Absa Bursary 2026: Complete Guide for South African Students
Absa Group Limited is one of Africa's largest diversified financial services groups and offers a prestigious bursary programme to support South African students studying in finance, actuarial science, information technology, and engineering. The Absa Bursary covers all major study costs and provides bursars with paid vacation work, mentoring, and a direct path into Absa's graduate programme upon graduation.
About the Absa Group Limited Bursary
Absa Group Limited was formed from the merger of several South African financial institutions over the decades and rebranded from Barclays Africa in 2018. Today, Absa operates across 12 countries in Africa and is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, employing over 40 000 people. Absa's bursary programme is one of the pillars of its talent strategy. The group believes that investing in young South Africans who would not otherwise have access to higher education is both a social responsibility and a sound business decision. Bursars who prove themselves through vacation work are strongly favoured when graduate positions become available. Absa places particular importance on digital and data capabilities, reflecting the bank's ongoing digital transformation. Students in computer science, data science, and software engineering are among the most sought-after applicants for the bursary in recent years.
What the Bursary Covers
- Tuition fees for the full degree
- Registration and examination fees
- Prescribed textbooks and materials
- Accommodation and residence fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Paid vacation work at Absa offices
- Mentoring from Absa professionals
- Career development workshops
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: South African citizen
- Study level: Undergraduate degree at an accredited South African university
- Fields of study: Actuarial Science, Finance / Financial Planning, Accounting, Economics, Information Technology / Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering (select disciplines)
- Academic average: Minimum 65% overall in Grade 12, with 70% or more in Mathematics
- Financial need: Financial need is assessed as part of the application; students from low-income households are given preference
- Work-back obligation: One year of employment at Absa for each year of bursary funding
When to Apply
Applications open in August and close in October or November each year. Final decisions are communicated in December.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit absa.co.za and go to the Careers section, then select Bursaries.
- Register on the Absa online application platform.
- Complete the bursary application form with all required personal and academic details.
- Write and upload a motivational letter.
- Attach certified copies of all supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the published closing date and await notification of shortlisting.
Documents Required
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Grade 12 results or certificate
- University academic transcript (if applicable)
- Proof of university acceptance or registration
- Motivational letter
- CV / resume
- Proof of household income (payslips, social grant letter, or affidavit)
- Reference letters from a teacher or lecturer
Tips and Additional Information
Absa places great importance on leadership potential and community involvement when selecting bursars, not just academic results. Students who have demonstrated leadership in school committees, community projects, or sports are encouraged to highlight this in their motivational letters. Absa also runs a Women in Finance initiative that specifically supports female bursars in building careers in traditionally male-dominated finance roles.
Contact Details
- Official website: https://www.absa.co.za/about-absa/careers/bursaries/
- Email: bursaries@absa.co.za
- Absa processes all applications through its online system. Check the website for the current year's application link.