In South Africa, accessing tertiary education can be financially challenging, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Fortunately, numerous funding options are available through government bursaries, private companies, NGOs, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). However, not all courses receive equal attention when it comes to funding. If you're a student planning your academic journey, it’s essential to understand which degrees and diplomas are most likely to be funded — especially those aligned with the country’s developmental and economic goals.
In this blog post, we explore the degrees and diplomas that receive the most funding in South Africa, why they’re prioritized, and what students can do to improve their chances of securing financial aid.
1. Education Degrees (Teaching)
Why It’s Funded:
South Africa faces a serious shortage of qualified teachers, especially in rural areas and in subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, and Languages. To address this, the government offers substantial support for students pursuing teaching degrees.
Funding Opportunities:
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Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme: This is a popular government bursary for students studying Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
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Provincial Education Departments: Some provinces offer their own bursaries to attract teachers to underserved regions.
Priority Areas:
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Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
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Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
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Senior and FET Phase (Grades 7–12), especially in Maths, Science, and Technology
2. Health Sciences (Nursing, Medicine, and Allied Health)
Why It’s Funded:
The healthcare sector is a critical priority for the South African government, particularly post-COVID-19. There is consistent demand for medical professionals in both public and private sectors.
Funding Opportunities:
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NSFAS: Covers most undergraduate health science qualifications at public universities.
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Department of Health Bursaries: Each province may offer bursaries to students studying medicine, nursing, radiography, physiotherapy, etc.
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Private Sector: Organisations like Netcare and Mediclinic offer bursaries for nurses and allied health professionals.
Priority Qualifications:
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MBChB (Medicine)
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Diploma/Bachelor of Nursing
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Physiotherapy
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Radiography
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Occupational Therapy
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Pharmacy
3. Engineering Degrees and Diplomas
Why It’s Funded:
Engineering remains one of the most sought-after skills in South Africa. The country requires qualified engineers for infrastructure development, energy production, and innovation in mining and manufacturing.
Funding Opportunities:
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NSFAS: Covers most engineering qualifications at TVET colleges and universities.
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Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): Offers bursaries for scarce skills, including engineering.
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Corporate Bursaries: Companies like Eskom, Transnet, Sasol, and Anglo American offer bursaries for electrical, mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering students.
Priority Engineering Fields:
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Mechanical Engineering
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Electrical Engineering
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Civil Engineering
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Chemical Engineering
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Mining Engineering
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Mechatronics
4. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Why It’s Funded:
South Africa is in the midst of a digital transformation. With the rise of AI, cloud computing, and data analysis, there’s an urgent need for ICT professionals to support the country’s growth in the tech space.
Funding Opportunities:
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NSFAS: Covers ICT and Computer Science programs at public institutions.
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Private Sector Bursaries: Organisations like Telkom, Vodacom, and the MICT SETA (Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority) support ICT students.
In-Demand Programs:
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Computer Science
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Software Development
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Cybersecurity
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Data Science
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Network Engineering
5. Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Why It’s Funded:
South Africa prioritizes food security and sustainable agriculture. As climate change affects production, the country increasingly funds studies that help mitigate environmental challenges.
Funding Opportunities:
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Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD): Offers bursaries in agriculture-related fields.
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Agricultural Companies: Institutions like Agribusinesses and research councils provide funding to future agricultural scientists and technicians.
Common Funded Programs:
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Agricultural Science
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Animal and Plant Production
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Environmental Management
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Soil Science
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Agricultural Economics
6. Law and Social Work
Why It’s Funded:
While not always considered "scarce skills," law and social work degrees are often funded due to their role in strengthening democracy and social services.
Funding Opportunities:
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NSFAS: Covers Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bachelor of Social Work degrees.
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Department of Social Development Bursaries: Supports students pursuing social work to address the social challenges faced by many communities.
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Justice and Constitutional Development Bursaries: Occasionally support law students.
7. TVET College Diplomas and Certificates
Why It’s Funded:
TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges are a major focus of the South African government’s skills development agenda. These institutions provide practical, career-focused training and help bridge the gap between education and employment.
Funding Opportunities:
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NSFAS: Fully funds approved NC(V) and NATED (N1–N6) programs at public TVET colleges.
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SETA Bursaries: Sector Education and Training Authorities (like CETA, MERSETA, and CHIETA) provide funding for vocational training in construction, engineering, and more.
Popular Funded Courses:
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Electrical Infrastructure Construction
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Civil Engineering and Building Construction
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Engineering and Related Design
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Office Administration
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Hospitality and Tourism
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Finance, Economics and Accounting
What Makes a Qualification More Likely to Get Funded?
Several factors influence which degrees and diplomas receive funding:
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Alignment with Scarce Skills Lists: The Department of Higher Education regularly updates a list of skills that are in demand across the country.
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Government Development Priorities: Fields tied to health, education, infrastructure, and technology often receive more funding.
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Employability: Programs that lead to better job prospects are more likely to be supported.
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Partnerships with Private Sector: Industries that face skill shortages often partner with government or create bursaries to fund relevant studies.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Funded
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Apply Early: Many bursaries have early deadlines. Start searching and applying as soon as applications open.
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Maintain Good Grades: Most funders require strong academic performance, especially in Maths and Science for technical fields.
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Target Scarce Skills: Apply for courses in high-demand fields that align with government or industry priorities.
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Look Beyond NSFAS: Explore corporate bursaries, provincial bursaries, and funding from government departments and SETAs.
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Use Online Platforms: Websites like bursaries-southafrica.co.za and careerwise.co.za list updated bursary opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a qualification that is more likely to be funded can help you achieve your dreams with less financial stress. In South Africa, degrees and diplomas in teaching, health sciences, engineering, ICT, agriculture, and vocational training are at the top of the funding priority list. By aligning your passion with the country’s developmental needs, you increase your chances of receiving a bursary while also making a meaningful contribution to society.
