JHB 011 672 0020 | CPT 021 410 8709 info@mmsgroup.co.za
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Reading Time: 5 minutes

The ongoing uncertainty as to whether tertiary institutes would allow students back to campus, combined with the late start to the academic year and the number of protests that broke out across the nation it has made this academic year notably difficult.

Protests at major tertiary institutions took place around the financial exclusion of students with historical debt. This has left multiple students without financial means to continue their studies through 2021 due to the financial compromises brought with COVID-19.

7-April 2021 blog
Although NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) has announced the release of additional funds to use towards university studies, we feel it is important for students to explore all their options for successful funding. Here are some private bursaries available to registered and prospective students:
  1. Shoprite
Shoprite, one of South Africa’s largest retail chains, offers bursaries for a variety of degrees.

Programmes include:

  • BSc/BCom/Btech degree majoring in IT or Systems Analysis
  • Degree/Postgrad qualification in Data Science
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Operational Research
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Quantitative Management
  • CA stream BCom Accounting

Requirements:

Students must be a South African citizens, aged 27 years old or younger.

Closing date:

These applications close on 30 April 2021

Apply here

  1. Toyota
Toyota, a leading vehicle manufacturing company, offers the following bursaries for students pursuing studies in commerce, engineering, and science.

Programmes include:

  • Business Mathematics & Informatics
  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Information technology
  • Business Science Analytics

Requirements:

The student must be a South African citizen who has a combined household income of R750 000 or less per annum. He/she must have achieved 75% for Mathematics and English, or an overall average of 70% at a tertiary level. This high school grade criteria will be lowered to 65% if the tertiary average exceeds 80%.

Closing date:

Applications open from 1 April to 31 August annually.

Apply here

  1. Allan Gray

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme was established to assist students prepare for a high impact life as an entrepreneur.

Programmes include:

  • Commerce
  • Science
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Humanities
  • Arts
  • Health Science (excluding medicine, veterinary science and dentistry degrees)

Requirements:

First year students – South African citizen younger than 21 years old. The student must achieve a minimum of 65% in their 2021 mid-year exams.

Grade 12 learners – South African citizens, or participating countries including Swaziland, Botswana, or Namibia, under the age of 21. The learner must achieve a minimum of 60% in Mathematics, or a minimum of 80% in Mathematical Literacy, in their grade 11 year. Learners should also have a minimum grade 11 average of 70%, excluding Life Orientation.

Closing date:

First year students – 30 October 2021

Grade 12 learners – 30 April 2021

Apply here

  1. Anglo American
Anglo American, a multinational mining company, will soon be opening applications for 2022 funding.

Requirements:

Top performing grade 12 learners, or current students studying a Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree. The student must show financial need and require practical experience in their chosen degree.

Closing date:

This programme is due to open soon.

  1. Investec
Investec, a company that focuses on offering international banking investments, is offering full bursaries offered on an annual basis.

Programmes include:

  • Commerce (Economics, Business Economics, Accounting, Investments and Finance)
  • BCom Informatics, BSc Computer Science
  • BSc Information Technology
  • BIT-Bachelor of Information Technology
  • BIS-Bachelor of Information Science
  • Business Science
  • Science and Mathematics
  • Engineering
  • Commercial LLB
Requirements:

Young South African citizens that show financial need. A minimum of 70% is required in English and Mathematics in your matric year, as well as a 60% pass rate for all other subjects.

Closing date:

This bursary runs annually between 1 April to 30 September.

Apply here

  1. Clicks
The Clicks Foundation offers merit bursaries for undergraduate students.

Programmes include:

  • Pharmaceutical, or related fields
Requirements:

Undergraduate students registered for their second year or higher, between the age of 19 and 35 who have not already obtained other financial assistance.

Closing date:

This bursary runs annually between 1 August to 31 August.

Apply here

  1. Sappi
Sappi (South African Pulp and Paper Industries) offers bursaries to students planning to study at any South African accredited university.

Programmes include:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Forestry and Wood Sciences
  • National Diploma – Pulp and Paper
  • National Diploma in Forestry

Requirements:

The student must be a South African citizen between the age of 18 and 25. They must have achieved a minimum average of 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science, as well as a minimum of 60% in English. University acceptance requirements should also be met. Students with an average of above 75% in Mathematics and Science will be given preference.

Closing date:

These bursaries open annually from 1 June to 30 September.

Apply here

We believe that education is vital for the growth and development of the future generation. Students in the process of completing their studies in SAIPA or CA(SA) streams, seeing employment or articles opportunities respectively, are invited to visit MMS Careers to view our latest opportunities.
Some tips for shifting to a long term saving mindset include:

Consider where you would like to be financially in the next 10 years. Highlight any long term goals you might have and consider what changes you will need to make to your spending habits to reach these goals.

Get into the habit of accurately budgeting to track your expenditure and help you visualise your financial circumstance. Furthermore, choosing an appropriate savings vehicle for your goals is necessary. This choice will be based on how long you intend to save and how likely you are to withdraw from this savings before the planned term is complete. Sticking to a fixed amount to save consistently is also more likely to yield success than sporadic contributions.

The MMS Group can assist individuals and businesses with an array of income tax services.  If you require professional taxation advice, get in touch with our team.