Looking for cash to cover tuition, living costs, or that unpaid internship? You’re not alone. Thousands of South African students hunt for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid every year. The good news? There are clear steps you can follow to increase your chances of getting funded.
Start with the places that publish student funding news regularly. University websites often have dedicated scholarship portals where you can filter by field of study, level, and residency. Government portals, like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), list bursaries and loans that target low‑income students. Don’t forget private foundations and corporate CSR programs – many companies sponsor students in fields related to their business.
Social media groups and forums focused on South African education are also gold mines. Members share fresh leads, application deadlines, and success stories that can give you a template for your own application.
1. Read the criteria carefully. If a scholarship is for STEM students, highlighting unrelated extracurriculars won’t help. Match your achievements to what the funder values.
2. Craft a personal statement that tells a story. Admissions officers love reading about a challenge you faced, how you overcame it, and how the funding will help you achieve a concrete goal.
3. Gather strong references. Choose teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your work ethic and potential.
4. Proofread everything. Typos or formatting errors can make an otherwise solid application look sloppy.
5. Apply early. Many programs use a rolling admissions process, so the sooner you submit, the better your odds.
Remember, persistence pays off. Even if you get rejected, use the feedback to improve future applications. Keep a spreadsheet of deadlines, required documents, and contact info so nothing slips through the cracks.
Finally, consider alternative funding routes like part‑time work, freelance gigs, or crowdfunding platforms that let you share your story with a wider audience. Combining several small streams often covers the gap left by scholarships alone.
With the right research and a solid application, you can turn the dream of a funded internship or degree into reality. Start today, stay organized, and watch the opportunities roll in.
NSFAS staff in Cape Town began a three-day picket on July 30, accusing management of mismanagement, corruption and stalled wage talks. Nehawu warns the action could escalate to a full strike if no deal is reached. Workers say delays in payments are hurting low‑income students who rely on NSFAS. The scheme has been under administration since last year after a series of operational failures.