Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2026 in South Africa — Fully Funded
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2026 is open now, and the deadline is 31 August 2026. If you are a South African citizen in your final year of school or currently studying an undergraduate degree in STEM, Business, or a Commercial field, this bursary covers your full tuition and registration fees, university accommodation, a meal allowance, textbooks, a laptop, and a cellphone — plus structured vacation work and wellness support. Grade 12 applicants need a minimum average of 70%; current university students need a minimum average of 65%. Applications are submitted online through the Vodacom bursary portal.
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Vodacom External Bursary Programme Summary
| Scholarship Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate |
| Benefits | Fully Funded — Full tuition, registration fees, university accommodation, meal allowance, textbook allowance, laptop, cellphone, vacation work, wellness support |
| Funded by | Vodacom South Africa |
| Eligible Countries | South Africa only |
| Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
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About the Vodacom External Bursary Programme
The Vodacom External Bursary Programme funds undergraduate study at South African universities for academically strong South African students in priority fields. It is open to students in their first, second, or third year of an undergraduate degree, and to Grade 12 learners who intend to enrol at a South African tertiary institution in 2026.
The bursary targets students studying in the following fields:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Business Studies
- Commercial disciplines
Beyond tuition funding, the programme includes structured vacation work at Vodacom, workplace readiness training, and access to a wellness programme — making it one of the more complete corporate bursaries available to South African undergraduates.
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What the Vodacom External Bursary Programme Covers
The Vodacom External Bursary covers the following for the duration of your undergraduate studies:
- Full tuition fees — paid directly to your university
- Full registration fees — covered each academic year
- University accommodation — where available through your institution
- Private accommodation support — a capped contribution where university residence is not available
- Textbook allowance — to cover required course materials each year
- Meal allowance — for living costs during the academic year
- Laptop — provided to support your studies
- Cellphone — provided as part of the bursary package
- Orientation workshop — for all newly admitted bursars at the start of the programme
- Structured vacation work programme — paid work experience at Vodacom during university holidays
- Work readiness and employability training — to prepare you for the professional environment before graduation
- Access to the Vodacom Wellness Programme through Lyra Wellbeing Services
The vacation work programme gives you direct exposure to how Vodacom operates before you graduate. This is not a formal employment commitment on either side, but it is practical industry experience that sits on your CV.
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Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following to be considered:
- You are a South African citizen by birth
- You are enrolled, or intending to enrol, in a full-time undergraduate degree at a South African tertiary institution
- You have passed Grade 12 with university exemption
- If you are a Grade 12 applicant, you have achieved a minimum average of 70% across all subjects
- If you are a current university student, you have a minimum academic average of 65%
- Your degree is in, or will be in, an eligible STEM, Business, or Commercial field
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Required Documents
Prepare the following before you open your application:
- Updated curriculum vitae
- South African ID document
- Grade 12 results or certificate
- Latest academic transcript (required for current university students)
- Proof of admission or registration at a tertiary institution, if you have it
Practical note: The application system will not process your submission without your most recent academic transcript. If you are a current student and your latest semester results are not yet available, use the most recent official transcript issued by your institution. Do not wait for new results before applying — submit with what you have and ensure the document is the most current available. Vodacom states that failure to upload the transcript may affect your application outcome.
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How to Apply — Step by Step
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements before starting. Applications from ineligible candidates are not reviewed
- Go to the official Vodacom bursary portal
- Register an account on the application system
- Complete the online application form in full
- Upload all required documents, including your academic transcript
- Review your entire application before submitting. Errors cannot be corrected after submission
- Submit before 31 August 2026
- Wait for a confirmation email from the Vodacom Bursary Management Team
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further assessment. Vodacom recommends using Google Chrome on a desktop, laptop, or tablet for the best experience on the portal. Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
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Application Deadline
31 August 2026
This is a hard closing date. Vodacom advises submitting early to avoid last-minute technical issues with the online portal. Do not wait until the final days — portal congestion increases significantly as deadlines approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vodacom External Bursary fully funded?
Yes. The bursary covers full tuition and registration fees, university or private accommodation, a meal allowance, textbooks, a laptop, and a cellphone. It also includes structured vacation work and access to a wellness programme. There is nothing to repay.
Can I apply for the Vodacom Bursary if I am already at university?
Yes. The programme is open to students currently in their first, second, or third year of an undergraduate degree, provided your academic average is 65% or above and your degree is in an eligible STEM, Business, or Commercial field.
What Grade 12 average do I need for the Vodacom Bursary?
You need a minimum average of 70% across all Grade 12 subjects, with university exemption. Current university students have a minimum of 65%. Both requirements are firm, applications below these thresholds are not reviewed.
Do I need to work for Vodacom after the bursary?
The source materials available do not specify a formal work-back obligation. However, the programme includes structured vacation work at Vodacom during your studies. Confirm the full terms and conditions directly on the official Vodacom bursary portal before submitting your application.
Which fields of study are eligible for the Vodacom Bursary?
The bursary covers undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Business Studies and Commercial disciplines. Degrees outside these fields are not eligible.
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Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, requirements, and eligibility criteria were verified from the official scholarship website. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application.
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