7 Realistic and Effective Ways to Find Bursaries in South Africa (Even If You Have Low Marks)

Struggling with low marks? Discover practical ways to find bursaries in South Africa, improve your chances, and secure funding for your studie

Let’s clear something up from the start—having low marks does not mean your chances of getting a bursary are over.

That belief has stopped thousands of South African students from even trying.

The truth is, while some bursaries are highly competitive and focused on top achievers, many others look at potential, financial need, and career direction just as much as academic results.

If you know where to look—and how to position yourself—you can still find real opportunities.

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Why Marks Aren’t the Only Thing That Matters

It’s easy to assume bursaries are only for straight-A students. But that’s not how the system fully works in South Africa.

Many bursary providers are trying to solve bigger problems, like:

• Skills shortages in key industries
• Youth unemployment
• Access to education for disadvantaged communities

This means they often prioritise:

• Financial need
• Willingness to study in high-demand fields
• Long-term career potential

In other words, your story can matter just as much as your marks.

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Where Most Students Look (And Why It Limits Them)

Here’s a common mistake:

Students only search for “popular bursaries” online—and end up competing with thousands of others.

Instead, you should widen your search to include:

🔹 Government Funding

Programmes like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) focus heavily on financial need rather than high marks.

You can check eligibility and apply through the official NSFAS website.

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🔹 SETA Opportunities

Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) fund students in specific industries.

These are often overlooked but can be easier to access.

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🔹 Company-Sponsored Bursaries

Many companies fund students who are willing to work in their industry after graduation.

These bursaries may:

• Prioritise specific skills
• Accept average marks
• Focus on long-term employment

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🔹 TVET College Funding

If university bursaries seem out of reach, TVET colleges offer practical programmes with funding options.

These often have more flexible entry requirements.

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A Smarter Way to Search (That Most People Miss)

Instead of searching broadly, try this:

Search based on career path + bursary

For example:

• “Engineering bursaries South Africa”
• “Teaching bursaries South Africa”
• “Hospitality bursaries TVET”

This narrows competition and increases relevance.

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What You Can Do If Your Marks Are Average

Let’s be realistic—you may not qualify for top academic bursaries.

But you can still improve your chances significantly.

🔹 Real-world tips to stand out:

• Write a strong, honest motivation letter
• Show clear career direction (even if simple)
• Highlight any practical skills or experience
• Apply to multiple opportunities, not just one

Important: Effort and consistency often beat raw academic performance.

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Common Mistakes That Hold Students Back

Many students don’t realise why they’re getting rejected.

Here are mistakes to avoid:

• Applying to only one bursary
• Copy-pasting the same motivation letter everywhere
• Ignoring smaller or lesser-known bursaries
• Missing deadlines
• Not checking eligibility properly

Small mistakes can cost you big opportunities.

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The Challenge No One Talks About

Even if you find bursaries, the process can feel frustrating.

You may:

• Apply multiple times without success
• Wait months for feedback
• Feel discouraged comparing yourself to others

This is normal.

Realistic expectation:
Most successful applicants don’t get approved on their first attempt.

Persistence matters more than perfection.

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Alternative Paths That Still Lead to Success

If bursaries don’t work out immediately, that doesn’t mean your journey stops.

You can still:

• Start at a TVET college and apply later
• Work part-time while studying
• Build skills through short courses
• Reapply the following year with improved results

There is no single path to success in South Africa’s education system.

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Turning a Small Opportunity Into a Bigger One

Here’s an insider perspective:

Even a partial bursary or small funding opportunity can open doors.

Once you’re studying:

• You can improve your marks
• You can apply for more funding
• You gain access to new opportunities

The key is to start somewhere.

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Need Help Structuring Your Applications?

If you’re unsure how to approach bursary applications, you can explore our How to Apply for Jobs Effectively guide, which also applies to bursaries and helps you avoid common mistakes.

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A Quick Note About SAFutureLink

At SAFutureLink, we take time to filter and review opportunities before sharing them, so you’re not wasting time on unreliable information. You can learn more about how we verify opportunities on the platform if you’re curious.

South Africa’s education and training system, overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training, continues to prioritise skills development in key sectors where funding opportunities are more accessible.

What Most Students Want to Know

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Disclaimer

This article is intended to provide general guidance. Bursary criteria, availability, and selection processes may change over time. Always confirm details with official bursary providers before applying.