Top IT & Computer Science Bursaries In South Africa For 2026

If you’re pursuing a degree in IT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields, these bursaries from key companies and institutions can provide the financial support and opportunity you need to thrive in your studies and beyond.

1. CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary (via CSIR)

Who They’re: The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), supported by the Sasol Foundation, funds students in high-demand fields to foster innovation and socio-economic transformation.
Deadline: Closes Friday, 29 August 2025 for 2026 applicants.
Requirements:
- South African citizens
- Planning full-time study at a SA university in 2026 in fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems
- Strong academic record; undergraduates must have passed all registered courses; postgraduate candidates require research capability, organisational skills, and strong communication csir.co.za
What’s Covered:
- Registration, tuition, books, accommodation, allowances, once-off laptop
- Additional support: mentorship, psychological support, vacation work, and for postgraduates, funding for experimental costs, conference attendance, and thesis publishing csir.co.za
How to Apply: Via the official CSIR bursary portal on BursaryConnect.
- Apply here: BursaryConnect via CSIR csir.co.za

2. Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary

Who They’re: Ninety One, a global investment manager, offers Changeblazers bursaries to invest in talented youths from under-resourced backgrounds—building future talent for their industry and beyond.
Deadline: Applications for 2026 are now open (indicative closing likely September 2025).
Requirements:
- Matriculants from under-resourced communities
- Strong academic performance and leadership potential
- Must be entering university in 2026 for fields including Technology & Computer Science Ninety One
What’s Covered:
- Full funding: tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials
- Holistic support: private tuition, career guidance, resilience training, mental health support, needs-based extras like driver’s license or graduation wardrobe for top performers Ninety One
How to Apply: Apply via the official Ninety One Changeblazers portal.
- Apply here: Ninety One Changeblazers bursary Ninety One

3. Amazon Recruitment Bursary (via StudyTrust)

Who They’re: Amazon, the global tech company, partners with StudyTrust to sponsor IT students and funnel emerging talent into its Software Development Engineering (SDE) pipeline.
Deadline: Opens 1 May 2025 and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Requirements:
- South African citizens studying Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Software Engineering (including AI/Machine Learning)
- Undergraduate students entering their final year in 2026 and intending to pursue Honours in 2027
- Minimum academic average of 65%
- Willingness to intern and accept full-time employment with Amazon post-graduation if offered StudyTrust
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition support and an internship at Amazon
- Career pipeline: successful interns may be offered permanent roles starting January 2028 StudyTrust
How to Apply: Submit via StudyTrust’s online portal starting 1 May.
- Apply here: Amazon bursary via StudyTrust StudyTrust

4. BBD Bursary & Beyond Programme

Who They’re: BBD Software, an international IT solutions company serving sectors like fintech, education, telecoms, and gaming—aims to nurture future software talent.
Deadline: Not specified—check BBD’s careers/bursary page for 2026 updates.
Requirements:
- South African citizens studying (or planning to study) IT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Informatics, Game Design, or similar degrees
- Matric average ≥ 70% or tertiary average ≥ 65%
- Must submit CV, ID, transcripts, acceptance letter, and optionally GitHub or coding portfolio BBD
What’s Covered:
- Financial support for full-time IT studies
- Career support through connection with BBD’s industry projects and teams BBD
How to Apply: Apply via BBD’s official “Bursary Programme” careers page.
- Apply here: BBD Bursary & Beyond Programme BBD

5. Standard Bank Group Bursary (includes Computer & Data Science)

Who They’re: Standard Bank, a leading South African bank, invests in future talent across diverse fields including Data Science and IT to fuel innovation across Africa.
Deadline: Opens 1 May 2025 to 30 September 2025 for 2026 intake.
Requirements:
- South African citizens
- Minimum average of 65% in recent exams
- Registered full-time for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in relevant fields (e.g., Computer & Data Science, IT) Standard Bank
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition, textbooks, accommodation, medical aid, living allowance, laptop, mentoring, and psychological support Standard Bank
How to Apply: Apply via StudyTrust’s portal through Standard Bank’s bursary fund.
- Apply here: Standard Bank Group Bursary via StudyTrust Standard Bank

Summary Table

Provider	Deadline	Fields Covered	Coverage & Support Highlights	Why They Offer It	Apply Link
CSIR-Sasol Foundation	29 Aug 2025	CS, IT, Data Science, Engineering	Tuition, laptop, allowance, mentorship, research support	Build research capacity and tech talent	CSIR BursaryConnect csir.co.za
Ninety One Changeblazers	Now open (2025 likely)	Tech & Computer Science etc.	Full funding + holistic support (wellbeing, mentoring, extras)	Develop high-potential under-resourced students	Ninety One bursary page Ninety One
Amazon (via StudyTrust)	Opens 1 May 2025	Computer Science / Software Engineering	Tuition + internship + job pipeline at Amazon	Secure future pipeline of software engineers	StudyTrust Amazon bursary StudyTrust
BBD Bursary & Beyond Programme	TBA	IT, CS, Software Engineering	Financial support, career exposure	Grow talent for their tech solutions operations	BBD Bursary page BBD
Standard Bank Group	1 May – 30 Sept 2025	Computer & Data Science, IT etc.	Full bursary including laptop, living expenses, support	Invest in Africa’s future talent base	StudyTrust Standard Bank bursary Standard Bank