Three South African bursaries are extended for 2027. Check eligibility, funding details and how to apply before 31 October 2026.
As the year draws to a close, many students who still need funding for 2027 may feel that they have missed their chance. However, some bursary applications remain open, giving eligible students additional time to prepare and submit their applications.
Three opportunities currently listed as extended are the Sishen Solar Facility Bursary, Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary and Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary. These programmes are aimed at supporting students from specific communities and helping them access further education and training.
There is an important date to note: these three bursaries have been extended to 31 October 2026. Students should still apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute problems.
This guide explains what each bursary offers, who may qualify and what students should check before applying.
1. Sishen Solar Facility Bursary 2027
Closing date: 31 October 2026
The Sishen Solar Facility Bursary is intended for current and former Grade 12 learners from three designated schools in the area where the facility operates. These are Gamagara High School in Deben, Langeberg High School in Olifantsfontein and Hoërskool Kathu. The programme prioritises 2026 matriculants but also considers applicants who completed matric in previous years.
Applicants must be South African citizens and plan to study at a South African public tertiary institution, such as a TVET college, university of technology or university. The bursary does not fund studies at private tertiary institutions.
What can the bursary cover?
The value is determined individually. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the bursary award, funding may contribute towards:
- Tuition, registration and examination fees
- Accommodation in a tertiary residence or equivalent
- Meals
- Learning materials, including textbooks and stationery
Academic performance and financial need are important selection considerations. Applicants should be prepared to provide their preliminary Grade 12 results and demonstrate that they do not have sufficient financial resources to continue their studies.
Who should consider applying?
This bursary is particularly relevant to learners from the three named schools who are planning to continue their education. If you attended a different school, do not assume that you qualify simply because you live in the broader Northern Cape area. Check the official criteria before applying.
Apply here: https://studytrust.org.za/sishen-solar-facility
2. Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary 2027
Closing date: 31 October 2026
The Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary supports eligible people from communities within a 50-kilometre radius of the De Aar Solar Power plant. It provides an opportunity to pursue further education at recognised South African institutions, including public and private TVET colleges, universities of technology and academic universities.
The programme is not limited to students who have just completed matric. Applicants who completed their National Senior Certificate or National Technical Certificate in previous years may also be considered. Eligible study routes include degrees, national diplomas and certain technical or skills-training programmes at NQF Level 6.
Who may qualify?
Applicants must be South African citizens, live within the specified 50-kilometre area and have been accepted at a recognised South African tertiary education or training institution. Academic performance and financial need are considered during selection. The Trust requires applicants to demonstrate that they lack sufficient financial resources to continue their studies.
What expenses may be covered?
The bursary value is determined individually and may contribute towards tuition, registration and examination fees, accommodation, meals and learning materials. Students should not assume that every listed expense will automatically be covered; the actual award depends on the bursary decision.
How to apply
Applications are managed by StudyTrust. The programme information also provides for hard-copy submissions, with completed forms and supporting documents submitted to the bursary contact or the Ethembeni Community Centre in De Aar. Applicants should confirm the current submission instructions before sending documents.
Apply here: https://studytrust.org.za/sibona-ilanga-trust-bursary-programme
3. Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary 2027
Closing date: 31 October 2026
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary supports students from communities within a 50-kilometre radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant. The programme is intended to help eligible residents access further education and training at recognised South African institutions.
The bursary is open to South African citizens who meet the residency and study requirements. Applicants may be studying towards technical or skills-training programmes at NQF Level 6, national diplomas or degrees. Students who completed their NSC or NTC in previous years may also apply.
What funding may be available?
The bursary amount is assessed individually. It may help with tuition, registration and examination fees, accommodation, meals and learning materials. Applicants should check the specific award conditions rather than assume that all expenses will be paid.
Academic performance and financial need are among the selection considerations. Applicants must provide a complete application and the required supporting documents.
How to apply
StudyTrust administers the bursary. Students can review the requirements and current submission instructions on the official bursary page.
Apply here: https://studytrust.org.za/letsatsi-borutho-trust-bursary-programme/
The Trust’s community focus is important: living within the required area is a key eligibility condition. Students outside the beneficiary area should not apply on the assumption that the bursary is available nationally.
How to Choose Which Bursary to Apply For
Although these opportunities are all connected to renewable-energy projects, they do not have identical eligibility requirements. The most important first step is to check where you live or which school you attended.
| Bursary | Main location requirement | Study options |
|---|---|---|
| Sishen Solar Facility | Designated schools in the facility’s operating area | South African public institutions |
| Sibona Ilanga Trust | Within 50 km of the De Aar Solar Power plant | Recognised public or private institutions |
| Letsatsi Borutho Trust | Within 50 km of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant | Recognised public or private institutions |
A student should not apply to all three automatically. First, check the specific eligibility rules, then focus on the bursary or bursaries for which they genuinely qualify.
Get Your Documents Ready Before Applying
A common mistake is waiting until the final day to gather documents. StudyTrust advises applicants to read the bursary criteria carefully and prepare the required information before starting the online application. Its application guidance lists documents such as a certified South African ID and an academic record, with the exact requirements depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Before you begin, prepare your identification, latest academic results, proof of acceptance or registration where required, and any proof of residence or financial information requested by the specific bursary.
Make sure that the information in your application is accurate. Check that uploaded documents are clear and that every required section has been completed. StudyTrust also warns applicants to write their own responses to essay questions rather than submitting AI-generated answers.
Do Not Wait Until the Closing Date
These extended bursaries may provide another opportunity for eligible students who still need funding for 2027. However, they are community-focused programmes, so meeting the location or school requirements is just as important as having the right academic plans.
The three opportunities are listed with a closing date of 31 October 2026. Late applications may not be accepted, so students should confirm the current deadline on the official application pages and submit as early as possible.
If you are eligible, take time to prepare a complete application rather than rushing through it. A carefully checked application gives the bursary administrators the information they need to assess your circumstances and study plans.
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