South African students have several bursary opportunities to consider for the 2027 academic year, with three programmes highlighted in this guide sharing the same 31 August 2026 closing date.

The opportunities are offered by Impala Platinum Refineries, the South African Road Federation (SARF), and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) through the Thuthuka Bursary Fund.

Each programme targets a different group of students. The Implats Bursary is aimed at current Matric learners planning to study selected engineering and science degrees. SARF supports undergraduate and postgraduate students studying fields connected to the road transport sector. SAICA Thuthuka focuses on qualifying students pursuing an approved accounting pathway towards Chartered Accountancy.

Because the requirements and funding arrangements differ significantly, applicants should read the individual sections carefully before applying.

Quick Comparison: 3 Bursaries Closing 31 August 2026

Bursary	Main Target	Study Areas	Funding	Closing Date
Implats Bursary 2027	Current Matric learners	Engineering and Chemistry	Tuition, accommodation, study materials and development support	31 August 2026
SARF Bursary 2027	Undergraduate & postgraduate students	Road transport and engineering	Partial bursary; value based on need and Council decision	31 August 2026
SAICA Thuthuka 2027	Eligible Matric and accounting students	Accounting / Chartered Accountancy	Tuition, books, meals, residence/accommodation and development support	31 August 2026

1. Implats Bursary Programme 2027

About the Implats Bursary

Impala Platinum Refineries is offering bursary opportunities to qualifying South African learners who are currently in Matric and intend to study selected NQF Level 7 degree qualifications in 2027.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to learners interested in engineering, chemistry and careers connected to the platinum-processing industry.

The programme can provide financial support for tuition, accommodation and study materials, together with skills-development opportunities. Successful recipients may also participate in December/January vacation work at the Refineries.

Implats Bursary Overview

Organisation: Impala Platinum Refineries
Programme: Implats Bursary Programme 2027
Academic Year: 2027
Study Level: NQF Level 7 degree
Target Group: Current Matric learners
Citizenship: South African
Location: South Africa
Minimum Grade 11 Mathematics: 60% / Level 5
Minimum Grade 11 English: 60% / Level 5
Minimum Grade 11 Physical Science: 60% / Level 5
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Application Method: Online

Implats Fields of Study

The bursary supports:

• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Electrical Engineering, preferably Heavy Current
• Mechanical Engineering

What Implats Covers

The bursary provides financial support for:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Study materials
• Skills development

Recipients may also participate in December/January vacation work at the Refineries.

Implats’ official website provides information about its operations and company activities.

Implats Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Currently be in Matric.
• Intend to study an approved NQF Level 7 degree.
• Achieve at least 60% / Level 5 in Grade 11 Mathematics.
• Achieve at least 60% / Level 5 in Grade 11 English.
• Achieve at least 60% / Level 5 in Grade 11 Physical Science.

Preference is given to applicants from Eastern Ekurhuleni, Ward 72 and schools surrounding the operation.

Implats Documents

Prepare:

• Certified ID copy
• Grade 11 final results
• Conditional university acceptance letter
• CV
• Proof of residence

Implats Application

Applications are submitted online through the Implats recruitment platform.

Application: Implats Bursary Programme 2027

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

2. SARF Bursary Programme 2027

About the SARF Bursary

The South African Road Federation (SARF) offers study bursaries to qualifying students whose studies are connected to the road transport sector.

The programme is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students, although preference may be given to students studying at advanced postgraduate levels.

Unlike some fully funded bursaries, SARF describes its support as a partial bursary. The final value is determined according to the student’s financial need and the SARF Council’s decision. SARF’s official website confirms that it offers bursaries to suitably qualified individuals pursuing further education or training.

SARF Bursary Overview

Organisation: South African Road Federation
Programme: SARF Study Bursary 2027
Academic Year: 2027
Study Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Funding Type: Partial bursary
Bursary Value: Determined according to financial need and SARF Council decision
Location: South Africa
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Application Method: Hand delivery or post

SARF Fields of Study

Relevant areas include:

• Road Safety Engineering
• Road Transport Economics
• Road Transport Management
• Civil Engineering
• Traffic Engineering
• Bridge Engineering
• Pavement Engineering
• Transportation Planning
• Construction Management
• Construction Materials
• Storm Water
• Environmental studies related to road engineering
• Other relevant road engineering disciplines

SARF Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Study a qualification related to the road transport sector.
• Attend a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Obtain endorsement from the appropriate academic authority.
• Intend to work in the South African road transport industry after graduation.

