Nedbank Bursary 2027

## About the Provider The history of Nedbank dates back to 1831, when the Cape of Good Hope Bank was established. Following numerous name changes, structural changes, and rebranding over the years, the Nedbank Group was formed in 2003. Although it is one of the four largest banks in South Africa, Nedbank is also one of the newest in its current form. The bank has a presence in six countries within the Southern African Development Community, and it owns banks and subsidiaries in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi, and Lesotho. Nedbank offers a wide range of services, including wholesale and retail banking, wealth management, insurance, and asset management. In 1969, the bank listed its ordinary shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and today it is counted among the top companies on the exchange. As a major financial institution, Nedbank plays an important role in the South African economy. Nedbank is also deeply committed to the development of the country and its people. The bank understands that South Africa faces a shortage of skills in critical areas, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as in the emerging green economy. These scarce skills are essential for economic growth, innovation, and building a sustainable future. To help address this challenge, Nedbank runs an external bursary programme through its educational trust. The bursary programme reflects Nedbank's forward-thinking approach. By funding not only traditional STEM fields but also green economy skills, the bank shows an awareness of the changing needs of the economy and the importance of sustainability. Green economy skills are focused on improving social wellbeing while reducing environmental harm, and they are likely to become increasingly important in the years ahead. By supporting these areas, Nedbank helps to prepare students for the jobs of the future. The programme is aimed at academically deserving students who are in genuine financial need. Nedbank recognises that many talented young people are unable to pursue their studies simply because they lack the means to do so. By providing funding to these students, the bank helps to ensure that talent is not wasted and that capable young people have the opportunity to build rewarding careers. For learners who dream of a career in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or the green economy, the Nedbank Bursary represents a valuable opportunity. It offers financial support, a connection to a respected bank and its educational trust, and a path into fields that are important to the country's future. Through this programme, Nedbank invests in the scarce skills the economy needs and in the talented young people who will help build a more prosperous and sustainable South Africa.

## About the Program The Nedbank External Bursary Programme funds undergraduate and Honours studies for the 2027 academic year, with a focus on addressing scarce-skills shortages in the country. The programme specifically targets studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as green economy skills. Green economy skills are areas of study focused on improving social wellbeing and equity while greatly reducing environmental risks and ecological harm. This includes work aimed at reducing carbon emissions and pollution, enhancing natural capital, and increasing energy and materials efficiency. By funding these areas alongside traditional STEM fields, Nedbank shows a forward-thinking awareness of the skills the country will need for a sustainable future. The bursary is aimed at academically deserving students who are in financial need, who are studying or wish to study but lack the financial means to do so. The programme is open to South African citizens who are currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and who are studying or have been accepted to study full-time at a recognised public university or university of technology in South Africa. The academic requirements are strong. Applicants must have a strong academic record, must have passed Mathematics in Matric (not Mathematical Literacy), and must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% for the 2026 academic year, whether at Matric or university level. They must also have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% for all subjects aligned to their university qualification. Applicants must demonstrate proven financial need, determined by household income, and those under 18 must have consent from a parent or guardian. The selection process is thorough. All applications are screened and shortlisted according to the qualifying criteria. Shortlisted candidates are required to attend a virtual interview, take part in psychometric testing, and complete other assessments. Applications and results are then assessed by the Nedbank Educational Trust, and bursaries are awarded at the trust's discretion. Shortlisted candidates must also provide detailed financial information about their household, including consent and documentation from parents, guardians, and other income earners. Applications are submitted online. By funding studies in STEM and green economy fields, the Nedbank Bursary helps to develop the scarce skills the country needs while giving talented students from financially constrained backgrounds the chance to pursue rewarding careers.

## Bursary Benefits The Nedbank External Bursary supports academically deserving students who are in financial need and who wish to study in scarce-skills fields. By funding studies in STEM and green economy areas, the programme helps build the skills the country needs while opening doors for talented young people. - **Financial support** towards the costs of an undergraduate or Honours qualification in a scarce-skills field - A focus on **STEM fields and green economy skills**, which are in high demand and important for the future - Funding for full-time study at a **recognised public university or university of technology** in South Africa - A connection to a respected bank and its educational trust, committed to developing scarce skills Because the bursary is aimed at students in genuine financial need, it helps those who have the ability to succeed but who lack the means to fund their studies. The focus on scarce skills means that recipients gain qualifications that are valued by employers and important to the economy. Beyond the funding, recipients become part of a programme backed by the Nedbank Educational Trust, which carefully assesses each application. The thorough selection process, including interviews and assessments, also helps prepare students for the working world and ensures that the bursary supports capable, committed candidates.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered. - You must be a **South African citizen** - You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric - You must be studying or intend to study towards your **first undergraduate or Honours degree or diploma in 2027**, focused on STEM or green economy skills - You must be studying or have been accepted to study full-time at a **recognised and accredited public university or university of technology** in South Africa - You must have a **strong academic record** - You must have **passed Mathematics** in Matric (not Mathematical Literacy) - You must have achieved a minimum overall average of **65%** for the 2026 academic year (at Matric or university level) - You must have achieved a minimum overall average of **65%** for all subjects aligned to your university qualification - You must have **proven financial need**, determined by household income - You must have **consent from a parent or legal guardian** to apply if you are under 18 years old

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents with your application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin. - A certified copy of your **ID document or card** - Your **Grade 11 final results and Matric mid-year results**, if currently in Matric (certified copy) - Your **Matric certificate and latest mid-year results**, if currently in first year at university (certified copy) - Your **latest tertiary results and mid-year results**, if in second or third year at university (certified copy) - **Proof of admission** to a South African public university or university of technology - A completed **Nedbank Financial Checks Affidavit**, signed by you and your parent or guardian - Your latest **three months' bank statements** Shortlisted candidates must also submit detailed household income documentation, including ID documents, proof of income, and bank statements for parents, guardians, and other income earners, within seven working days. Make sure all copies are clear, legible, and properly certified.

