What Makes the Standard Bank Group Bursary Different?

The Standard Bank Group Bursary is designed to support the development of African talent and future leaders. Its focus is on students studying qualifications that can contribute to areas such as financial services, technology, science, engineering, agriculture and business.

The programme considers both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. However, it is not intended for every university student. The available information indicates that undergraduate applicants must be progressing towards the successful completion of their first year and seeking funding from their second year onwards.

This means that a student who has just completed matric and has not yet started university should not assume that this particular bursary will fund their first year. The undergraduate opportunity is aimed at students who have already demonstrated progress in higher education.

The bursary also considers financial need. Academic performance is important, but the selection process is not simply about finding students with the highest marks. Applicants must meet the academic requirements, study an eligible qualification and demonstrate that they are suitable for the programme.

Which Qualifications Are Funded?

One of the most important steps before applying is checking whether your qualification falls within one of the programme’s supported study areas. Standard Bank’s bursary focuses on disciplines connected to business, science, technology and other fields relevant to its talent-development objectives.

The fields listed for consideration include:

Agriculture

Agriculture-related degrees can lead to careers in agricultural management, agricultural economics, food production, agricultural science and related industries. Students interested in the connection between farming, food security, business and economic development may find this field relevant.

Commerce

Commerce includes qualifications such as accounting, finance, economics, business management and other related disciplines. These subjects can prepare students for careers in financial services, auditing, investment, business analysis and management.

Engineering

Engineering students may be considered where their qualification falls within the programme’s approved fields. Engineering develops technical and problem-solving skills that are useful across infrastructure, industry, technology and business operations.

Applicants should confirm whether their specific engineering degree is accepted rather than relying only on the broad name of the faculty.

Mathematics, Science and Statistics

The programme lists several mathematical and scientific disciplines, including:

• Mathematics.
• Statistics.
• Actuarial Science.
• Computer Science.
• Data Science.
• Information Science.
• Analytics.
• Other eligible science-related qualifications.

These fields can open pathways into areas such as risk management, financial modelling, data analysis, research and technology.

Technology

Technology-related studies are also included. Examples of the listed areas are financial technology and information technology.

Students in these fields should understand the difference between a general interest in computers and an eligible university qualification. A short online course or an unrelated certificate does not automatically meet the requirements of a university bursary.

Behavioural Economics and Related Disciplines

The programme also identifies behavioural economics as an emerging area of interest. The listed disciplines include:

• Economics.
• Behavioural Finance.
• Sociology.
• Psychology.
• Neuroscience.

These subjects explore how people make decisions and how human behaviour affects financial choices, markets, organisations and society.

Because the list includes several related disciplines, applicants should check the current application information carefully to establish whether their exact qualification is eligible.

Undergraduate Bursary: Who Is It Intended For?

The undergraduate portion of the programme is intended for students who are on track to successfully complete their first year and need funding from their second year onwards.

For example, a student studying a three-year degree who has completed the first year and is preparing to enter the second year may be considered. A student entering university for the first time should look for bursaries that specifically fund first-year study.

The stated minimum academic requirement is an average of 65% or above in the latest examinations. This is an important threshold, but meeting it does not guarantee selection.

Applicants must also:

• Be registered for full-time undergraduate studies.
• Be studying a qualification within the funded fields.
• Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.
• Be willing to participate in the formal assessment process.
• Meet the programme’s financial-need considerations.

The application process may include psychometric assessments and an interview. These stages allow the programme to assess more than academic results, including a student’s suitability and broader potential.

Postgraduate Bursary: Support Beyond a First Degree

The postgraduate bursary is intended for academically sound and financially deserving students who want to continue their studies in an approved field.

The programme provides full-cost bursaries for eligible postgraduate study, with support extending up to Master’s level according to the supplied programme information.

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Academic performance: An average of at least 65% in the latest examinations.

Registration: Full-time postgraduate study at a public South African institution of higher learning.

Field of study: A qualification within the programme’s approved study areas.

Assessment: Participation in a formal selection process, which may include psychometric evaluation and an interview.

Financial circumstances: Financial need is considered when applications are assessed.

A postgraduate applicant should therefore prepare more than an academic transcript. It is useful to understand how the proposed qualification fits into their career plans, why the field matters and what financial support is required to complete the studies.

What Does the Bursary Cover?

The Standard Bank Group Bursary is described as a full-cost bursary. This means that it is intended to cover several essential costs associated with studying, rather than only paying a portion of university tuition.

The listed benefits include:

University fees

The bursary covers university fees associated with the approved course of study, subject to the programme’s conditions and allocation process.

Accommodation

Support may be provided for accommodation in a university residence or private accommodation. Private accommodation is subject to certain limits, which successful applicants will be informed about during the provisional bursary allocation process.

Students should not assume that any private rental amount will automatically be paid in full. It is important to understand the accommodation conditions before signing a lease.

