MTN Foundation Bursary: What you need to know and how to apply

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  • The MTN Foundation Bursary is a corporate‑sponsorship scheme run by MTN South Africa, intended to financially support students who are studying — or will study — selected tertiary or further‑education qualifications in SA. Zabursaries+2ZA INFO+2
  • It aims to help mostly youth and previously disadvantaged students by funding tuition (and possibly other support) — especially for fields in information technology, engineering, computer science, and other technology or business‑related disciplines. ZA INFO+2Zabursaries+2

In short: MTN’s bursary is a private-sector bursary scheme that provides funding support to eligible South African students, often in STEM/tech‑oriented or business‑oriented fields, to help them complete their tertiary studies.


✅ Who Can Apply — Eligibility & Requirements

Based on the latest publicly available information, to be eligible for the MTN Bursary in SA you generally need to meet the following criteria: Zabursaries+2ZA INFO+2

  • Must be a South African citizen. ZA INFO+1
  • Must have completed Matric (Grade 12). Zabursaries+1
  • Must be enrolling (or already enrolled) in a recognised South African tertiary institution (university / university of technology / college) for a programme in one of the qualifying fields. Zabursaries+1
  • Qualifying fields usually include:
    • Computer / Information Technology / Computer Science / Software Development / Information Systems / Computer Engineering / related technology fields Zabursaries+2ZA INFO+2
    • Other disciplines may also qualify — depending on the intake cycle (some lists mention business‑related or engineering‑adjacent courses) ZA INFO+1
  • Good academic record — you’ll need to provide your Matric certificate (or latest results) and, if already at tertiary level, your academic transcripts/record. Zabursaries+1
  • Proof of financial need / household income documentation — this helps MTN assess if the bursary is needed. Zabursaries+1
  • Preference is often given to previously disadvantaged students. Zabursaries+1

Because these are the general criteria, always double‑check the latest MTN bursary advert when applying — field eligibility and requirements may change from year to year.


💡 What the Bursary Covers & What You Get

If awarded the MTN Bursary, you can expect the following (or similar) benefits: Bursaries Africa+2Regenesys+2

  • Coverage of tuition fees for the period of study (as per the bursary conditions and qualifying programme) Bursaries Africa+1
  • Possibly support for study materials / academic record requirements (though this varies) — at least MTN requires submission of full academic records/transcripts as part of the application. Zabursaries+1
  • For some students, financial support may ease burden of fees and allow them to focus on studies rather than financial stress — especially useful for previously disadvantaged or low‑income households.
  • Opportunity to associate with a major national company, which may open doors for internships, networking, or future employment — though receipt of bursary does not guarantee a job at MTN.

📝 What You Need to Submit & How to Apply

Here’s the standard application process and documentation required (based on past MTN bursary cycles) 👇 Zabursaries+2Bursaries Africa+2

Documents you’ll need:

  • Certified copy of South African ID. Zabursaries+1
  • Certified copy of Matric certificate (or latest Matric results). Zabursaries+1
  • Proof of enrollment (or letter of acceptance) in a recognised tertiary institution, for a qualifying course/field. Zabursaries+1
  • Academic record or transcripts (if already at tertiary level). Zabursaries+1
  • Proof of household income (recent payslips, affidavit if unemployed, pension statement if applicable) — to demonstrate financial need. Zabursaries+1
  • A comprehensive CV (Curriculum Vitae). Zabursaries+1
  • A motivational letter explaining your goals — why you deserve the bursary, your future aspirations, and how the bursary will help achieve them. Zabursaries+1

How to submit:

Deadline:

  • Historically, closing date has been 31 May each year — applications after that date are generally not considered. Zabursaries+1
  • I recommend checking MTN’s official bursary notice for 2026 (when released) to confirm the exact closing date.

🎯 Who This Bursary Is Best For — Ideal Applicants

MTN Foundation Bursary is a good fit if you:

  • Are a South African citizen with Matric (or about to finish Matric), or currently studying at tertiary level.
  • Plan to study (or are studying) a course in a field like IT / Computer Science / Software Development / Engineering / Information Systems / Technology — or any of the fields listed in the MTN bursary criteria for that cycle.
  • Come from a financially disadvantaged or low-income household (or have financial need), and need support to afford tertiary education.
  • Have decent academic performance (Matric or tertiary transcripts) and are motivated to complete your studies.
  • Are willing to submit a full application with certified docs, proof of need, and motivation.
  • Understand that this is a bursary — not a guarantee of employment at MTN — though it may help build your CV.

For many students in SA who want to study IT, engineering or business but lack funds — MTN Bursary can be a very helpful stepping stone.

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