TuksSport is looking for talented student-athletes who can perform in the classroom and in competition. The University of Pretoria Sport Performance Support Bursary is open for the 2027 academic year, covering 25 sporting codes. Applications close on 31 July 2026, and late or incomplete submissions will not enter the awarding process.
This opportunity could help promising athletes continue developing their sporting ability while completing a tertiary qualification. However, a strong submission needs more than sporting results—it must demonstrate discipline, academic readiness and commitment to representing TuksSport.
What should applicants know first?
Bursary: Sport Performance Support Bursary 2027
Provider: TuksSport at the University of Pretoria
Academic year: 2027
Location: University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Study requirement: Full-time study
Number of sporting codes: 25
Closing date: 31 July 2026
Submission method: Online bursary application
Late applications: Not accepted
Why does TuksSport offer this bursary?
TuksSport forms part of student life at the University of Pretoria. Its programmes bring together university studies, professional coaching and high-performance sport.
The bursary is intended for athletes who will join, participate in and excel in their sporting disciplines at the university. Coaches work with athletes to develop their performance while they manage the demands of tertiary education.
Applicants do not need to study a sport-related qualification. They may pursue another recognised programme, provided they meet the university’s admission requirements and register as full-time students.
Which sporting codes are considered?
Student-athletes may be considered in the following sports:
- Archery, athletics, badminton, basketball and canoe
- Chess, cricket, cycling, fencing and football
- Golf, gymnastics, hockey, judo and karate
- Netball, rowing, rugby, squash and swimming
- Tennis, trampoline, triathlon, volleyball and wrestling
The bursary can only be awarded for one sporting code. Applicants cannot receive TuksSport funding for two different sports during the same academic year.
Who meets the bursary requirements?
Applicants should meet the following minimum conditions:
- Intend to study full time at the University of Pretoria in 2027
- Be accepted into their planned University of Pretoria study programme
- Register as full-time students before the bursary can be awarded
- Excel in one of the supported sporting disciplines
- Be willing to participate in TuksSport training, events and programmes
- Meet the academic and sporting expectations of the relevant club
- Confirm that their sporting code is offered by TuksSport
Submitting the bursary form does not guarantee selection. Each application is considered according to sporting ability, available funding and the needs of individual TuksSport clubs.
How will TuksSport select recipients?
Selection may consider both the athlete’s current performance and their future potential.
Factors may include:
- Funding priorities within the relevant TuksSport club
- Shortages in specific events or team positions
- South African junior and senior rankings
- International rankings
- Ability to qualify for international competitions
- Potential performance at University Sport South Africa competitions
- Potential participation in Varsity Sport South Africa or Varsity Cup competitions
- Sporting discipline, consistency and overall performance level
A strong sporting record is important, but club requirements can also influence selection. An athlete may therefore meet the general criteria without automatically receiving funding.
What funding conditions should recipients understand?
TuksSport has not specified a standard bursary amount or one funding package for every recipient. Support is subject to available funds and the priorities of the relevant sporting club.
The following conditions also apply:
- Funding is awarded for one sporting code only
- Each award covers one academic year
- Recipients must submit a new application every year
- Renewal depends on academic and sporting performance
- Training attendance and programme commitment are monitored
- Successful recipients must sign an annual written contract
- Funding may be reduced or cancelled if performance expectations are not met
- Funds may have to be repaid if a recipient breaches the contract or cancels their studies
Receiving support in 2027 does not guarantee another award in 2028.
Which documents must be prepared?
Applicants should prepare clear and complete copies of the following:
- A full-length sporting action photograph in A5 JPEG format
- Grade 11 school results if currently completing Grade 12 and entering first-year study in 2027
- A detailed Sports Curriculum Vitae
- Information about leadership, cultural activities, associations or other achievements
- The completed Sports Performance Support Application generated during the submission process
Applicants should check the quality of every uploaded document. Blurred photographs, incomplete records or incorrect information could affect the application.
What should the Sports Curriculum Vitae include?
The Sports Curriculum Vitae should provide a clear picture of the applicant’s performance, development and training commitment.
Include:
- Sporting performance history
- Provincial, national or international achievements
- Current rankings where applicable
- Current training programme
- Major competitions and results
- Sporting highlights and awards
- Personal strengths
- Areas that require improvement
- Skills currently receiving attention during training
- Plans for continued development
Grade 12 learners should also explain how they will continue training during their final examinations and before arriving at university.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not submit a general curriculum vitae with only your personal information and school subjects. Create a focused sporting record that includes dates, competition names, rankings, verified results and a realistic training plan. Specific evidence makes it easier for selectors to understand your performance level.
What must applicants under 18 do?
Applicants younger than 18 must obtain the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
The signature should be completed wherever requested during the application process. Missing guardian approval could leave the submission incomplete.
Is university admission a separate process?
Yes. The TuksSport bursary application and the University of Pretoria study application are separate processes.
Prospective students must submit their academic application through the University of Pretoria admission platform and meet the deadline for their chosen qualification.
A TuksSport bursary application does not automatically create an academic application or secure admission to the university.
How can student-athletes submit their bursary applications?
Before starting, applicants should have their academic results, sporting information, action photograph and supporting documents ready.
Follow these steps:
- Confirm that TuksSport offers your sporting code.
- Complete the separate university admission process.
- Prepare all the required supporting documents.
- Provide accurate academic and sporting information.
- Review every section before submitting.
- Obtain guardian approval if you are under 18.
- Submit the form before 31 July 2026.
Applications must be submitted through the official TuksSport 2027 online bursary portal.
Late submissions will be excluded from the awarding process.
What happens after submission?
Applicants should receive an acknowledgement after submitting their information.
Anyone who does not receive an acknowledgement within three weeks should contact the relevant TuksSport club. Applicants should keep their submission confirmation and copies of all supporting documents.
Successful recipients will be required to sign an annual contract covering the university’s expectations, conditions and programme rules.
Which mistakes could cost an applicant this opportunity?
Avoid the following common errors:
- Waiting until the closing date to begin the form
- Providing incomplete or incorrect information
- Uploading an unsuitable sporting photograph
- Leaving important achievements out of the Sports Curriculum Vitae
- Failing to explain current training plans
- Selecting more than one sporting code for funding
- Missing the parent or guardian signature
- Assuming the bursary form replaces university admission
- Submitting after 31 July 2026
Incorrect or incomplete information may result in the application being cancelled.
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Final Thoughts
The TuksSport Sport Performance Support Bursary 2027 gives talented athletes an opportunity to pursue competitive sport alongside a university qualification.
Applicants should use their sporting records, rankings, results and training plans to demonstrate both current ability and future potential. Complete every section carefully and submit all supporting documents before 31 July 2026.
