A step-by-step guide to financial aid for South African matriculants with dreams of university
Introduction: The Dream of Higher Education and the Cost That Comes With It
Every year, thousands of South African matriculants leave high school with big dreams and even bigger ambitions—but the road to university isn’t easy. The cost of tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and daily living can be overwhelming for students from working-class or disadvantaged backgrounds. That’s where bursary programmes like the Sando Bursary Programme 2026 step in.
If you’re currently in Grade 12 and determined to pursue full-time tertiary education in 2026, this is your chance. Applications for the Sando Bursary Trust open on 1 August 2025 and close on 31 August 2025. This bursary could be the turning point in your academic journey.
What Is the Sando Bursary Trust?
The Sando Bursary Trust is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to removing financial barriers that prevent academically strong, financially needy South African youth from accessing higher education. Over the years, it has become a beacon of hope for deserving students, offering full or partial funding for university or college.
The Trust’s mission is not just about handing out money—it’s about investing in human potential. If you’re motivated, hardworking, and have faced obstacles on your path to education, this bursary was created with you in mind.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Before diving into your application, ensure that you meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
- Current Grade 12 Learners (Matriculants in 2025)
- South African Citizens, proven through a certified copy of an ID or birth certificate
- Academic Excellence: While the Sando Trust doesn’t publish strict grade cut-offs, high performance and consistency are expected.
- Financial Need: You’ll be asked to provide evidence of your household income.
- Motivation and Determination: Your motivational letter will be a critical deciding factor.
Important: If you’re unsure whether you meet the financial criteria, apply anyway. Many students assume they won’t qualify but are surprised to be shortlisted.
What Does the Sando Bursary Cover?
While specific benefits may vary each year, the Sando Bursary typically includes some or all of the following:
| Support Type | Possible Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full or partial |
| Textbooks | Based on course requirements |
| Accommodation & Meals | Especially for students living away from home |
| Living Allowance | Monthly stipends for essentials |
| Academic Support | Mentoring, tutoring, and peer networks |
| Career Exposure | Some recipients may be invited to internships or workshops |
This level of support ensures that recipients can focus entirely on their studies without the stress of financial constraints.
Important Dates and Application Timeline
Mark these dates in your diary or calendar:
- Opening Date: 1 August 2025
- Closing Date: 31 August 2025
Note: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Sando Bursary Trust
Getting funding depends as much on how you apply as on what you achieve. Here’s how to maximise your chances:
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Start collecting and certifying the following documents early:
- Certified South African ID or Birth Certificate
- Matric Results (June or final if available)
- Proof of Financial Need: e.g., parent/guardian payslips, SASSA letters, or sworn affidavits
- Motivational Letter (more on that below)
- Proof of University Application/Acceptance (if available)
Make sure your documents are no older than three months from the date of certification.
Step 2: Write a Strong Motivational Letter
Your motivational letter is your voice—a chance to speak directly to the decision-makers and tell them your story.
What to include:
- Who you are and where you come from
- What you’ve achieved despite challenges
- Why you want to pursue further education
- What career you’re working toward and why it matters to you
- How the bursary will change your life
- Gratitude for the opportunity
Tip: Keep it to one page. Be genuine, concise, and spell-checked.
Step 3: Apply Online or Download the Application
While application links are typically provided through the Sando Trust website or partners, make sure to:
- Visit the official Sando Trust platform between 1–31 August 2025
- Register or log in using your email
- Upload the required documents and motivational letter
- Double-check all details before submitting
What Happens After You Apply?
Here’s what to expect after hitting “submit”:
- Shortlisting: If selected, you may receive an email or phone call.
- Interview Round: You might be invited for a virtual or in-person interview.
- Final Selections: Confirmed bursary holders are usually notified before the academic year begins.
Pro Tip: Keep your phone on and check your emails regularly, especially during September to December 2025.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
In a sea of applications, yours should shine. Here’s how:
Be Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Early applications tend to be reviewed more thoroughly.
Get Feedback
Ask a teacher, mentor, or family member to review your motivational letter and documents.
Stay Organised
Create a checklist or folder on your device. Save all documents in one place for easy access.
Follow Instructions
If the bursary team asks for documents in a specific format or order, respect those guidelines.
Stories of Hope: Why This Matters
Every year, the Sando Bursary Trust changes lives.
Take Lerato from Limpopo, for example. Raised by her grandmother, she had no financial support to attend university—even though she scored six distinctions in Matric. With help from the Sando Trust, she enrolled in a BSc programme, later becoming the first engineer in her village.
Or Sipho from KwaZulu-Natal, who was on the verge of abandoning his dream of becoming a teacher. Thanks to the bursary, he not only completed his degree but now mentors new recipients of the same bursary programme.
These are not just bursaries. They are bridges to a better future.
Didn’t Get In? Don’t Give Up
Not all deserving students can be funded every year. But rejection isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. Use the experience to improve your next application.
Other upcoming bursaries to watch for in 2025:
- Standard Bank Group Bursary (May–August)
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
- NSFAS Funding
- Cisco Trust Bursary
Stay informed by checking the official websites and bursary portals frequently.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
Certified ID or Birth Certificate
Latest Matric Results or Statement
Proof of Financial Need
Motivational Letter
(Optional) Proof of University Application
Application submitted between 1–31 August 2025
“Success happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — That opportunity is now.
Where to Apply
Applications will be accessible via the Sando Bursary Trust official application portal (link to be announced). Stay connected to their updates via trusted bursary platforms and education forums.
Closing Thoughts: Education Is a Right, Not a Privilege
In South Africa, where inequality still bars too many young people from achieving their dreams, bursary programmes like the Sando Bursary Trust are more than financial aid—they’re instruments of justice, equity, and hope.
If you’re a matriculant with a dream, don’t let money stand in your way. Start preparing now, and make your voice heard through your application.
Application Window:
Opens: 1 August 2025
Closes: 31 August 2025
Be early
Be prepared
Be confident
Ready to Take the First Step?
Apply online from 1 August 2025
Closing date: 31 August 2025
Tell your classmates, your friends, and anyone who needs this—because opportunity shared is opportunity multiplied.