BBD Software Development Bursary 2026 – financial support with opportunities

Students interested in technology, programming and software development may want to explore the BBD Software Development Bursary 2026. The opportunity is aimed at students pursuing relevant technology-related university qualifications and who want to build a career in software development.

BBD’s bursary programme combines financial support with opportunities for students to gain exposure to the software industry. This makes the programme relevant to students who want to develop both their academic knowledge and practical understanding of technology.

Before applying, however, students should carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare all requested documents.

What Is the BBD Software Development Bursary?

The BBD Software Development Bursary forms part of the company’s Bursary & Beyond Programme.

BBD operates in the software development industry and works across areas including software engineering, cloud engineering, data science, digital enablement and product development.

The bursary programme is designed for students who have an interest in technology and want to pursue relevant qualifications that can lead to careers in software development.

The programme can therefore be viewed as more than a traditional funding opportunity. Students may also gain exposure to the company and the working environment associated with software development.

Who Can Apply for the BBD Bursary?

Applicants need to meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

The stated requirements include:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be studying or preparing to study towards a relevant IT degree.
• Attend or intend to attend a recognised South African university.
• Study towards a relevant qualification such as a BSc, BEng, BCom or BIS.
• Achieve an overall academic average of at least 70% in Matric or 65% at tertiary level.
• Have a genuine interest in creating and building software.

Relevant areas mentioned for the programme include:

• Computer Science
• Computer and Software Engineering
• Information Technology
• Game Design
• Informatics

The opportunity can apply to students at different stages of higher education, including Bachelor’s, Honours, Master’s and Doctorate studies, depending on the programme requirements.

Students should check their own academic records against the stated requirements before applying.

Documents Required for the BBD Bursary

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the application.

1. Updated CV

An updated CV should clearly present your education, contact details, achievements and relevant experience.

Students interested in technology can also mention programming projects, technical activities, competitions or other relevant experience.

2. South African ID

Applicants should provide a copy of their South African identity document.

Make sure the document is clear and all important information is readable.

3. Matric Certificate

A copy of the Matric certificate should be included as part of the supporting documentation.

This can help demonstrate the applicant’s academic background and Matric performance.

4. University Acceptance Letter

Students entering university should provide their university acceptance letter where required.

This confirms that the applicant has been accepted to study at the relevant institution.

5. Latest Academic Transcript

Students who are already studying should provide their latest academic transcript.

Before submitting the application, check that the transcript is the most recent one available from your institution.

6. Coding Portfolio

Applicants are encouraged to provide a link to personal coding projects on GitHub or a similar platform, where applicable.

This can be particularly useful for students who have already created software, websites, applications, games or other technology projects.

A coding portfolio does not need to contain dozens of projects. Even a small number of well-explained projects can help demonstrate your interest in software development.

What Can You Study?

The BBD bursary is intended for students pursuing technology-related university qualifications.

The programme information identifies qualifications such as:

• BSc
• BEng
• BCom
• BIS

Relevant study areas include Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer and Software Engineering, Game Design and Informatics.

Students should confirm that their specific degree and field of study fall within the current programme requirements before applying.

What Happens During the BBD Programme?

The BBD Bursary & Beyond Programme is designed to provide students with exposure to the technology industry in addition to financial support.

BBD describes activities through which bursars can interact with the company’s people and technology environment.

One example is Vac Week, during which bursars can work together on technology projects. The programme also describes vacation work opportunities that can expose students to product development.

This type of exposure can help students understand how concepts learned at university can be applied when working on real technology projects.

However, the exact activities available to a bursar can depend on the programme and the opportunities provided at the time.

What Happens After Completing Your Studies?

BBD presents its bursary programme as part of a broader development pathway.

The company’s information indicates that bursars may have an opportunity to progress into the BBD Graduate Programme after completing their studies.

The Graduate Programme provides graduates with practical exposure to project teams and further professional development.

Applicants should understand that participation in a bursary programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment. Any future employment opportunity would depend on the relevant requirements and selection process.

How to Apply for the BBD Software Development Bursary

Applicants should use the application link provided for the current BBD Bursary Programme.

Application Link

https://bbdsoftware.com/open-positions/apply/?jobId=P4OFK026203F3VBQB798N79QY-236249

Before submitting the application, make sure you have the necessary documents available:

• Updated CV
• South African ID
• Matric certificate
• University acceptance letter, where applicable
• Latest academic transcript
• GitHub or similar coding-project link, where available

Check your information carefully before submitting the application.

Students should also ensure that their contact details are correct because these details may be used to communicate with them about the application.

How to Make Your Application More Useful

Students applying for technology bursaries can use their application to demonstrate more than academic results.

If you have created a website, mobile application, game, software tool or another programming project, consider including it in your coding portfolio.

Explain briefly what the project does and which technologies you used.

You do not need to claim expertise in technologies you have only recently started learning. Being honest about your experience is better than presenting skills you cannot demonstrate.

Your CV should also be concise and easy to understand. Focus on information that is relevant to your education, technology interests and achievements.

Important Things to Check Before Applying

Before submitting your BBD bursary application, check:

Eligibility

• You are a South African citizen.
• You meet the academic requirements.
• You are studying or preparing to study at a recognised South African university.
• Your qualification falls within the relevant technology fields.
• You have a genuine interest in software development.

Documents

• Updated CV
• ID copy
• Matric certificate
• University acceptance letter, where applicable
• Latest academic transcript
• Coding portfolio or project link, if available

Application

• Use the official application link.
• Check your personal information.
• Check your academic information.
• Make sure portfolio links work.
• Submit all requested information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BBD Software Development Bursary?

It is part of BBD’s Bursary & Beyond Programme for students pursuing relevant technology-related university qualifications and interested in software development.

What marks are required?

The stated academic requirement is an overall average of 70% in Matric or 65% at tertiary level.

Which fields are relevant?

The programme identifies areas including Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer and Software Engineering, Game Design and Informatics.

Do I need a GitHub portfolio?

Applicants are asked to provide a link to personal coding projects on GitHub or a similar platform where they have such projects.

Does the bursary guarantee employment?

No. The bursary can provide development and industry exposure, but applicants should not regard it as an automatic job offer.

Where can I apply?

Applications can be submitted using the official application link listed above

The BBD Software Development Bursary 2026 is an opportunity for students who want to combine their university studies with a longer-term interest in software and technology.

Before applying, confirm that you meet the academic and qualification requirements, prepare your supporting documents and make sure any coding portfolio links are working.

Most importantly, use the application link provided above and carefully review the information before submitting your application.

Important: This article is an independently written informational guide. Bursary requirements, programme details and application arrangements can change. Applicants should verify the latest information through BBD before applying. Meeting the stated requirements does not guarantee selection or funding.