Does Standard Bank fund students at universities of technology?

Standard Bank primarily funds students at traditional universities, though applications from universities of technology in relevant fields may be considered.

Is the bursary available for honours or master's degrees?

The standard bursary programme funds undergraduate studies. Postgraduate bursaries may be available for existing Standard Bank employees or through specific academic partnerships.

Can I apply in my final year of high school?

Yes. Matric students who have received a provisional university acceptance may apply. Their bursary offer will be conditional on achieving the required Grade 12 results.

How many bursaries does Standard Bank award per year?

Standard Bank does not publicly disclose the exact number of bursaries awarded, but the programme is one of the larger corporate bursary schemes in South Africa's financial sector.

What if I want to study at a university in another country?

The Standard Bank South Africa bursary is intended for South African institutions only. International study would not be covered under this specific programme.

Last updated: June 2026— Information is subject to change. Always verify with the relevant government department.

Standard Bank Bursary 2026: Full Application Guide

Standard Bank South Africa, the country's largest bank by assets, offers a sought-after bursary programme for high-achieving students pursuing qualifications in finance, information technology, engineering, and actuarial science. The bursary provides comprehensive financial support and integrates recipients into Standard Bank's graduate talent ecosystem through vacation work and mentorship. Applications open annually in August.

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About the Standard Bank South Africa Bursary

Founded in 1862, Standard Bank Group is Africa's largest bank by assets and has operations in over 20 countries across the continent. Its South African operations span retail and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth management, and insurance, employing tens of thousands of people nationally. Standard Bank's bursary programme is part of its broader transformation and human capital strategy. The bank recognises that talent development is critical to its long-term competitiveness, particularly as the financial services industry undergoes rapid digital transformation. Standard Bank is heavily invested in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and fintech innovation, making IT and data science candidates particularly attractive. Bursars are integrated into the bank's talent pipeline from the moment they are awarded the bursary. They are assigned mentors within the bank, participate in vacation work rotations, and are given early exposure to Standard Bank's culture and values, making the transition to full employment smooth and natural.

What the Bursary Covers

Full tuition fees for the academic year
Registration fees
Textbooks and study materials
Accommodation allowance or residence fees
Monthly living allowance
Paid vacation work placement at Standard Bank
Mentorship and career coaching

Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship: South African citizen or permanent resident
Study level: Undergraduate degree at an accredited South African university
Fields of study: Information Technology / Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Finance / Accounting (CA stream), Actuarial Science, Economics, Mathematics / Statistics, Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), Quantitative Finance
Academic average: Minimum 65% in Grade 12, with 70% or higher in Mathematics
Financial need: Financial need is a key component of the selection process
Work-back obligation: One year of employment at Standard Bank per year of bursary funding

When to Apply

Applications open in August and typically close at the end of October. Successful applicants are notified by December.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Go to standardbank.co.za and navigate to Careers, then Bursaries.
Create an account on the Standard Bank online recruitment platform.
Complete the full bursary application form including your academic and personal background.
Upload all certified supporting documents in the required formats.
Submit the application before the October deadline.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a digital or in-person interview.

Documents Required

Certified copy of South African ID
Certified Grade 12 results (final or most recent)
Tertiary academic transcript (if already enrolled)
Proof of university acceptance or registration
Motivational letter
CV
Proof of household income (payslips, social grant documentation, or sworn affidavit)
Two references (teacher or academic preferred)

Tips and Additional Information

Standard Bank's bursary is closely linked to the bank's graduate programme, which is consistently rated among the top graduate programmes in South Africa. Bursars who successfully complete their degrees are typically offered a position on the programme, which includes structured rotations and leadership development. Standard Bank has a strong commitment to gender transformation and actively encourages women to apply, especially for roles in technology and finance.

Contact Details

Official website: https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/personal/about-us/bursaries
Email: bursaries@standardbank.co.za
Standard Bank manages all bursary applications through its online portal. Walk-in applications are not accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: CitizenHelp is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any government department. This content is for general guidance only. Always verify with official sources before taking action.