Fully Funded Nedbank External Bursary 2027 Now Open – Apply Today
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 is now open for applications for the 2027 academic year. This prestigious bursary programme is designed to provide full-time financial support to academically deserving South African students who demonstrate financial need and strong potential.
The bursary aims to fund undergraduate and honours qualifications at any South African public university or university of technology. The primary focus of the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 is to address South Africa’s scarce-skills shortages, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and green economy-related fields.
Through this initiative, Nedbank seeks to empower future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to economic growth, sustainability, and innovation in South Africa.
Applications close on 31 August 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute complications.
About the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 provides comprehensive financial assistance for full-time studies. The programme is structured to support students who have strong academic performance but lack sufficient financial resources to pursue higher education.
The goal is not only to fund studies but also to develop skilled professionals in high-demand sectors. By focusing on STEM and green economy disciplines, Nedbank contributes to long-term national development and sustainable economic transformation.
The bursary supports:
- Tuition fees.
- Prescribed textbooks.
- Academic-related expenses.
- Financial assistance aligned with programme guidelines.
The programme is administered under the Nedbank Educational Trust, and awards are made at its sole discretion.

Students studying STEM courses funded by Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
What is the Green Economy?
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 places special emphasis on green economy skills. A green economy promotes economic growth while improving environmental sustainability and social well-being.
Green economy fields focus on:
- Reducing carbon emissions.
- Increasing energy efficiency.
- Promoting renewable energy.
- Supporting environmental conservation.
- Enhancing natural resource management.
By funding students in these areas, Nedbank supports innovation that reduces environmental risks and promotes long-term ecological sustainability.
Who Can Apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027?
You may apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 if you:
- Are a South African citizen.
- Intend to pursue an undergraduate or honours degree.
- Plan to study within STEM or green economy development fields.
- Demonstrate proven financial need based on household income.
- Meet the required academic performance standards.
Important: Applicants who completed Grade 12 with Mathematics Literacy do not qualify for this bursary programme.
Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 31 August 2026.
Academic Requirements for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
To qualify for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027, applicants must meet the following academic criteria:
- Achieve an average of 65% or higher in the year of application.
- Meet subject requirements aligned with the intended degree.
- Secure admission to a South African public university or university of technology.
- Provide proof of financial need.
- Obtain consent from a legal parent or guardian (if applicable).
Strong academic performance significantly improves your chances of being shortlisted.
Required Documents for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Latest academic results (Grade 11, Grade 12, or university results depending on level).
- Financial check affidavit signed by applicant and parents/guardians.
- Latest three months’ bank statements.
- Proof of university admission.
- Completed income-and-expenditure statement.
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs.
- Latest payslips or proof of income.
- IRP5, IT3, and IT12 forms (if applicable).
- Pension slips or grant proof (if applicable).
All documents must be accurate, complete, and clearly certified.
Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
The Nedbank bursary is NOT for all degrees. It is specifically focused on:
- STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Green economy and sustainability-related qualifications
So, courses like Law, Education, or Arts are generally not funded.
Supporting Documents Required from Parents, Guardians, or Household Income Earners
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 requires full disclosure of household income to determine financial eligibility. Therefore, parents, legal guardians, and all income-earning household members must provide the following:
- A completed income-and-expenditure statement for the combined household income.
- Certified copies of each parent or guardian’s South African ID.
- Most recent payslip (not older than three months).
- Letter of employment (not older than three months).
- Latest three months’ bank statements for each income earner.
If parents or guardians are informal traders or hawkers, they must provide:
- Proof of income.
- Home loan account statement (if applicable).
- City or municipal rates and taxes statement (not older than three months).
If parents or guardians earn commission only, they must submit the following:
- IRP5 forms.
- IT3 forms.
- IT12 forms for the past two years.
If parents or guardians receive income through a pension, grant, maintenance, rental income, or investments, they must submit the following:
- Official pension slip or proof of grant.
- Bank statement (not older than three months) reflecting income received.
Important Submission Guidelines
To ensure your Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 application is successfully processed:
- All documents must be uploaded online.
- Certified copies must be clearly stamped and valid.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Documents must be legible and correctly labelled before upload.
Applicants are encouraged to double-check all documentation before submission to avoid delays or rejection.
Application Process for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
Important notes regarding the application process:
- Applications must be submitted online only.
- Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.
- Applications will be screened according to qualifying criteria.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo psychometric and other assessments.
- Virtual interviews may be conducted.
- Bursaries are awarded at the sole discretion of the Nedbank Educational Trust.
- All applicants will receive feedback once the recruitment process is completed.
It is crucial to ensure that all required documentation is uploaded correctly before submission.
For assistance, applicants may contact:
Nedbank Bursary Team
Email: Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za
Why You Should Apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
The Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 offers more than just financial support. It provides students with the opportunity to pursue careers in high-demand industries that shape South Africa’s future.
Benefits include:
- Financial relief for tuition and study-related expenses.
- Support for scarce and critical skills development.
- Opportunity to study at accredited public institutions.
- Contribution to sustainable economic growth.
- Career advancement in STEM and green economy sectors.
This bursary programme empowers ambitious students to achieve academic success while contributing to national development goals. If you meet the criteria and have strong academic performance, the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027 could be the stepping stone to a successful and impactful career.
How to Apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme 2027
Apply online via the official Nedbank bursary portal:
https://www.nedbank.co.za/content/nedbank/desktop/gt/https://www.nedbank.co.za/content/nedbank/desktop/gt/en/personal/learn/young-people-and-students/bursaries.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
For assistance, contact:
Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za
For more bursaries:
Ensure all required documents are uploaded before the closing date of 31 August 2026.