Vodacom Bursary 2027

## About the Provider Vodacom Group Limited is one of South Africa's leading telecommunications companies. Founded in 1994, Vodacom provides data, voice, messaging, and converged services to more than fifty million customers. The company was previously owned in equal shares by Telkom and Vodafone, but in 2008 Vodafone increased its stake to sixty-five percent, while Telkom listed its remaining shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Today, Vodacom is South Africa's top cellular network, holding around fifty-eight percent of the country's market share. Vodacom's reach extends well beyond South Africa. The company operates networks in Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and provides services to customers in more than forty countries across Africa, including Zambia, Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire. This wide footprint makes Vodacom one of the most significant telecommunications players on the continent. As a technology and communications company, Vodacom depends on a steady supply of skilled professionals in fields such as engineering, technology, science, mathematics, and business. The company understands that its continued success, and the growth of the digital economy more broadly, relies on developing talented young people who can drive innovation and keep the country connected. For this reason, Vodacom invests in education through its merit-based bursary programme. The Vodacom Merit Bursary is designed to support academically strong students who have the ability and ambition to excel. It reflects the company's belief in rewarding excellence and in giving talented young people the support they need to pursue their studies. By focusing on fields that are important to the technology and business sectors, Vodacom helps to build the kind of skills that the country and the company need. What makes the programme especially valuable is its comprehensive approach. The bursary does not only cover study costs; it also provides essential tools such as a laptop and cellphone, along with work experience and personal support. This holistic approach reflects an understanding that students need more than just fees paid to succeed, and that preparing for the working world is an important part of education. For talented learners from financially constrained backgrounds who dream of a career in technology, business, or a related field, the Vodacom Bursary represents an excellent opportunity. It offers generous funding, valuable tools, real work experience, and a connection to a leading telecommunications company. Through this programme, Vodacom invests in the next generation of skilled professionals who will help drive the digital future of South Africa and the continent.

## About the Program The Vodacom Merit Bursary funds undergraduate studies for the 2027 academic year. It is aimed at academically strong students who wish to study in fields connected to business, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The bursary covers Business, Commerce, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, reflecting the broad range of skills that a major telecommunications company and the wider economy require. The bursary is comprehensive, covering registration fees, tuition fees, a textbook allowance, a meal allowance, and accommodation in a university residence or a capped allowance for private accommodation. In addition, recipients receive a laptop and a cellphone, which are essential tools for modern study and reflect Vodacom's roots in technology and communications. Beyond the financial support, the programme offers valuable benefits that prepare students for the working world. These include an orientation workshop for all new bursary students, workplace exposure through a structured vacation work programme, work readiness skills training for final-year students, and full access to wellness programme services. This combination of funding, work experience, and personal support helps recipients develop into well-rounded, work-ready graduates. The academic requirements are demanding. Applicants must achieve an exemption pass in Matric and a minimum result of 70% for all subjects. Those already at university must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% at tertiary level. This focus on strong results reflects the merit-based nature of the bursary. The programme is open to South African citizens by birth who are currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and who are entering the first, second, or third year of full-time study in 2027. Applicants must be studying or intend to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa, and must demonstrate financial need. All applicants are notified of the outcome of their application by no later than 15 December 2026. If a candidate does not receive feedback by this date, they should consider their application unsuccessful. After submitting an application, candidates receive a confirmation email, and the bursary management team assesses each application carefully, providing feedback along the way. By combining substantial funding with work exposure and personal development, the Vodacom Bursary helps talented students not only to study but to prepare for successful careers in business, technology, and related fields.

## Bursary Benefits The Vodacom Bursary is a comprehensive award that covers a wide range of study-related costs and provides valuable tools and support. This makes it a generous and well-rounded opportunity for academically strong students. - **Registration fees** covered - **Tuition fees** covered - A **textbook allowance** to support academic work - A **meal allowance** to cover daily living needs - **Accommodation** in a university residence, or a capped allowance for private accommodation - A **laptop and cellphone**, essential tools for modern study Recipients also benefit from a range of additional support, including an orientation workshop for all new bursary students, workplace exposure through a structured vacation work programme, work readiness skills training for final-year students, and full access to wellness programme services. This combination of financial support, technology, work experience, and wellness support sets the bursary apart. By providing a laptop and cellphone, Vodacom ensures that students have the tools they need to succeed, while the vacation work and work readiness training help recipients prepare for the working world and build valuable experience before they graduate.