Preference is given to South African residents, although SADC applicants may also apply.

Academic Progress

National Diploma students: Must have passed their first-semester examinations.

Degree students: Must have passed their first-year examinations.

Preference may be given to advanced postgraduate students, including MTech and MSc candidates.

Full-time students are preferred, although part-time and distance-learning students may also apply.

SARF Bursary Documents

Applicants should submit:

• Certified ID copy
• Certified Grade 11 year-end results
• Certified Matric certificate
• Most recent tertiary academic results on official institutional letterhead
• Completed SARF Bursary Application Form
• Required academic endorsement

SARF Bursary Application

The application is submitted by hand delivery or post.

Hand Delivery:

South African Road Federation
48 Gladiator Street
Rhodesfield
Kempton Park
1619

Post:

South African Road Federation
P.O. Box 8379
Birchleigh
1621

Application Form: SARF Study Bursary Application

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

The SARF official application page provides access to its study bursary application process.

3. SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027

About the Thuthuka Bursary

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) offers the Thuthuka Bursary to qualifying students who want to pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant.

The programme supports eligible students studying approved accounting qualifications at participating universities in South Africa.

SAICA’s official eligibility information confirms that applicants must be South African citizens, Black African or Coloured, and either currently in Grade 12, have completed Matric within the previous two years, or be a university student studying a CA-stream BCom degree.

Thuthuka Bursary Overview

Organisation: South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
Programme: Thuthuka Bursary 2027
Academic Year: 2027
Career Path: Chartered Accountancy
Study Level: Approved undergraduate accounting qualifications and specified postgraduate pathways
Location: South Africa
Family Income Limit: Maximum R350,000 per year
Minimum Grade 11 Mathematics: 60% / Level 5
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Application Method: Online

The official Thuthuka application portal confirms that applications for the 2027 academic year close on 31 August 2026.

Thuthuka Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be Black African or Coloured.
• Come from a disadvantaged background.
• Currently be in Matric or have completed Matric within the last two years.
• Have at least 60% / Level 5 for Grade 11 Mathematics.
• Not have used Mathematics Literacy or Technical Mathematics instead of Mathematics.
• Intend to study an approved qualification.
• Have applied or be applying to a participating university.
• Have a combined family income of no more than R350,000 per annum.
• Have written or must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) before the closing date.

Thuthuka Fields of Study

Approved programmes include selected accounting qualifications at universities such as:

• Nelson Mandela University
• University of the Free State
• University of Johannesburg
• Stellenbosch University
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• University of Pretoria
• University of Cape Town
• North-West University
• University of the Witwatersrand
• Rhodes University
• University of Fort Hare
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Limpopo

Applicants should verify the exact qualification and course code before applying.

What Thuthuka Covers

The bursary may cover:

• Tuition fees
• Books
• Meals
• Residence fees
• Accommodation

The programme also offers additional support, including:

• Academic enrichment
• Tutorials
• Study-skills workshops
• Social and emotional support
• Work-readiness training
• Life-skills training
• Mentoring
• Counselling
• Programme management
• Exposure to Chartered Accountants and business leaders

The official Thuthuka portal confirms that successful applicants sign contracts with the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund and NSFAS, while selection considers academic performance, NBT results and financial need.

Thuthuka Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Certified ID
• Certified Grade 11 final results
• Latest Matric results, where applicable
• Final Matric results, where applicable
• University provisional acceptance or registration
• Full university academic record, where applicable
• Parents’ or guardians’ certified ID documents
• Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income
• Latest payslips, where applicable
• Affidavit where a parent or guardian is unemployed
• IDs or birth certificates for other household dependants
• Signed Thuthuka Consent Form

The official Thuthuka portal states that an application remains incomplete if the consent form is not signed or required documents are not uploaded.

Thuthuka Application

Apply online: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

Consent Form: Download the Thuthuka Consent Form

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

SAICA also provides an official application information page with the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Which Bursary Is Best for You?

The right opportunity depends on your current study level and career plans.

