By the jobsspace editorial team | Last updated: October 2026

Technology skills are in demand across almost every sector of the South African economy. Banks, telecoms companies, insurers, retailers, government departments and software firms all compete for graduates who can build systems, analyse data and protect networks. To secure that talent early, many of them fund students through bursaries that can cover tuition, accommodation, books, a laptop and living costs.

This guide explains who offers IT and computer science bursaries, what funders look for, which qualifications they support, how to apply step by step, how to strengthen your application, and how to avoid scams.

Quick answer: Most IT bursaries require good marks in mathematics, admission to an accredited IT or computer science programme and a willingness to work for the funder after graduating. Apply early, show practical interest in technology and never pay a fee to apply.

Qualifications That IT Bursaries Support

Funders support a range of qualifications, so choose the one that fits your interests and career goals.

Qualification	Where you study	Typical length	Focus	Typical careers
BSc in Computer Science	Universities	3 to 4 years	Programming, algorithms, software engineering, data and AI	Software developer, data scientist, systems architect
BSc in Information Technology	Universities and private institutions	3 to 4 years	Applied computing, systems, networks and databases	Developer, network administrator, IT analyst
BCom in Information Systems or Informatics	Universities	3 to 4 years	Technology applied to business problems	Business analyst, systems analyst, IT consultant
BEng in Computer or Electrical Engineering	Universities	4 years	Hardware, embedded systems and software	Engineer, systems designer, telecoms specialist
Diploma or Bachelor of Technology in ICT	Universities of technology	3 to 4 years	Practical IT skills and workplace training	Support specialist, developer, network technician
Honours and postgraduate programmes	Universities	1 to 2 years	Specialisation in fields such as data science, cybersecurity or AI	Analyst, specialist, researcher

Important: Check that the institution is a public university or a registered private institution and that the qualification is accredited and listed on the SAQA register. Some funders only support specific institutions or programmes, so read the bursary details carefully.

Technology Fields Funders Care About

Funders target disciplines that match their business needs. Common focus areas include the following.

• Software development: Web, mobile and enterprise applications
• Data science and analytics: Data analysis, machine learning and business intelligence
• Artificial intelligence: Machine learning and automation
• Cybersecurity: Protecting systems, networks and personal information
• Cloud computing and infrastructure: Cloud platforms, servers and networking
• Information systems and business analysis: Linking technology to business needs
• Telecommunications and networks: Mobile networks, fibre and wireless systems
• Digital transformation and fintech: Banking technology, payments and digital services

Funders sometimes prioritise fields where they face skills shortages, so look at which areas match the sector you want to join.

Who Offers IT Bursaries?

Funders include banks, telecoms operators, insurers, technology companies, government entities and research bodies. Examples of organisations that have offered IT-related bursaries or student funding in recent years include Telkom, Vodacom, MTN, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, FirstRand group companies, Capitec, Discovery, Old Mutual, Sanlam, NTT Data, Accenture, IBM, Huawei and government entities such as SITA and the CSIR. Each organisation decides each year whether to run a bursary programme, which fields to fund and when applications open, so always confirm on the official website.

Other funding sources include:

• NSFAS: For eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges. Check the current eligibility rules on the NSFAS website.
• MICT SETA and related SETAs: The media, information and communication technologies SETA funds study and skills programmes in the sector. Check its website for current opportunities.
• University bursaries: Computer science and IT departments sometimes receive industry sponsorship, and universities offer merit and need-based awards.
• Provincial and municipal funding: Some provinces and municipalities fund IT study to support digital skills in their areas.
• Programmes for particular groups: Some funders run programmes aimed at increasing participation by women in technology or students from under-resourced schools. Check each advertisement for its criteria.

What Does an IT Bursary Cover?

Coverage varies, and a full bursary may include some or all of the following.

• Tuition and registration fees
• Textbooks and software
• A laptop or computer allowance
• Data allowance for online learning
• Accommodation and meal allowances
• Paid vacation work or internships
• Mentorship and career support

Read the advertisement and contract carefully to see exactly what is covered.

What Funders Look For

Criteria differ, but most IT bursaries include the following.

• South African citizenship with a valid ID
• Strong results, particularly in mathematics, often 60 to 70 percent or higher
• A good overall average and a competitive admission points score
• Admission or intended admission to an accredited IT, computer science or related programme
• Financial need, where the bursary is need-based
• Interest and activity in technology, such as coding projects, IT subject results or computer clubs
• Leadership, community involvement and communication skills
• Willingness to work for the funder after graduating

Requirement: Many IT and computer science degrees require pure mathematics, while some information systems programmes and diplomas may accept other subject combinations. Check each university’s admission requirements early, because they differ between institutions and programmes.

Documents You Will Need

1. Certified copy of your South African ID
2. Latest school results, such as Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 trial or final results, or your most recent university results
3. Proof of application or acceptance from your chosen institution
4. Parent or guardian ID copies and proof of income, such as payslips, a SASSA letter or an affidavit
5. Proof of residence
6. A motivation letter explaining why you want to study IT and why you deserve the bursary
7. An updated CV, if requested
8. Certified copies of certificates for competitions, courses, volunteering or leadership roles
9. Links to projects, code repositories or portfolios, if the funder invites them

Scan your documents and save them with clear file names so you can upload them quickly when applications open.

