Vodacom is backing high-achieving students with more than tuition support. Its 2027 External Bursary Programme can cover registration, accommodation, meals and textbooks while also providing a laptop, cellphone and career preparation. Eligible first-, second- and third-year undergraduates have until 31 August 2026 to complete their online applications before the deadline.
For students already proving their academic ability, this bursary could remove several financial pressures at once. It also creates a bridge between university and the workplace through vacation experience, training and wellness support.
What does the Vodacom bursary offer at a glance?
Programme: Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2027
Provider: Vodacom
Bursary type: Academic merit bursary
Study level: Full-time undergraduate study
Eligible study years: First, second or third year
Fields: Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business and commercial studies
Study institution: A recognised South African tertiary institution
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Submission method: Online application
Which university expenses could be covered?
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme provides financial support for several major study expenses.
The package includes:
- Full university registration fees
- Full tuition fees
- Full university accommodation
- A capped contribution towards private accommodation
- A textbook allocation
- A meal allowance
Students using private accommodation should note that the contribution is capped. The published programme information does not specify the maximum private accommodation amount.
What additional benefits do Vodacom bursars receive?
The programme combines financial assistance with technology, workplace exposure and personal support.
Additional benefits include:
- A laptop
- A cellphone
- An orientation workshop for newly accepted students
- Workplace exposure through a structured vacation work programme
- Work-readiness training for final-year bursars
- Access to a wellness programme delivered with Lyra Wellbeing Services
These benefits can help bursars adjust to university, complete their studies and prepare for professional opportunities after graduation.
Who can qualify for Vodacom bursary support?
Applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- Be South African citizens by birth
- Undertake full-time undergraduate studies
- Study at a South African tertiary institution
- Be entering or completing their first, second or third year
- Pursue a qualification within an eligible study area
- Meet the academic result required for their current study level
- Submit their latest academic record with the application
The bursary is based on academic merit. Meeting the minimum requirements allows an application to be considered but does not guarantee funding.
Which academic result applies to each study level?
The required average depends on whether the applicant is completing Grade 12 or is already enrolled at a tertiary institution.
Grade 12 applicants must:
- Pass Grade 12 with university exemption
- Achieve an average of at least 70% across all subjects
Current tertiary students must:
- Be in their first year or above
- Maintain an average of at least 65%
Applicants should calculate their average carefully. A strong mark in one subject will not compensate for an overall average below the required threshold.
Which qualifications match Vodacom’s study focus?
The bursary supports undergraduate qualifications within the following broad areas:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Business
- Commercial studies
Students should ensure that their chosen qualification clearly falls within one of these areas.
Vodacom does not provide a detailed list of individual qualifications on the programme page. Applicants should use the exact qualification name shown on their university documents when completing the form.
Why is workplace exposure part of the bursary?
Vodacom’s programme is designed to support academic success while helping students understand the professional environment.
Structured vacation work gives bursars an opportunity to gain practical exposure during university breaks. Final-year bursars also receive work-readiness training as they prepare to move from university into the workplace.
This combination can help students develop professional confidence, communication skills and a clearer understanding of how their qualification may be used after graduation.
Which document must be uploaded?
Applicants must attach a copy of their most recent academic transcript or academic record.
Depending on the applicant’s current study level, this may be:
- The latest Grade 12 academic results
- A first-year university academic transcript
- A second-year university academic transcript
- The most recent available tertiary results
The document should be complete and easy to read. Applicants should not upload an older academic record when more recent results are available.
The application portal may request additional personal or academic information during registration. Applicants must complete every mandatory field.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Use the academic requirement that matches your current study level. Grade 12 entrants need at least 70% across all subjects, while current tertiary students need an average of 65% or higher. Upload your latest official academic record rather than an older report that does not reflect your current performance.
How should students complete the online submission?
Applications must be submitted through the official Vodacom External Bursary Programme page.
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm that the citizenship, study and academic requirements are met.
- Prepare the latest academic transcript or school results.
- Open the official bursary programme page.
- Select the online bursary application button.
- Register an applicant profile.
- Complete all required personal and academic information.
- Upload the most recent academic record.
- Review the application before submitting it.
- Complete the process before 31 August 2026.
Vodacom recommends using a desktop computer, laptop or tablet with Google Chrome for better compatibility and readability.
What happens after submission?
Vodacom will send an email confirming that the application has been received.
The Bursary Management Team will then assess the applicant’s academic information and supporting document. Applicants should monitor their email regularly for feedback or requests for further information.
The confirmation email should be kept as proof that the application was successfully submitted.
Which mistakes could affect an application?
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting an outdated academic transcript
- Uploading blurred or incomplete results
- Calculating the academic average incorrectly
- Leaving required sections unfinished
- Using an email address that is no longer active
- Entering inaccurate study information
- Selecting a qualification outside the funded fields
- Waiting until the closing date to create a profile
- Assuming that registration alone completes the application
- Submitting after 31 August 2026
Students should confirm that the final submission has been completed and that a receipt email has arrived.
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Final Thoughts
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2027 offers a substantial support package for high-achieving undergraduate students. Funding can cover registration, tuition, accommodation, textbooks and meals, while accepted bursars may also receive a laptop, cellphone and workplace preparation.
South African students entering or completing their first three years of undergraduate study should confirm their academic average and prepare their latest transcript early. Applications close on 31 August 2026.
