South African students who want to study scarce and future-focused qualifications now have a major funding opportunity to consider. The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 supports academically strong students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, with a clear focus on STEM and green economy qualifications.
Applications for the 2027 academic year are open and will close on 31 August 2026.
The bursary is aimed at students who want to study full-time towards an undergraduate or honours qualification at a South African public university or university of technology.
For students with strong marks but limited financial support, this bursary could help turn academic potential into a real study path.
What is the Nedbank External Bursary Programme about?
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme supports talented South African students who need financial assistance to study.
The programme focuses on qualifications linked to scarce skills, future industries and the green economy.
It is designed for students who show strong academic performance and financial need.
In addition, the bursary supports students who show leadership potential and a clear commitment to completing their studies.
Who is the bursary for?
The bursary is for South African citizens who want to study full-time in 2027.
Applicants must plan to study at a recognised South African public university or university of technology.
The programme supports undergraduate and honours studies.
Students must also show financial need through the documents submitted during the application process.
What is the quick overview?
Bursary Programme: Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
Sponsor: Nedbank Group
Application Status: Open
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Study Level: Undergraduate and Honours
Study Mode: Full-time
Institutions Covered: South African public universities and universities of technology
Fields of Study: STEM and green economy qualifications
Citizenship Requirement: South African citizens only
Financial Need Requirement: Yes
Minimum Academic Requirement: 65% average
Contact Email: Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za
Which fields of study are supported?
The bursary mainly supports qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
It also supports qualifications linked to the green economy.
These fields are important because they connect to future jobs, innovation and South Africa’s long-term economic development.
Students should make sure their chosen qualification fits Nedbank’s scarce-skills and green economy focus areas before submitting an application.
What does green economy mean?
The green economy focuses on sustainable development.
It aims to support economic growth while protecting the environment and improving social well-being.
Green economy qualifications may include areas such as renewable energy, environmental management, climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture.
They may also include green engineering, water resource management, energy efficiency, conservation science, sustainable urban development and environmental technology.
These fields are expected to become more important as South Africa moves towards cleaner and more sustainable industries.
Which STEM qualifications may be considered?
The bursary may support several STEM-related study areas.
Examples include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Biological Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Actuarial Science
- Statistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematical Sciences
Students should choose a qualification that matches the bursary focus.
They should also make sure their academic record supports their chosen field.
Which green economy qualifications may be considered?
Green economy study fields may include:
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Climate Science
- Sustainable Development
- Conservation Management
- Water Resource Engineering
- Energy Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
These qualifications are closely linked to environmental protection, energy transition and future-focused development.
As a result, they may be especially relevant for students who want careers in sustainability, climate action, engineering or environmental innovation.
Who can be considered for the bursary?
Applicants must be South African citizens.
They must also have a valid South African Identity Document.
In addition, applicants must have achieved an average of at least 65%.
Students should also have strong results in subjects linked to their intended qualification.
For example, students applying for engineering, science or technology fields should make sure their Maths and related subject results are clearly reflected.
Which students will not qualify?
Students who completed Grade 12 with Mathematics Literacy instead of Mathematics will not qualify for the bursary.
This is an important requirement.
Students should check this before applying, especially if their intended field falls under STEM or a technical green economy qualification.
What academic results must applicants submit?
The documents depend on the applicant’s current study level.
What must Grade 12 learners submit?
Grade 12 learners must submit:
- Grade 11 final results
- Current Grade 12 mid-year results
What must first-year students submit?
First-year university students must submit:
- Grade 12 final results
- Current university mid-year results
What must second-year and third-year students submit?
Second-year and third-year students must submit:
- Previous academic year’s final results
- Current academic year’s mid-year results
All applicants must maintain a minimum average of 65%.
Which personal documents are required?
Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting the online application:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of admission or acceptance at a public university or university of technology
- Academic results relevant to their study level
These documents help confirm citizenship, academic performance and study plans.
Therefore, students should scan or save clear copies before they begin the application.
Which financial documents are required?
Applicants must submit documents that show financial need.
A completed financial check affidavit is required.
This affidavit must be signed by the applicant and by parents or legal guardians.
Applicants must also submit the latest three months’ bank statements for:
- The applicant
- Parents or guardians
- All income-earning household members
This information helps assess the household’s financial position.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before starting the bursary form, create one folder for your academic documents and another for financial documents. Bursary applications often fail because students wait too long to collect bank statements, affidavits and income proof.
What extra financial documents may be needed?
The extra documents depend on the household’s income source.
What must salaried employees provide?
Salaried employees may need to provide:
- Certified copy of ID
- Latest payslip
- Employment confirmation letter not older than three months
What must informal traders or hawkers provide?
Informal traders or hawkers may need to provide:
- Proof of income
- Home loan account statement
- Municipal rates and taxes statement not older than three months
What must commission-based earners provide?
Commission-based earners may need to provide:
- IRP5 forms
- IT3 forms
- IT12 forms
- Documents covering the previous two years
What must pensioners or grant recipients provide?
Pensioners or grant recipients may need to provide an official pension slip or bank statement showing income.
This may include income from pension payments, grants, maintenance, rental income or investment income.
How can students submit their applications?
Applications for the bursary must be completed online through the official Nedbank External Bursary Programme application portal.
Students should complete the form carefully and upload all required documents before submitting.
For bursary enquiries, students can contact Nedbank at Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 31 August 2026.
Students should avoid waiting until the final week.
Financial documents can take time to collect, especially bank statements, affidavits and proof of household income.
As a result, early preparation can reduce stress and help students submit a stronger application.
Why could this bursary be worth considering?
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme can help reduce the financial pressure of higher education.
It also supports study fields that are linked to future growth, scarce skills and the green economy.
For students with strong academic results, clear financial need and a serious study plan, this bursary could open an important door.
It is especially relevant for learners and university students who want to build careers in STEM, sustainability and future-focused industries.
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Final Thoughts
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 gives South African students an opportunity to access funding for full-time undergraduate or honours studies.
The bursary focuses on STEM and green economy qualifications at public universities and universities of technology.
Applicants must be South African citizens, meet the minimum academic average of 65%, show financial need and prepare all required documents.
Applications close on 31 August 2026, so students should start gathering academic and financial documents as early as possible.