## 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 by birth** - You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric - You must be studying or intend to study full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields - You must be entering the **first, second, or third year of full-time study in 2027** - You must be studying or intend to study at a **recognised and accredited tertiary institution** in South Africa - You must achieve an **exemption pass in Matric** and a minimum result of **70% for all subjects** - If currently studying, you must have achieved a minimum overall average of **65%** at tertiary level - You must be in **financial need**

## Required Documents Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with your online application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin. - A certified copy of your **ID document** - Your **Grade 11 results and Matric latest results**, if currently in Matric - Your **Matric certificate**, if you have completed Matric (certified copy) - Your **full academic record or transcripts**, if currently studying, on the institution's letterhead - A **fee statement**, if currently studying, on the institution's letterhead - **Proof of acceptance** into a tertiary institution, on the institution's letterhead - **Proof of any other bursary awards** currently held - A completed **parental consent form**, if you are under 18 years old Make sure all copies are clear, legible, and properly certified or on official letterheads where required. Having a complete set ready will make the online application process faster and smoother.

## How to Apply Applications for the Vodacom Bursary must be submitted online through the official external bursary portal. 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 portal for the Vodacom 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. Upload all your supporting documents, making sure each file is clear and complete. 6. If you are under 18 years old, include a completed parental consent form. 7. Review your entire application to confirm there are no errors or missing information. 8. Submit your application before the closing date. After submitting, all candidates receive a confirmation email from Vodacom. The bursary management team assesses each application carefully and provides feedback along the way. All applicants will be notified of the outcome no later than 15 December 2026. If you do not receive feedback by then, consider your application unsuccessful. 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 Vodacom Bursary. - **Confirm your marks.** You need an exemption pass with at least 70% for all subjects in Matric, or a 65% average at tertiary level. Check that you meet these before applying. - **Check your citizenship status.** The bursary is specifically for South African citizens by birth, so make sure you qualify. - **Prepare proof of income or need.** Financial need is part of the selection, so make sure you can clearly demonstrate your circumstances. - **Gather institution documents.** You may need a fee statement, academic record, or proof of acceptance on your institution's letterhead, so request these in good time. - **Include parental consent if needed.** If you are under 18, remember to include a completed parental consent form. - **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. - **Keep your confirmation email.** After applying, you receive a confirmation email. Keep it safe as proof of your application. - **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 is a merit-based bursary with strong academic requirements, a complete and accurate application that clearly shows your excellent results and financial need will give you the best chance of success.

## Career Prospects The fields funded by the Vodacom Bursary lead to careers across business, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Because the programme also includes vacation work and work readiness training, recipients are particularly well prepared to enter the job market. Graduates in **Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics** can pursue careers as software developers, engineers, data scientists, network specialists, and analysts. These skills are central to the telecommunications industry, where Vodacom operates, and to almost every other sector of the modern economy. As the world becomes increasingly digital and connected, the demand for these professionals continues to grow. Those who study **Science** can pursue careers in research, analysis, and many specialised fields, contributing to innovation and the advancement of knowledge. Science graduates are valued across industries for their analytical and problem-solving skills. Graduates in **Business and Commerce** can become accountants, financial analysts, economists, managers, and business professionals. These careers are essential to the functioning of every organisation, and they offer stable and rewarding work with strong prospects for advancement. A major advantage of this bursary is the work experience it provides. Through the structured vacation work programme, recipients gain real exposure to the working world, which helps them understand how their studies apply in practice. The work readiness training for final-year students further prepares recipients for employment, giving them an edge over other graduates. Because the bursary is run by a leading telecommunications company, recipients also gain a valuable connection to a major employer. This association, combined with practical work experience and a strong qualification, can be very helpful when seeking employment after graduation. Many students who gain experience through such programmes go on to build successful careers, and some may find opportunities within the company itself. The technology and telecommunications sectors offer exciting, fast-moving, and well-paid careers, and the skills developed through these qualifications are in high demand both locally and internationally. For talented students from financially constrained backgrounds, the Vodacom Bursary offers not only the funding needed to study but also the tools, experience, and support needed to launch a successful career in business, technology, or a related field.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Vodacom Bursary? South African citizens by birth who are in Matric or have completed Matric, entering first, second, or third year of full-time study in 2027 in one of the listed fields at a recognised institution, with strong results and financial need, may apply. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers Business, Commerce, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. ## What expenses does the bursary cover? The bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, a textbook allowance, a meal allowance, and accommodation, plus a laptop and cellphone. Recipients also receive workplace exposure and other support. ## What marks do I need? You need an exemption pass in Matric with a minimum of 70% for all subjects, or a 65% overall average at tertiary level if currently studying. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **31 August 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## How do I apply? Applications are submitted online through the official external bursary portal. You will need to complete the form and upload your supporting documents. ## When will I hear the outcome? All applicants are notified by no later than 15 December 2026. If you do not receive feedback by then, consider your application unsuccessful. ## What benefits do recipients receive beyond funding? Recipients receive an orientation workshop, vacation work, work readiness training for final-year students, and access to wellness programme services. ## Do I need parental consent? Applicants under 18 years old must include a completed parental consent form with their application.

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

Vodacom Bursary Department Email: Externalbursaries@vodacom.co.za