## How to Apply Applications for the Nedbank Bursary must be submitted online through the official application form. Follow these steps to apply successfully: 1. Gather all your required documents and save clear, certified copies so you can upload them easily. 2. Visit the online application form for the Nedbank Bursary. 3. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details. 4. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested on the form. 5. Complete the required financial checks affidavit, signed by you and your parent or guardian. 6. Upload all your supporting documents, making sure each file is clear and complete. 7. Review your entire application to confirm there are no errors or missing information. 8. Submit your application before the closing date. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so it is wise to apply well in advance. Note that shortlisted candidates must attend a virtual interview, take part in psychometric testing, and submit detailed household financial information within seven working days. Be prepared for this thorough process, and keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

## Tips for Success A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the Nedbank Bursary. - **Confirm your field qualifies.** The bursary focuses on STEM and green economy skills. Make sure your intended qualification falls within these areas before applying. - **Check your marks.** You must have passed Mathematics in Matric and have a minimum overall average of 65% for 2026, as well as 65% for subjects aligned to your qualification. Confirm you meet these. - **Prepare the financial affidavit carefully.** You need a completed financial checks affidavit signed by you and your parent or guardian, so arrange this in good time. - **Gather bank statements.** You will need your latest three months' bank statements, and shortlisted candidates need detailed household financial information. Prepare these early. - **Be ready for assessments.** Shortlisted candidates attend a virtual interview, take part in psychometric testing, and complete other assessments. Be prepared to present yourself well. - **Respond quickly if shortlisted.** Additional household documents must be submitted within seven working days, so be ready to act fast if you are shortlisted. - **Apply early.** Online systems can become busy near the deadline. Submitting early helps you avoid last-minute technical problems. - **Get documents certified in advance.** Certified copies take time to arrange, so plan a visit to a police station, post office, or Commissioner of Oaths ahead of time. - **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing fields create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask someone to check it for you. - **Be truthful.** Provide only accurate information. Dishonesty can lead to disqualification and damage your reputation. Because this bursary has a thorough selection process and detailed financial requirements, a complete and accurate application that clearly shows your strong results and financial need will give you the best chance of success.

## Career Prospects The fields funded by the Nedbank Bursary lead to careers that are in high demand and important to the future of the economy. By focusing on STEM and green economy skills, the programme prepares students for some of the most valuable and forward-looking careers available. Graduates in **Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics** can pursue a wide range of careers. Scientists work in research and development across many industries, engineers design and build the infrastructure and systems society depends on, technology professionals develop the software and digital systems that power modern life, and mathematicians and statisticians analyse data and solve complex problems. These skills are consistently in demand and offer strong earning potential and career growth. The programme's focus on **green economy skills** is particularly forward-looking. As the world responds to climate change and the need for sustainability, there is growing demand for professionals who can help reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance natural resources, and improve energy and materials efficiency. Graduates with these skills can work in renewable energy, environmental management, sustainable engineering, and many other emerging fields. These careers are likely to grow in importance over the coming decades, making them an excellent choice for ambitious young people. Because the bursary specifically targets scarce skills, recipients gain qualifications in areas where there are real shortages of professionals. This means that graduates are likely to find their skills in demand, both in South Africa and internationally. Employers across many sectors compete for skilled STEM and green economy graduates, which gives these professionals strong career prospects and flexibility. Beyond the technical skills, the thorough selection process that recipients go through, including interviews and psychometric assessments, helps them develop self-awareness and prepare for the working world. This experience can be valuable as they begin their careers. The connection to Nedbank and its educational trust also gives recipients a link to a respected institution. While the bursary itself focuses on funding studies, the association with a major bank can be valuable as students build their professional profiles. For talented students from financially constrained backgrounds, the Nedbank Bursary offers a path into careers that are not only rewarding and well paid but also important to the country's development and sustainable future. By funding scarce skills, the programme helps recipients build careers that benefit both themselves and society.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Nedbank Bursary? South African citizens who are in Matric or have completed Matric, studying or accepted to study their first undergraduate or Honours qualification in a STEM or green economy field at a public university or university of technology, with a 65% average and financial need, may apply. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as green economy skills, which relate to sustainability, reducing environmental harm, and improving energy and resource efficiency. ## What are green economy skills? Green economy skills are areas of study focused on improving social wellbeing and equity while reducing environmental risks, including reducing carbon emissions and pollution, enhancing natural capital, and improving energy and materials efficiency. ## What marks do I need? You must have passed Mathematics in Matric and achieved a minimum overall average of 65% for the 2026 academic year, as well as 65% for subjects aligned to your university qualification. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **31 August 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## Is there an interview? Yes. Shortlisted candidates must attend a virtual interview, take part in psychometric testing, and complete other assessments. ## How do I apply? Applications are submitted online through the official application form. You will need to complete the form, the financial checks affidavit, and upload your supporting documents. ## What financial documents are required? Applicants need a financial checks affidavit and bank statements. Shortlisted candidates must provide detailed household income information, including documents from parents, guardians, and other income earners. ## Who awards the bursary? Applications are assessed by the Nedbank Educational Trust, and bursaries are awarded at the trust's discretion.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 31 August 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.

About the Organization

Nedbank Bursary Team Email: Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za