Matric Scholarship Opportunities in South Africa | Grade 12 Guide 2026
Discover matric scholarship opportunities for Grade 12 students in South Africa. NSFAS, university merit bursaries, corporate awards, and what marks you need.
Matric Scholarship Opportunities in South Africa: What Every Grade 12 Student Should Know
Grade 12 is the year that defines your academic trajectory in South Africa. But it is also the year when many scholarship opportunities open up — or close off — depending on your matric results. Whether you are still writing your NSC exams, awaiting results, or planning ahead from Grade 11, this guide gives you a comprehensive overview of the scholarship opportunities available to South African matric students and school leavers.
Two Types of Matric Scholarships
When people refer to "matric scholarships" in South Africa, they typically mean one of two things:
1. Scholarships for Learners Currently in Matric (Grade 12)
These are scholarship programmes that are open to learners still at school, in Grade 12. They may be continuations of existing high school scholarships, or new awards for Grade 12 learners specifically. Examples include:
- SANRAL scholarships for Grade 10–12 learners (which a Grade 12 student can still apply for)
- Corporate merit scholarships that recruit final-year learners ahead of matric results
- Provincial department scholarship programmes for matric learners
2. University Bursaries and Scholarships Based on Matric Results
These are the most numerous and significant matric scholarship opportunities. They are awarded after matric results are released, on the basis of NSC performance. They fund university or TVET college study. The most important of these include:
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
- University merit bursaries and entrance scholarships
- Corporate university bursaries (Eskom, SANRAL, Sasol, Anglo American, etc.)
- Professional body scholarships (SAICA, SAICA TOPP, SAIPA, engineering bodies)
What Matric Results Do Scholarship Providers Look At?
Before exploring specific opportunities, it helps to understand what scholarship providers examine in your matric results:
- Overall average: Most merit scholarships require a 70–80%+ overall NSC average. Top university entrance scholarships (like UCT's, Wits's, or Stellenbosch's) may require 80–90%+.
- Subject-specific marks: Corporate scholarships for engineering require 60–70%+ in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Commerce scholarships require strong Accounting or Mathematics results.
- APS (Admission Point Score): Universities calculate an APS from your matric results. Your APS determines which degree programmes you can access, and many scholarship programmes are linked to APS thresholds.
- NSC distinctions: Learners who achieve seven distinctions (80%+ in seven subjects) are often automatically considered for top university entrance scholarships.
University Entrance Scholarships
Most South African universities offer entrance scholarships to top-performing matric achievers. These are typically automatic — the university identifies qualifying students based on their application and matric results without a separate scholarship application being required. Key examples:
UCT Scholarships
The University of Cape Town offers the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for top-performing learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. UCT also offers faculty-specific merit awards for students who achieved outstanding results in relevant subjects.
Wits Merit Award
The University of the Witwatersrand awards merit-based scholarships to top NSC performers. The size of the award is linked to the learner's average mark and APS score.
Stellenbosch University (SU) Top Achievers Programme
Stellenbosch University offers automatic merit bursaries to top NSC achievers. The amount varies by performance level. SU also offers needs-based financial aid through a separate application process.
University of Pretoria Entrance Scholarship
UP awards entrance scholarships to learners who achieved above a set mark threshold in their NSC results. These are awarded automatically without a separate application.
NSFAS: Funding for University and TVET College
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the government's primary financial aid programme for post-matric study. It is not technically a scholarship — it is a bursary system funded through a combination of grants and loans — but for many South African learners, it is the mechanism that makes university or TVET college accessible.
To qualify for NSFAS, your household income must fall below a specified threshold (currently R350 000 per year). NSFAS covers registration, tuition fees, accommodation, and a meals and travel allowance. Applications open annually, typically between October and January of the application year. Apply as early as possible through the NSFAS online portal (www.nsfas.org.za).
Corporate Bursaries Based on Matric Results
Many South African companies open their bursary applications to top matric learners in the months following the release of NSC results (January–March). The most active corporate bursary providers include:
- Eskom: Engineering, electrical engineering, and technical disciplines
- SANRAL: Civil engineering, quantity surveying, built environment
- Sasol: Chemical engineering, natural sciences, technology
- Anglo American: Mining engineering, metallurgy, geology
- Transnet: Engineering, logistics, operations
- Old Mutual and Sanlam: Finance, actuarial science, accounting
- PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY: Accounting, auditing, finance (SAICA bursaries)
Professional Body Scholarships
Several South African professional bodies fund bursaries for learners entering their respective fields:
- SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants): The TOPP programme and partner firm bursaries support learners pursuing CA(SA) qualification.
- ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa): Engineering-focused bursary opportunities linked to accredited degree programmes.
- SACAP (South African Council for the Architectural Profession): Support for architecture students at accredited universities.
What to Do Right Now
If you are currently in Grade 12 or awaiting matric results, here is what to do immediately:
- Focus on your NSC exams: The most important thing you can do right now is perform as well as possible in your matric exams. Every extra mark increases your scholarship options after results are released.
- Apply for NSFAS now: NSFAS applications typically open before matric results. Apply early — the fund is oversubscribed and late applications may not be processed in time.
- Research corporate bursary deadlines: Many corporate bursaries open in January and close by March. Prepare your documents now so you are ready to apply the moment results are released.
- Apply to multiple universities: Apply to at least three universities to maximise your chance of an entrance scholarship.
- Speak to a guidance counsellor: Your school's guidance counsellor should have information on currently open bursary and scholarship opportunities. Use this resource.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What scholarships are available after matric in South Africa?
After matric, the main scholarship options are university entrance merit scholarships, NSFAS financial aid, corporate bursaries from companies like Eskom, SANRAL, and Sasol, and professional body programmes like SAICA's accounting bursaries.
What matric average do I need for a university scholarship in South Africa?
Most university entrance scholarships require a 70–80%+ overall NSC average. Top scholarships at UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch may require 80–90%+. Subject-specific scholarships for engineering or commerce have their own requirements.
When do NSFAS applications open in South Africa?
NSFAS applications typically open in October–November of the year before you intend to study. Apply as early as possible through the NSFAS online portal at www.nsfas.org.za.
Can a Grade 12 student apply for SANRAL scholarship?
Yes. SANRAL's scholarship programme is open to Grade 10, 11, and 12 learners near national road development areas who intend to study engineering or the built environment. A Grade 12 learner can still apply.
What is the best way to maximise scholarship opportunities after matric?
Perform as well as possible in your NSC exams, apply for NSFAS before results are released, apply to multiple universities, and monitor corporate bursary applications that open in January–March after results.