Nedbank Bursary 2026: Complete Guide for SA Students
Nedbank Group is one of South Africa's largest banking groups and offers a bursary programme to support deserving students studying in fields aligned with its core business functions. The Nedbank Bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and living costs, and provides recipients with access to vacation work and mentoring within the bank. Applications are accepted annually from August to November.
About the Nedbank Group Bursary
Nedbank Group is headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg and operates as one of the four major South African banks with a strong retail, corporate, and investment banking presence. Nedbank has a deep commitment to social investment and transformation, with its bursary programme being one of the flagship initiatives under its human capital development strategy. The bank recognises that access to quality tertiary education is a significant barrier for many talented South Africans, and the bursary programme is designed to remove that barrier for students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability. Nedbank focuses particularly on fields that support its digital transformation journey, meaning IT and data science candidates are increasingly prioritised. Bursars who join Nedbank through vacation work and graduate programmes often stay with the bank long-term, growing into leadership positions. Nedbank's inclusive culture and emphasis on continuous learning make it an attractive employer for young finance and technology professionals.
What the Bursary Covers
- Full tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Prescribed textbooks and learning resources
- Accommodation or residence allowance
- Monthly living stipend
- Paid vacation work placement at Nedbank
- Mentorship from senior Nedbank professionals
- Laptop or device allowance (for qualifying bursars)
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: South African citizen
- Study level: Undergraduate degree at an accredited South African university
- Fields of study: Actuarial Science, Finance / Financial Management, Accounting / CA stream, Economics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science / Data Analytics, Engineering (select disciplines), Mathematics / Statistics
- Academic average: Minimum 65% overall in Grade 12, with at least 70% in Mathematics
- Financial need: Demonstrated financial need is a key selection criterion alongside academic performance
- Work-back obligation: One year of employment at Nedbank per year of funding received
When to Apply
Applications open in August and close in November. Nedbank aims to notify successful applicants by December or January at the latest.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit nedbank.co.za and go to the About Us section to find the bursary programme page.
- Download or complete the online bursary application form.
- Write a compelling motivational letter stating your career goals and why you are applying.
- Gather all required certified documents.
- Submit the application via the online portal or the email address provided on the bursary page.
- If shortlisted, attend interviews at a Nedbank office or via video call.
Documents Required
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or most recent results
- University academic transcript (if already enrolled)
- Proof of acceptance or registration letter from university
- Motivational letter (at least one page)
- CV
- Proof of income or financial need (payslips, unemployment documentation, or affidavit)
- Reference letter from a teacher or community leader
Tips and Additional Information
Nedbank's bursary programme is closely linked to its graduate talent pipeline, which means bursars who meet performance standards are typically offered a place on the Nedbank Graduate Programme upon graduation. This accelerated career path gives young professionals structured rotations across different business units. Nedbank is also a signatory to the Financial Sector Charter and has strong transformation targets, making it particularly keen to support Black, Coloured, and Indian applicants.
Contact Details
- Official website: https://www.nedbank.co.za/content/nedbank/desktop/gt/en/aboutus/bursaries.html
- Email: bursaries@nedbank.co.za
- Nedbank may update its bursary contact details each year. Always verify through the official website.