study full-time.
- Pursue an approved undergraduate qualification.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have a total household income of no more than R180,000 per year.
Areas Covered
Eligible applicants must live within one of the following local municipalities:
- Dr JS Moroka
- Emakhazeni
- Emalahleni
- Steve Tshwete
- Thembisile Hani
- Victor Khanye
Fields of Study
The bursary gives preference to:
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Disaster Management
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Information Technology Engineering
- Robotics
- Software Development
- Law
- Mining Engineering
- Regional / Town Planning
- Social Sciences
Academic Requirements
Current university students must have achieved at least a 60% overall average for the 2026 academic year.
TVET college students must have achieved at least a 50% overall average for 2026.
Household Income
The total household income must not exceed:
R180,000 per year.
The bursary does not cover outstanding student debt.
Closing Date
30 October 2026 at 13:30
Late applications will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the prescribed bursary application form and submit it with the required supporting documents at one of the designated municipal offices.
Apply for the Nkangala District Municipality Bursary 2027
Which Bursary Should You Apply For?
The right opportunity depends on your circumstances.
Choose the Metacom Foundation Bursary if you:
- Are a female South African student.
- Are aged 18–27.
- Live in the Western Cape.
- Want to study ICT or a related field.
- Are studying or planning to study at one of the four participating universities.
Consider the Nkangala Bursary if you:
- Live within the Nkangala District Municipality area.
- Are aged 17–35.
- Meet the household-income requirement.
- Want to study one of the listed priority fields.
- Plan to study full-time at a recognised public institution.
Documents to Prepare
Students applying for either opportunity should prepare their documents early.
Depending on the bursary, these may include:
- Certified ID copy
- Matric results or certificate
- Latest academic record
- Proof of household income
- Proof of residence
- Proof of university acceptance
- Completed application form
- Motivational letter
- Additional supporting documents requested by the bursary provider
Important Before You Apply
Check the closing date.
The Metacom bursary closes first, on 3 October 2026.
Check your eligibility.
Meeting the academic requirements alone does not guarantee eligibility. Residency, age, study field and financial circumstances may also matter.
Prepare documents early.
Certified documents and proof of income can take time to obtain.
Don’t submit an incomplete application.
Missing supporting documents can affect your application.
Apply before the deadline.
Avoid waiting until the final hours, particularly where applications require online uploads or physical submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which bursary closes first?
The Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027 closes first on 3 October 2026.
2. When does the Nkangala Bursary close?
The Nkangala District Municipality Bursary 2027 closes on 30 October 2026 at 13:30.
3. Can male students apply for the Metacom bursary?
No. The programme is specifically aimed at qualifying female students.
4. What does the Nkangala Bursary household-income limit mean?
The total household income must not exceed R180,000 per year.
5. Can TVET students apply for the Nkangala Bursary?
Yes. The programme includes qualifying full-time undergraduate studies at recognised public TVET colleges.
6. What does the Metacom Bursary cover?
The programme provides academic funding and additional support, including mentorship and wellbeing assistance. The precise 2027 package should be confirmed before applying.
Youthscope Verification
Article: 2 Bursaries to Apply for Before October 2026
Opportunities: Metacom Foundation Bursary 2027 and Nkangala District Municipality Bursary 2027
Last checked: 2 September 2026
Status: Applications open according to the supplied opportunity information.
Important: Applicants should always verify the latest requirements and application instructions before submitting.
Editorial Information
Author: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Reviewer: Youthscope Editorial Team
Published: 2 September 2026
Updated: 2 September 2026
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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