For many talented South African students, the dream of obtaining a university qualification is often challenged by financial difficulties. Tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and daily living costs can make higher education difficult to afford.
To help address these challenges, the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 is now accepting applications. The programme supports academically strong students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and green economy fields.
This bursary forms part of Nedbank’s commitment to developing future professionals who will contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and sustainable development.
Applications are currently open and will close on 31 August 2026.
Overview of the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Bursary Provider | Nedbank Group |
| Programme | Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Study Level | Undergraduate and Honours |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Eligible Institutions | Public Universities and Universities of Technology |
| Fields of Study | STEM and Green Economy Qualifications |
| Citizenship Requirement | South African Citizens |
| Academic Requirement | Minimum 65% Average |
| Financial Need Requirement | Yes |
| Closing Date | 31 August 2026 |
About the Nedbank External Bursary Programme
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme was created to help deserving students access higher education opportunities in fields that are critical to South Africa’s future.
The programme focuses on supporting students who demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance
- Financial need
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to completing their studies
- Interest in scarce and future-focused skills
Through this initiative, Nedbank aims to remove financial barriers and help students achieve their academic and professional goals.
Why STEM and Green Economy Qualifications Matter
South Africa continues to experience a shortage of skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and environmental sustainability sectors.
These industries play an important role in:
- Economic development
- Technological innovation
- Environmental protection
- Infrastructure growth
- Renewable energy development
- Climate change adaptation
By investing in students pursuing these qualifications, Nedbank is helping to build a skilled workforce that can contribute to the country’s long-term development.
Understanding the Green Economy
The green economy focuses on creating economic growth while protecting natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability.
Some examples of green economy careers include:
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Climate Science
- Water Resource Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Conservation Management
- Energy Efficiency Management
- Environmental Technology
These sectors are expected to create significant employment opportunities in the coming years as South Africa continues its transition towards a more sustainable future.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Possess a valid South African Identity Document
Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
- Achieve a minimum average of 65%
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Meet admission requirements for their chosen qualification
Study Requirements
Applicants must intend to study:
- A full-time undergraduate qualification, or
- A full-time honours qualification
at:
- A South African public university, or
- A South African university of technology
Financial Need Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate financial need through supporting financial documentation.
Important Exclusion
Students who completed Grade 12 using Mathematics Literacy instead of Mathematics do not qualify for this bursary programme.
Fields of Study Supported
The bursary supports qualifications within STEM and green economy disciplines.
Science
Eligible fields may include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Biological Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
Technology
Supported qualifications include:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
Engineering
Students pursuing the following qualifications may apply:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Mathematics
Qualifying fields include:
- Actuarial Science
- Statistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematical Sciences
Green Economy Qualifications
Examples include:
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Climate Science
- Sustainable Development
- Conservation Management
- Water Resource Engineering
- Energy Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
Applicants should ensure that their chosen qualification aligns with Nedbank’s identified scarce-skills focus areas.
Academic Requirements by Study Level
Grade 12 Learners
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must submit:
- Grade 11 final results
- Grade 12 mid-year results
First-Year University Students
Applicants must provide:
- Grade 12 final results
- Current university mid-year results
Second-Year and Third-Year Students
Applicants must submit:
- Previous academic year’s final results
- Current academic year’s mid-year results
All applicants must maintain a minimum average of 65%.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare all required documents before starting the application process.
Personal Documents
You will need:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of admission or acceptance
- Academic results
Academic Documents
Depending on your study level, you may need:
- Grade 11 final results
- Grade 12 results
- University academic transcripts
- Mid-year academic results
Financial Documents
Applicants must provide proof of financial need.
Financial Check Affidavit
The affidavit must be:
- Completed by the applicant
- Signed by parents or legal guardians where applicable
Bank Statements
Submit:
- Applicant’s latest three months’ bank statements
- Parent or guardian bank statements
- Bank statements for all income-earning household members
Additional Supporting Financial Documents
Salaried Employees
Provide:
- Certified ID copy
- Latest payslip
- Employment confirmation letter not older than three months
Informal Traders or Hawkers
Provide:
- Proof of income
- Home loan statements where applicable
- Municipal rates and taxes statements
Commission-Based Earners
Provide:
- IRP5 forms
- IT3 forms
- IT12 forms
- Documentation covering the previous two years
Pensioners and Grant Recipients
Provide:
- Pension slips, or
- Bank statements showing income received
This includes income from:
- Pension payments
- Social grants
- Maintenance payments
- Rental income
- Investment income
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Competition for bursaries can be extremely high. Consider the following tips when preparing your application.
Maintain Strong Academic Results
Although the minimum requirement is 65%, higher marks may improve your chances of being selected.
Submit Complete Documentation
Incomplete applications may be disqualified during the screening process.
Apply Early
Avoid waiting until the final days before the closing date.
Choose an Eligible Qualification
Ensure that your chosen programme falls within the approved STEM or green economy categories.
Provide Accurate Information
Double-check all forms and supporting documents before submitting your application.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official online application process through the Nedbank External Bursary Programme application portal.
Before applying, ensure that all academic and financial documents are prepared and certified where required.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 31 August 2026.
Late applications may not be considered, so students are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
Conclusion
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 offers a valuable opportunity for South African students who want to pursue qualifications in STEM and green economy fields but require financial assistance to do so.
With a focus on academic excellence, financial need, and future-focused careers, this bursary can help students access quality higher education while preparing for industries that are expected to drive South Africa’s growth in the years ahead.
Students who meet the eligibility requirements should begin preparing their documents as early as possible and submit their applications before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027?
South African citizens pursuing full-time undergraduate or honours qualifications in approved STEM or green economy fields may apply if they meet the academic and financial requirements.
What is the minimum academic requirement?
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65%.
Can students studying Mathematics Literacy apply?
No. Applicants must have completed Mathematics and not Mathematics Literacy.
Which institutions are covered?
The bursary supports studies at South African public universities and universities of technology.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 31 August 2026.