How to Apply: Step by Step

1. Check your subjects and marks. Confirm that you meet the maths and points requirements of the programmes you want.
2. Apply to institutions early. Funders often want proof of application or acceptance, and university deadlines usually come before bursary deadlines.
3. Make a list of bursaries. Record each one’s opening date, closing date, criteria and how to apply.
4. Prepare your documents. Collect certified copies and proof of income well before the deadline.
5. Write a focused motivation letter. Explain what draws you to technology, describe a project or experience that shaped your interest, and say how you plan to use your qualification.
6. Complete each application carefully. Follow the instructions exactly, including file formats and certification dates.
7. Submit before the deadline. Apply at least a week early to avoid website or network problems.
8. Prepare for tests and interviews. Some funders use aptitude tests, logic tests, coding challenges or panel interviews.
9. Apply widely. Apply to every bursary you qualify for, and try again next year if you are unsuccessful.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

• Show real activity in technology. Build a simple website, learn a programming language, make a small app or help your school with IT tasks, and describe what you learned.
• Use free learning resources. Free online courses and coding platforms let you build skills before you reach university.
• Take part in competitions. Computer olympiads, hackathons and coding challenges show initiative.
• Start a portfolio. Keep your projects in one place, such as a code repository or simple website, and share the link if the funder allows.
• Earn a certification. Entry-level certifications show commitment. See our guides to online IT courses and cybersecurity courses on jobsspace.co.za for ideas.
• Highlight leadership and teamwork. Mention roles in school clubs, community projects or sports.
• Tailor your letter. Mention the funder’s industry and explain why you want to work in it.
• Ask someone to review your application. A teacher or mentor can spot mistakes and improve your motivation letter.

Beware of Bursary Scams

Warning: Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. Be suspicious of anyone who asks for payment, bank card details or PINs, or who promises a guaranteed bursary in return for money. Apply only through the funder’s official website or recognised portals, and check that email addresses match the organisation’s real domain before sending personal documents.

After You Win an IT Bursary

Before signing the contract, check these points.

• The academic performance you must maintain, including the minimum pass rate
• The length of the work-back period and where you may be placed
• What happens if you fail, change course or withdraw
• Whether you must repay money if you do not meet the conditions
• Vacation work and whether it is paid
• Whether the bursary includes a laptop and who owns it

Stay in contact with your funder, share your results and tell them early if you face problems.

IT Careers and Typical Salaries

The ranges below are general South African estimates and are not guaranteed offers. Pay depends on field, employer, location, qualifications and experience.

Role	What you do	Typical monthly salary range
IT Support Technician	Troubleshoot hardware, software and user problems	R10,000 to R18,000
Junior Software Developer	Write and test code under supervision	R15,000 to R35,000
Data Analyst	Collect, clean and analyse data	R20,000 to R45,000
Network or Systems Administrator	Maintain networks, servers and infrastructure	R18,000 to R40,000
Cybersecurity Analyst	Monitor and defend systems against threats	R25,000 to R60,000
Cloud Engineer	Design and manage cloud environments	R35,000 to R80,000
Senior Developer, Architect or IT Manager	Lead teams, systems and strategy	R60,000 to R120,000 and above

Career Ladder in IT

1. Student: Bursary holder completing an accredited IT or computer science qualification, with vacation work or internships
2. Graduate: Graduate developer, analyst or technician in a graduate programme
3. Professional: Experienced developer, engineer or analyst, often with industry certifications
4. Senior: Technical lead, architect, manager or specialist consultant

Many IT professionals add certifications and short courses every year, which helps them progress faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which IT bursaries are available for 2027?

It depends on the funder and the year. Banks, telecoms companies, insurers, technology firms, government entities, SETAs and universities all offer IT funding, but each sets its own dates and requirements. Check each organisation’s official website for current information.

Can I get an IT bursary without mathematics?

Sometimes, but it is harder. Many computer science degrees and funders require pure mathematics, while some diplomas and information systems programmes may accept maths literacy or other subjects. Check both the university’s admission requirements and the bursary criteria.

Are there bursaries for coding bootcamps or short IT courses?

Some funders and SETAs support short courses, bootcamps and learnerships, although most large bursaries focus on degrees and diplomas. See our guide to learnerships for options that combine training with work experience.

Do I have to work for the company after I graduate?

Often yes. Many bursaries include a work-back obligation that usually matches the number of years the bursary supported you. Read the contract carefully so you know what is expected.

Can I apply for an IT bursary while I am already at university?

Yes. Many funders accept applications from current students, especially those with strong results in their first or second year. Some programmes are open only to first-year students, so read the criteria.

What if I am not accepted by a bursary programme?

Keep applying to others, look at NSFAS, SETA funding and university awards, consider learnerships, and reapply next year. Use any feedback from interviews to improve your application.

Final Thoughts

IT and computer science bursaries reward students who prepare early, perform well in maths and show real interest in technology. Choose an accredited programme, build a small portfolio, collect your documents in advance and apply to every bursary you qualify for. A funded IT qualification can lead to a stable, well-paid and flexible career in one of the fastest-growing fields in South Africa.

Explore more bursaries, learnerships, jobs and career guides at jobsspace.co.za.