The Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme is open for academically strong and financially deserving students who need funding for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The bursary supports selected fields including Agriculture, Commerce, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Statistics, Technology and Behavioural Economics, with applications open from 1 June to 30 September.
For students who are worried about tuition, accommodation, meals, books, transport and living costs, this bursary could provide major financial relief.
It is designed to support academic excellence while helping shape the next generation of African talent and leaders.
What Is The Standard Bank Group Bursary?
The Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme is designed to promote academic excellence and support the development of future African leaders.
The bursary considers both undergraduate and postgraduate students in selected fields of study.
Bursary beneficiaries may be required to work for Standard Bank if they receive an employment offer from the bank after graduation.
Who Can Apply For The Undergraduate Bursary?
The undergraduate bursary is aimed at students who are on track to successfully complete their first year and need funding from their second year of study onwards.
Applicants must be registered for full-time undergraduate studies.
They should also have strong academic results in one of the funded qualifications.
Minimum selection criteria include:
- Average of 65% and above in the latest examinations
- Full-time undergraduate registration
- Financial need
- Willingness to participate in a formal assessment process, which may include psychometric evaluation and an interview
This bursary is not aimed at first-time university entrants starting their first year. It is mainly for students who need funding from second year onwards.
Who Can Apply For The Postgraduate Bursary?
The postgraduate bursary is for financially deserving and academically sound students who want to pursue postgraduate studies in funded fields.
Applicants must register for full-time postgraduate studies at a public South African institution of higher learning.
Minimum selection criteria include:
- Average of 65% and above in the latest examinations
- Full-time postgraduate registration
- Financial need
- Willingness to participate in a formal assessment process, including possible psychometric evaluation and interview
The bursary supports postgraduate studies up to Master’s level.
Which Fields Of Study Are Funded?
The Standard Bank Group Bursary supports a wide range of academic fields linked to the future of business, technology, science and leadership.
Funded fields include:
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Science
- Statistics
- Technology
- Behavioural Economics
The Science and Technology fields may include areas such as:
- Actuarial Science
- Analytics
- Business Science
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Information Science
- Financial Technology
- Information Technology
Behavioural Economics-related fields may include:
- Economics
- Behavioural Finance
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Students should make sure their qualification fits one of the funded study areas before applying.
What Does The Standard Bank Group Bursary Cover?
The Standard Bank Group Bursary is a full-cost bursary.
It may cover the following study and study-related costs:
- University fees
- Accommodation in a university residence or approved private accommodation
- Meals provided by the university or self-catering support
- Books and other study materials
- Laptop computer
- Monthly stipend for other living costs
- Transport between home and campus four times a year, based on the cost of a bus ticket
Private accommodation costs may be subject to limits, which will be explained to successful candidates during provisional bursary allocation.
What Documents Must Applicants Upload?
Applicants must upload the required supporting documents when completing the online application.
Required documents include:
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of all academic results to date
- Grade 12 certificate
- Full tertiary academic record
- Proof of combined household income
Missing documents can weaken or delay an application, so students should prepare these files before starting the online form.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Your academic record is important, but your application should also show direction. Make sure your motivation connects your field of study to future leadership, innovation, problem-solving or impact in Africa.
How Can Students Apply Online?
Applications must be completed online through StudyTrust’s application platform.
Students must submit their application through the official Standard Bank Group Bursary application page.
Applicants should carefully read the instructions before starting and upload all supporting documents clearly.
When Do Applications Close?
Applications are open from 1 June to 30 September.
Students who want funding for the next academic year must submit their application before the closing date.
Early applications are recommended because supporting documents, academic records and proof of household income can take time to prepare.
What Happens During The Selection Process?
Applicants may be required to participate in a formal assessment process.
This may include:
- Psychometric evaluation
- Interview
- Review of academic results
- Review of financial need
- Verification of supporting documents
Selection is competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding.
Why Is This Bursary Worth Considering?
The Standard Bank Group Bursary can reduce the financial pressure of university study by covering major costs linked to learning and living.
It is especially valuable because it supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students in high-demand fields.
For students studying commerce, technology, engineering, science, data, finance or behavioural economics, this bursary can provide support while building a pathway into future career opportunities.
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Final Thoughts
The Standard Bank Group Bursary 2027 is a strong funding opportunity for academically capable and financially deserving students.
It supports selected undergraduate students from second year onwards and postgraduate students up to Master’s level.
Students who meet the requirements should prepare their documents early and submit their online application before 30 September.
