Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary 2027 is open for exceptional South African students who want to study full-time towards an undergraduate commerce-related degree. Applications close on Monday, 31 August 2026, making this an important opportunity for strong academic performers who need financial support for 2027 studies.
For learners and university students with strong marks, leadership potential and clear career goals, this bursary can help reduce the financial pressure of studying while building a future in commerce, finance, data, technology or investment-related fields.
What Is The Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary?
The Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary is a funding opportunity for the 2027 academic year.
It supports deserving students who are pursuing undergraduate commerce-related studies at recognised and accredited South African universities.
In addition, the bursary is aimed at well-rounded students who show academic excellence, leadership ability and the potential to succeed beyond the classroom.
Who Is Coronation?
Coronation Fund Managers is one of South Africa’s leading independent investment management companies.
The company focuses on long-term investment management for individual and institutional clients.
Through this bursary, Coronation supports talented students who want to build careers connected to commerce, finance, data, technology and related professional fields.
Which Fields Of Study Are Supported?
The bursary supports full-time undergraduate commerce-related degrees.
Preference may be given to students in fields such as:
- Commerce
- Finance
- Data Analysis
- Information Technology stream degrees
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Related commerce-focused qualifications
Applicants should make sure their chosen degree fits the bursary requirements before starting the online application.
Who Can Submit An Application?
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements before applying.
To be considered, applicants should:
- Be South African citizens
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Be studying or planning to study full-time towards an undergraduate commerce-related degree
- Be studying or have applied to study at a recognised and accredited South African university
- Have an excellent academic record
- Show strong leadership potential
- Be well-rounded students
- Show financial need where applicable
Preference may be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and students who align with the sponsor’s transformation objectives.
Which Studies Are Not Funded?
This bursary is for undergraduate commerce-related university degrees.
It does not fund:
- N4, N5 or N6 studies
- Higher Certificate programmes
- Diploma programmes
- Advanced Diploma programmes
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral studies
- Distance-learning qualifications
- Studies at Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges
- Studies at community colleges
- Studies at private colleges
- Studies at international universities
- Graduate or business school studies
Therefore, applicants should check their qualification type carefully before submitting.
What Academic Results Are Required?
Academic performance is very important for this bursary.
Current Matric learners should have a minimum overall average of 75%.
Current university students should have a minimum overall average of 70%.
In addition, preference may be given to students who are in their second year onwards and are on track to complete their qualification in the minimum required time.
What Does The Bursary Cover?
The final bursary package will be confirmed with successful applicants through the bursary award or pledge letter.
The bursary may be renewable each year, depending on:
- Academic performance
- Student engagement
- Sponsor budgets
- Continued compliance with bursary conditions
After graduation, successful recipients may be required to complete a work-back commitment. This means the student may need to work back one year for every year of funding received.
Which Documents Are Required?
Applicants should prepare clear supporting documents before starting the application.
Required documents may include:
- Certified copy of South African identity document
- Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results, if currently in Matric
- Matric certificate, if Matric has been completed
- University acceptance letter or provisional acceptance, if available
- Proof of registration for the current academic year, if already studying
- Latest academic transcript, if currently at university
- One-page statement explaining why you chose your field of study and what you plan to do after graduation
- Letter of recommendation from someone who can confirm your academic performance and personal character
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Proof of monthly household family income
- Bursary agreement, offer letter or funding proof, if receiving another bursary or NSFAS
- Parent or guardian consent form, if under 18
- Parent or guardian identity document, if under 18
- Department of Labour Employment Equity Act form and doctor’s letter, where applicable
Certified documents should be recent, clear and easy to read. Where the portal asks for one upload, applicants should combine multiple documents into one file.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Your one-page statement should connect your marks, your chosen degree and your career goal. Avoid general wording. Explain why commerce matters to you, what you want to do after graduation and how this bursary would help you stay focused on completing your studies.
How Does The Selection Process Work?
After submitting the application, applicants should receive confirmation that their application has been received.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview and psychometric assessments.
As a result, applicants should be ready to discuss their academic performance, leadership experience, field of study, career plans and financial need.
When Is The Closing Date?
Applications close on Monday, 31 August 2026.
Applicants should submit early because late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
How Can You Submit Your Application?
Applications must be submitted through the official Coronation bursary application portal.
Applicants should complete the online form carefully, upload all required documents and check every section before final submission.
Grow Your Career with SETACareers
Access the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and practical SETA guides designed to help you succeed.
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Career Advice
- SETA Guides
Final Thoughts
Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary 2027 is a strong opportunity for high-achieving South African students who want to pursue undergraduate commerce-related studies.
For applicants with excellent marks, leadership potential and a clear career plan, this bursary can provide valuable support while opening a pathway into commerce, finance, technology, data and investment-related careers.