Meals

The bursary may cover meals provided by the university or costs associated with self-catering arrangements.

Books and study materials

Students can receive support for books and other materials needed for their studies. This is particularly useful for qualifications that require expensive textbooks, specialised resources or regular academic supplies.

Laptop computer

A laptop is included among the listed bursary benefits. Access to a suitable computer can make a major difference for students completing assignments, attending online learning activities, conducting research and working with academic software.

Monthly living allowance

The programme lists a monthly stipend to assist with other living costs. The amount and payment arrangements should be confirmed with the bursary administrators because the supplied information does not specify a fixed monthly value.

Transport

Transport between home and campus is listed as a benefit four times a year, at the cost of a bus ticket. Students should check how this benefit is administered and what supporting information may be required.

Although the bursary is described as full-cost, students should read the allocation terms carefully. Benefits may have limits, and not every expense a student encounters will necessarily fall within the approved funding.

The Academic Requirement: Why 65% Matters

A 65% average is one of the clearest minimum requirements for this opportunity. It applies to both the undergraduate and postgraduate criteria supplied for the programme.

However, students should not wait until applications open to discover that their marks are below the required level. Keeping track of academic performance throughout the year is a practical way to prepare for future funding opportunities.

A strong application should include accurate academic records. If a student has completed several years of study, the latest examination results and the full academic record may help demonstrate their progress.

Academic results are only one part of the selection process. Financial circumstances, the approved field of study and performance during assessments can also influence the outcome.

What Documents Are Needed?

Applicants are expected to complete the application online and upload supporting documents. Preparing these documents early can make the process easier and reduce the risk of submitting incomplete information.

The listed documents include:

1. A certified copy of your South African identity document.
2. Proof of all academic results to date, including your Grade 12 certificate and full tertiary academic record.
3. Proof of combined household income.

The household-income documents are particularly important because financial need is considered. Applicants should ensure that the information they provide accurately reflects their household circumstances.

If a document is missing, outdated or unclear, it may create delays. It is therefore sensible to check the application instructions before beginning and to ensure that scanned documents are readable.

How to Apply for the Standard Bank Group Bursary

Applications are completed through StudyTrust’s online application platform, hosted by DevMan, according to the supplied programme information.

The stated application season is from 1 June to 30 September. Applicants seeking funding for the following year should aim to complete the process before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.

The general application process is as follows:

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Confirm that you are studying full-time, meet the academic requirement and are registered for an approved qualification. Undergraduate applicants should also establish that they are progressing from first year into second year or beyond.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Gather your identity document, Grade 12 certificate, tertiary academic record and household-income information. Make sure the documents are complete and suitable for uploading.

Step 3: Access the online application

Use the official StudyTrust application route and follow the relevant instructions. The programme information refers to an “Apply Here” button at the bottom of its bursary application page.

Step 4: Complete the form carefully

Enter your personal, academic and financial information accurately. Check that your qualification and institution details are correct.

Step 5: Upload the supporting documents

Attach the required documents before submitting the application. Review the form to ensure that no required section has been overlooked.

Step 6: Prepare for assessment

Eligible applicants may be invited to participate in psychometric evaluation and an interview. Keep your contact details up to date and monitor communications after applying.

A Requirement Applicants Should Understand Before Applying

One of the most important features of the Standard Bank Group Bursary is its connection to future employment.

The programme information states that bursary beneficiaries will be required to work for Standard Bank if they receive an offer of employment from the Bank upon graduation.

This does not mean that every bursary recipient is automatically guaranteed a job. It also does not mean that receiving funding is the same as receiving an employment offer.

Applicants should understand the distinction between bursary support and employment. The bursary helps eligible students complete their studies, while any future employment opportunity would depend on the circumstances and conditions of the offer.

Before accepting an award, applicants should read the relevant terms carefully and make sure they understand any obligations associated with the funding.

If you are looking for more ways to fund your education, explore our Bursaries & Scholarships category for additional funding opportunities available to South African students

Closing Date and Final Preparation

The stated closing date for the Standard Bank Group Bursary is 30 September, with applications opening on 1 June. The deadline applies to applications for the following year’s funding, according to the supplied information.

Students should not leave their application until the last minute. A better approach is to begin by checking the qualification requirements, confirming academic eligibility and gathering the necessary documents.

A bursary application is also an opportunity to reflect on your academic direction. If your qualification is eligible, your results meet the required standard and your financial circumstances justify support, this programme may be worth investigating.

The Standard Bank Group Bursary is not simply about paying university fees. Its broader purpose is to support students in fields connected to African talent development, business, science and innovation. For students who are already progressing through university or preparing for postgraduate study, it may provide valuable assistance with the costs that stand between them and completing their qualification.

Before submitting an application, always consult the current official bursary instructions for the latest eligibility requirements, approved qualifications, document rules and application deadline.