Graduates and Bursaries

Nedbank External Bursary Programme

Every year Nedbank enrols over 200 young graduates and career starters from different communities into its various learnership programmes as a way of imparting skills and easing poverty and unemployment. Nedbank is looking for young difference makers who are intentional about using their expertise to create sustainable change that will drive a purpose-driven impact through analytical thinking and creative problem solving. Join Nedbank and be part of an inclusive and dynamic team. We offer extensive training, mentorship, and opportunities to work on impactful projects that drive positive change in the financial sector and beyond. Become a #YoungDifferenceMaker. We continue to invest in the recruitment and development of graduates with a view of establishing a talent pipeline of young people who will become future leaders and fill scarce skill roles within Nedbank. Find out more about our programmes below. It's not just the best way to do our articles, it's the best way to make a difference. At Nedbank, we understand the importance of providing opportunities to the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. By investing in the development of the future leaders, we’re ensuring that positive differences can be created for our people, our business and society for generations to come. We believe in using our financial expertise to do good. Supporting academically deserving students with proven financial need to take their first steps towards achieving their dreams and obtaining their first undergraduate or honours degree is one sure way of setting up our leaders of tomorrow for success, today.

The Nedbank External Bursary Programme

The Nedbank External Bursary Programme aims to provide financing for full-time study to those who are in need, and have the potential to acquire undergraduate or honours qualifications at any South African public university or university of technology. The aim of the bursary programme is to address South Africa's scarce-skills shortages, with a specific focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and green economy skills. Achieving a green economy involves reducing carbon emissions and pollution, increasing energy and materials efficiency, as well as enhancing our natural capital.

Who can apply for a Nedbank bursary?

You may apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme if you are a South African citizen who intends to pursue an undergraduate or honours degree within the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or green economy development. Successful candidates must have a proven financial need as determined by household income. Please note: Applicants who completed their grade 12 or senior certificate with Mathematics Literacy will not qualify.

Eligibility Criteria

• An average of 65% in the year that you are applying for the bursary, and for the subjects aligned to the degree you plan to study (applicable to grade 12 or university level students)
• Admission to a South African public university or university of technology for the qualification you require. Your qualification must be within the specified fields of study
• Consent from a legal parent or guardian, and proof of financial need as detailed in the application process that follows

Documents you’ll need to submit

You may download the financial check affidavit here, complete it and make sure that it is signed by all the parties above – then add it to your application. Parents, legal guardians and all income-earning members of a shortlisted applicant's household must provide the following.

Important notes on the bursary application process

• We will consider only bursary applications submitted online at the link that we have provided.
• Incomplete bursary applications will be disqualified.
• Bursary applications will be screened and shortlisted according to the qualifying criteria.
• Shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo psychometric and other assessments as well as attend a virtual interview.
• Bursaries will be awarded at the sole discretion of the Nedbank Educational Trust.
• All applicants will receive feedback about the outcome of their applications when the recruitment process is complete.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2027 academic year are now open. You may apply for the Nedbank External Bursary Programme if you are a South African citizen who intends to pursue an undergraduate or honours degree within the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or green economy development. Successful candidates must have a proven financial need as determined by household income. Please note: Applicants who completed their grade 12 or senior certificate with Mathematics Literacy will not qualify.

For assistance

For assistance, contact the Nedbank Bursary Team at this email address Unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za.