If you are currently in Matric and want Engineering or Chemistry

The Implats Bursary 2027 is the strongest match if you meet its Grade 11 subject requirements and want to study Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

If you are already studying Road Transport or Engineering

The SARF Bursary 2027 may be suitable if your qualification relates directly to the road transport sector and you meet its academic progression requirements.

If you want to become a Chartered Accountant

The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 is specifically designed for qualifying students pursuing an approved accounting pathway towards Chartered Accountancy.

Important: These Bursaries Have Different Requirements

Applicants should not assume that meeting the requirements for one programme means they qualify for all three.

For example:

• Implats requires current Matric status and specific Grade 11 subject marks.
• SARF primarily targets students already progressing through tertiary studies in road transport-related disciplines.
• Thuthuka has specific citizenship, demographic, academic, financial and NBT requirements.

Read the relevant section carefully before submitting an application.

How to Apply Before 31 August 2026

With all three opportunities carrying a 31 August 2026 closing date, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.

A practical application checklist is:

• Identify which bursary matches your qualification and career goal.
• Check the eligibility requirements.
• Prepare your ID and academic documents.
• Obtain certified copies where required.
• Prepare proof of residence or financial documents where required.
• Confirm university admission or application status where applicable.
• Complete any required tests, including the NBT for Thuthuka applicants.
• Complete the correct application form or online application.
• Check every uploaded document.
• Submit before 31 August 2026.
• Keep proof of your submission.

Salary / Stipend

These are bursary programmes rather than employment opportunities, so applicants should not expect a conventional salary.

• Implats: Tuition, accommodation and study materials are supported; a specific monthly stipend is not disclosed in the supplied information.
• SARF: Partial bursary; value determined according to financial need and SARF Council decision.
• Thuthuka: Supports listed study expenses including tuition, books, meals and residence/accommodation; a separate monthly stipend is not specified in the supplied information.

Expert Guidance

Career expert YouthScope Editorial Team advises applicants to choose the bursary that most closely matches their academic programme and career goal rather than applying based only on the availability of funding.

Before submitting, check every eligibility requirement carefully. Prepare certified documents early, verify university admission information and make sure application forms are fully completed.

For online applications, save a copy of your completed submission and confirmation. For postal or hand-delivered applications such as SARF, allow sufficient time for the documents to reach the organisation before the deadline.

Most importantly, use the official application channels and never pay an individual who claims they can guarantee bursary approval.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which three bursaries close on 31 August 2026?

The opportunities covered in this guide are the Implats Bursary 2027, SARF Bursary 2027 and SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027.

Can Matric learners apply for all three?

No. Each bursary has different eligibility rules. Implats specifically targets current Matric learners, while SARF primarily supports students already studying road transport-related qualifications. Thuthuka accepts eligible Matric learners and certain current university students.

Which bursary supports engineering?

Implats supports Chemical, Metallurgical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. SARF supports road-related engineering disciplines such as Civil, Traffic, Bridge and Pavement Engineering.

Which bursary is for Chartered Accountancy?

The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary is specifically intended for students pursuing the pathway towards becoming Chartered Accountants.

Which bursary has a R350,000 family-income limit?

The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary has a combined family income requirement of no more than R350,000 per annum.

Which bursary has a 60% Mathematics requirement?

Both Implats and SAICA Thuthuka specify a minimum of 60% / Level 5 in Grade 11 Mathematics. Thuthuka specifically excludes Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics.

Is SARF a fully funded bursary?

No. SARF describes its funding as a partial bursary, with the value determined according to financial need and the SARF Council’s decision.

When do applications close?

All three opportunities covered in this guide have a stated closing date of 31 August 2026. Applicants should submit well before the deadline.

Disclaimer

Youthscope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official employers and organisations to help South Africans access career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees.

Information and requirements can change. Applicants should always verify the latest details on the relevant organisation’s official website before submitting an application.

Opportunity Verification

Opportunity Verification

• Published by: YouthScope Editorial Team
• Last Updated: 25 August 2026
• Information Sources: Official organisation websites and current bursary information
• Status: Reviewed for accuracy

YouthScope shares career information to help South Africans discover opportunities. Applicants should confirm final details with the relevant organisation before applying.