If you’re a South African student serious about building a career in software development, the BBD Bursary South Africa 2026 is one opportunity worth understanding properly.
This bursary isn’t just about covering fees. It’s designed for students who want long-term exposure to real software teams, real projects, and the realities of working in the tech industry — starting while they study.
At a time when tech graduates are expected to arrive job-ready, programmes like this matter more than ever.
What Makes BBD a Serious Tech Employer
BBD has been part of South Africa’s technology landscape for over three decades. Founded in 1984 by Tom Budge, Sandra Barone, and Ralf Dominick, the company has grown alongside the country’s banking, insurance, and telecommunications sectors.
Today, BBD works with major organisations such as Absa, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Discovery, Old Mutual, Vodacom, and MultiChoice. These are complex environments where software systems must be reliable, secure, and scalable — which is why BBD’s experience matters.
With more than 700 employees across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, India, and Bulgaria, BBD employs software engineers, system architects, UX specialists, and digital strategists. The company also runs an internal research and development team focused on emerging tools, frameworks, and technology trends.
For students, this means exposure to real enterprise-level software, not simulated classroom projects.
Inside the BBD Bursary & Beyond Programme
The BBD Bursary & Beyond Programme supports students studying toward technology-focused degrees at South African universities, from undergraduate to postgraduate level.
Fields covered include:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Information Technology
- Informatics
- Game Design
Accepted qualifications include BSc, BEng, BCom, or BIS degrees, at Bachelor’s, Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral level.
Unlike many bursaries that focus only on funding, this programme is structured around long-term development. Students are introduced early to BBD’s working culture, tools, and expectations.
Each year, bursary recipients attend a compulsory Vac Week onsite workshop, where they collaborate on group projects using modern technologies. These sessions are designed to mirror how teams actually work — problem-solving under time constraints, communicating clearly, and delivering usable solutions.
After graduation, students are placed into the BBD Graduate Programme, where they begin working on real client projects as part of professional teams.
What the BBD Bursary Covers — and What It Doesn’t
The bursary provides:
- Full university tuition coverage
- A monthly allowance for living expenses and incidentals
- Ongoing mentorship and academic support
- Practical exposure to industry tools and development practices
What it doesn’t guarantee is an “easy” journey. Students are expected to perform academically, stay engaged, and show a genuine interest in building software. This is not a passive funding arrangement — it’s a professional development pipeline.
For students who want a clear transition from university into the workplace, that balance can be a major advantage.
Who Should Apply (and Who Probably Shouldn’t)
To qualify for the BBD Bursary South Africa 2026, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be in Matric or have completed Matric
- Be studying or accepted to study at a recognised South African university
- Be registered for a qualifying IT or tech-related degree
- Have achieved:
- 70% average in Matric, if currently in Matric
- 65% average in tertiary studies, if already studying
- Have a genuine interest in software development and technology
Students who are unsure about working in software development long-term, or who are only seeking short-term funding, may find this programme demanding. BBD looks for curiosity, consistency, and commitment — not just marks.
How to Apply for the BBD Bursary
Applications are submitted online via the BBD Bursary & Beyond Programme portal.
When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter:
www.dailyfeed.co.za
Required supporting documents:
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified Matric results or certificate
- Latest tertiary academic transcript, if applicable
- University acceptance letter
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Link to your GitHub or coding portfolio, if available
Applicants should be aware that BBD may verify educational qualifications and may conduct credit and criminal checks as part of the selection process.
Application Dates and Important Notes
Applications for the 2026 intake are currently open, but no official closing date has been announced. Historically, programmes like this fill up quickly, so early applications carry less risk.
If you’re still waiting on university acceptance or final results, it’s often better to prepare your documents in advance rather than wait.
Is the BBD bursary only for undergraduate students?
No. Postgraduate students up to Doctoral level may also apply.
Do I need prior coding experience?
It’s not mandatory, but personal projects or a GitHub profile can strengthen your application.
Does the bursary require a work-back contract?
Graduates are placed into the BBD Graduate Programme, which functions as a structured transition into employment.
Can TVET college students apply?
No. The bursary is only for students studying at accredited universities
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