Highlights
- The Sage External Bursary provides financial assistance to South African students, helping them to achieve their academic goals and secure a brighter future.
- The program outlines clear requirements and deadlines, ensuring that applicants can prepare and submit their applications effectively.
- By offering guidance and support, the bursary aims to empower students, fostering future business success and development within South Africa.
Sage External Bursary Guide for South African Students
Education remains one of the most impactful tools for empowerment and social transformation. For many South African students, however, the financial obstacle to accessing higher education can seem insurmountable. The Sage External Bursary, managed by StudyTrust, is more than a funding program; it’s a lifeline for previously disadvantaged youth and students with disabilities who aspire to study at public universities. This guide lays out all you need to know about the Sage External Bursary, from eligibility to application tips, so you can take the next step toward your academic dreams.
What You’ll Learn Here
- Who qualifies for the Sage External Bursary
- Key benefits and what the bursary covers
- Which fields of study are supported
- Selection criteria and application advice
- How to apply and important deadlines
Why the Sage External Bursary Matters
South Africa’s commitment to transformation means uplifting youth from all backgrounds, ensuring that talent and potential are not stifled by financial need. The Sage External Bursary echoes this objective by targeting students from previously disadvantaged communities and prioritizing those living with disabilities. Sage’s mission is about more than just covering tuition fees. It’s about creating a supportive pathway for young South Africans to gain critical skills, contribute to the economy, and break cycles of inequality.
Who Should Apply for the Sage External Bursary
Core Eligibility Requirements
Before you start, ensure you meet the core requirements:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are a previously disadvantaged individual.
- You have applied to and have been accepted by a public higher education institution in South Africa for undergraduate studies.
- Your family’s total income is between R350,000 and R500,000 per year. (If your family income is below R350,000 and you don’t qualify for NSFAS or haven’t received a DHET bursary, you can still apply.)
- Your intended course aligns with the approved fields of study (see below for details).
A Special Focus on Students With Disabilities
If you are a student living with a disability, the Sage External Bursary extends even further. Not only are you prioritized for funding, but you’re also eligible regardless of your major (undergraduate or postgraduate). This ensures that disability is never a barrier to pursuing any field at a public university.
Tip: If you have a disability, gather your supporting documentation early, as this may streamline your application process.
What the Sage External Bursary Covers
If selected, you can expect significant financial support that covers the essentials for academic success. Here’s what the bursary offers (subject to annual caps):
- Tuition fees
- Residence or private accommodation costs
- Stationery and books
- Current and outstanding (historical) study debt
While the bursary is generous, it does have a cap, so plan your annual budget accordingly, especially if your course requirements have additional costs.
Supported Fields of Study
Undergraduate Students
The bursary is designed to develop skills critical to South Africa’s economic growth in the following fields:
- Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Information Technology
- Bachelor of Commerce, specialising in Accounting and Finance
If you are an undergraduate student in one of these departments, you are encouraged to apply.
Students with Disabilities
The bursary opens the door to all study programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students with disabilities. This wide-reaching support helps remove barriers unique to this group of applicants.
Academic Achievement Criteria
To be considered, applicants should meet the following standards:
- Grade 12 learners: At least 75% in Mathematics and Physical Science
- Current university students: Consistently average 65% or above in their current studies (a slightly lower rate may be accepted for students with disabilities, but not below the university’s pass mark)
Maintaining strong grades not only bolsters your application but also maximizes your chances for renewal and continued success.
Selection Criteria Explained
Success isn’t all about numbers. While academic achievement is vital, the selection process considers many factors:
- Financial Need: Verified through your family income bracket and supporting documents.
- Field of Study: Is your chosen field one of the bursary’s focus areas?
- Prior Disadvantage (PDI status): Giving weight to equity and transformation.
- Disability Status: Priority given to students with disabilities and flexibility in courses and minimum marks.
- Pass Rate: Maintaining or exceeding the 65% average (with some exceptions).
- Impact: Your potential to benefit from and contribute to the goals of the Sage External Bursary.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Prepare Your Documents
- South African ID
- Latest academic transcript or Grade 12 report
- Acceptance letter from a public university
- Proof of household income
- (If applicable) Proof of disability
- Apply Online
- Access the StudyTrust bursary application portal at https://studytrust.org.za/bursary-applications/.
- Follow all instructions carefully, filling in details accurately and uploading all documentation.
- Review & Submit
- Double-check your answers for completeness.
- Confirm that all files are legible and meet the platform’s requirements.
- Track Your Application
- Keep an eye on your email for updates from the StudyTrust team or log in to your account to check application status.
Application Tips
- Start early. The application season opens on 1 May and closes on 30 September.
- Rushed applications leave room for errors. Take the time to gather and review your documentation.
- If you have questions, consult the Bursary Applications page or use StudyTrust’s contact channels for help.
Beyond Funding The Value of Mentoring and Student Support
Financial support is just one part of the puzzle. StudyTrust’s role doesn’t end when your tuition is covered. Their mentoring and student support ensure you thrive both academically and personally. This holistic approach helps you balance university pressures, gain real-world skills, and start building a robust professional network.
Supporting Transformation and Inclusion in South Africa
The Sage External Bursary doesn’t only uplift individuals; it contributes to South Africa’s larger project of inclusion and redress. By targeting previously disadvantaged students and people with disabilities, this bursary helps create a more equitable and prosperous society for all. With more than 30,000 bursaries and scholarships awarded in the last 50 years, StudyTrust and Sage have a proven legacy of changing lives, supporting over a billion rand in student funding.
If you fit the profile, the next application cycle could be your chance to take control of your academic future and contribute to a brighter future for South Africa.
Next Steps for Aspiring Students
- Visit StudyTrust’s Bursary Applications page at the start of the next application cycle to access the latest forms and guidance.
- Mark your calendar for the open window (1 May–30 September).
- Gather your documents now and stay in touch with your university’s financial aid office for extra advice.
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