Finding bursary funding in South Africa isn’t always about chasing deadlines — sometimes it’s about staying visible.
The Career Wise Bursaries 2026 work differently from most funding options, offering students ongoing access to opportunities across multiple industries.
For students in scarce-skills fields, this matters now more than ever.
This bursary route is best suited to students who want to keep their options open while studying towards practical, in-demand qualifications.
What Career Wise Really Does (And Why That Matters)
Career Wise is not a single bursary sponsor. This is where many students get confused.
Established in 1999, Career Wise is an independent bursary and scholarship management organisation based in Johannesburg, with partnerships across South Africa. Instead of funding students directly, Career Wise manages bursary programmes on behalf of corporates, trusts, foundations, and government-linked entities.
In practical terms, this means:
- You apply once
- Your profile is stored securely on their system
- Multiple bursary providers can view your application
If your academic background and field of study match what a sponsoring organisation needs, Career Wise may contact you for interviews or next steps.
This model reflects how modern bursary funding works — especially in industries facing skills shortages.
Fields of Study Supported in 2026
The Career Wise bursary programmes for 2026 focus strongly on undergraduate degrees that support South Africa’s economic and technical development.
Funded fields include (but are not limited to):
- Accounting (CA and non-CA)
- Actuarial Science
- Agriculture
- Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
- Computer Engineering, Computer Science & Information Technology
- Information Systems
- Economics & Investment Management
- Human Resource Management
- Logistics, Supply Chain & Transport Management
- Marketing & Communications
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Mining, Metallurgical & Geotechnical Engineering
- Food Science & Food Technology
- Law (LLB)
- Occupational Health & Hygiene
Most of these fall under scarce or critical skills, which explains why they remain consistently funded year after year.
What the Career Wise Bursary Can Cover
Because Career Wise administers bursaries for different sponsors, the value and coverage depend on the specific programme you are matched with.
That said, most Career Wise-managed bursaries typically cover:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation and meals
- A laptop or technology allowance
Some programmes may also include structured support such as mentorship, vacation work, or graduate placement — though this is not guaranteed.
It’s important to understand the trade-off:
You may not receive immediate funding, but your application remains active and can be considered for future opportunities without reapplying.
Eligibility Requirements You Need to Meet
Career Wise applications are filtered carefully before being shared with bursary sponsors.
To be eligible, you must:
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying or planning to study towards an undergraduate qualification
- Be entering 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of study in 2026
- Be studying or intending to study at a public Higher Education and Training (HET) institution in South Africa
- Be enrolled in one of the approved fields
There are no listed age limits, which makes this bursary option more accessible than many traditional schemes.
How the Application Process Works
Applications for the Career Wise Bursaries South Africa 2026 are submitted online.
Step-by-Step Application
- Register a profile on the Career Wise platform
- When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter: www.dailyfeed.co.za
- Use the promotional code: CW2026
- Log in and complete your application
- Upload all required documents
Required Documents
- Profile photo
- Certified copy of ID
- Matric certificate or latest results
- Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance
- Proof of registration (if currently studying)
- Academic record and fee statement (if applicable)
You can track your application status online, which is especially useful if you’re waiting to hear back.
If you’ve applied before, you do not need to reapply — just update your results and contact details.
Closing Date and Ongoing Applications
There is no fixed closing date for Career Wise bursary applications.
Applications are open throughout the year, making this a strong backup or long-term funding option if other bursaries close early.
However, funding decisions depend entirely on sponsor availability and demand within each field.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Career Wise a direct bursary provider?
No. Career Wise manages bursary programmes on behalf of sponsors.
Can I apply if I’m already studying?
Yes. Students in 1st to 4th year are eligible.
Will I definitely receive funding if I apply?
No. Placement depends on sponsor requirements and availability.
Do I need to reapply every year?
No. Your profile stays active, but academic results must be updated.
Is NSFAS compatible with Career Wise bursaries?
This depends on the specific sponsor’s rules.
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