Financial assistance that reduces or replaces school fees. Fee exemptions at public schools are governed by the DBE: Quintile 4 and 5 public schools must exempt families that cannot afford fees, on application, using the national scale. Bursaries at independent and boarding schools are voluntary and set by the school; some are means-tested, some merit-based (academic, sport, music). Applications typically open a year ahead of entry: a child entering Grade 8 in 2028 would apply for bursaries in early to mid-2027.
At public universities and TVET colleges, NSFAS is the national bursary scheme for qualifying students.
See also
This page is part of the Valley of Grace High School Decision Tool Glossary.