Vodacom Bursary Program 2026: Excellent Merit-Based Funding for STEM Studies in South Africa

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Closing Date: 30 September 2025

The Vodacom Bursary Programme is a top choice for students passionate about technology and innovation. Vodacom, one of South Africa’s leading mobile network operators, offers this academic merit bursary to help talented young people study in STEM fields. It supports full-time undergraduate students who show strong potential but may lack financial resources to continue their education. This program helps build skills in areas like engineering, IT, and science, which are key to South Africa’s digital future.https://www.vodacom.com/bursary-programme.php

Quick Summary of the Vodacom Bursary Program

Bursary Name	Vodacom Bursary Program
Company / Organization	Vodacom Group Limited
Fields Covered	STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) – including Computer Science, Information Systems, Electronic/Electrical Engineering (Light Current), Actuarial Science, and related fields
Who Can Apply	South African citizens by birth, full-time first-, second-, or third-year undergrad students at SA tertiary institutions, 70%+ in Grade 12 subjects, financial need
Closing Date	Closed for 2026 intake (previously around August/September 2025; next intake expected June 2026 for 2027)
How to Apply	Online via Vodacom external bursary portal (closed)

Bursary Overview
Who the Bursary is For
Fields of Study Covered
What the Bursary Covers
Eligibility Requirements
Required Documents
Step-by-Step How to Apply
Closing Date
Selection Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notes & Warnings
Related Searches Section

Vodacom Bursary Program Overview

The Vodacom Bursary Program is an academic merit bursary designed to support promising students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Vodacom Group, a major player in mobile communications with over 50 million customers in South Africa, runs this initiative to empower youth and address skills shortages in the digital economy. The company invests in education because technology drives growth, innovation, and jobs in SA.

This bursary is merit-based, meaning it rewards strong academic performance while considering financial need. It targets full-time undergraduate students in first, second, or third year who might otherwise struggle to continue studying. Vodacom has awarded over 1,300 bursaries since 2014, with many going to women to promote gender balance in STEM. Recipients get not just funding but also access to wellness support and career pathways.

South Africa faces a big gap in skilled tech workers. Fields like engineering and IT are crucial for building networks, apps, and systems that connect people and businesses. Vodacom’s bursary helps close this gap by funding studies at public universities or universities of technology. Successful students often gain exposure to the industry, which can lead to internships or jobs.

The programme fits Vodacom’s broader early careers efforts, including graduate programmes and initiatives like Code Like a Girl. It encourages students to think big about Africa’s digital future. If you are good at maths, science, or coding and want to make a difference in tech, this bursary could be your boost. Many past recipients have gone on to successful careers in telecoms and beyond.

Vodacom’s commitment to youth is clear through this bursary. It provides holistic support so students can thrive academically and personally. For other funding options, check Open Bursaries or Engineering Bursaries for more STEM ideas.

In simple terms, the Vodacom Bursary Program opens doors for bright students to study what they love without money worries. It builds future leaders in technology and helps South Africa stay competitive in the digital world.

Who the Vodacom Bursary Program is For

The Vodacom Bursary Program is aimed at South African citizens by birth who are full-time undergraduate students in STEM fields. It suits first-, second-, or third-year students who have strong academic records but face financial challenges.

This bursary is perfect for motivated learners from disadvantaged backgrounds who excel in school and want to pursue careers in tech or engineering. Vodacom prioritizes merit, so high marks are key, but they also consider need. It is open to students at any public South African tertiary institution.

If you are passionate about innovation and digital solutions, this could be for you. For more similar bursaries, see Closing Soon.

Fields of Study Covered by the Vodacom Bursary Program

The Vodacom Bursary Program focuses on STEM fields that support technology and digital growth. These include:

Science (e.g., Actuarial Science)
Technology (e.g., Information Systems, Computer Science)
Engineering (e.g., Electronic or Electrical Engineering – Light Current)
Mathematics (related to STEM degrees)

Bursaries support full-time undergraduate studies. The goal is to build skills for telecoms, IT, and innovation. If your field is engineering or IT, explore more Engineering Bursaries or IT Bursaries.

What the Vodacom Bursary Program Covers

The Vodacom Bursary is comprehensive to remove barriers to education. It covers:

Full tuition fees
Accommodation allowance
Books and study materials
Laptop (in some cases)
Access to wellness services (ICAS program)

It provides full support so students can focus on studies. No work-back obligation is always required, but recipients often get exposure to Vodacom opportunities.

Who Qualifies for the Vodacom Bursary Program

To qualify:

South African citizen by birth
Full-time undergraduate studies (first-, second-, or third-year) at a SA tertiary institution
Grade 12 pass with exemption and 70%+ average across subjects
Financial need (lack resources to study further)
Studying in STEM fields

Strong academics and motivation are essential.

Required Documents when applying for the Vodacom Bursary Program

Required documents are not officially specified in full detail for 2026 (as closed), but typical for Vodacom include:

Certified ID copy
Latest academic results (Grade 11/12 or university transcripts)
Proof of university registration/acceptance
Proof of financial need (e.g., income statements)

Submit online when open.

Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Vodacom Bursary Program

When open:

Visit the official Vodacom bursary portal (externalbursary.vodacom.co.za or vodacom.com/bursary-program).
Register and log in.
Complete the online application form with personal, academic, and motivation details.
Upload required documents.
Submit before deadline.
Track status; feedback by December.

Applications managed online.

When does the Vodacom Bursary Program closes

Applications for the 2026 intake have closed. Next intake (for 2027) expected to open in June 2026. No late applications accepted.

Selection Process for Vodacom Bursary Program

Selection is merit-based. Vodacom assesses applications on academics, financial need, and fit for STEM. Shortlisted candidates may get further reviews. All applicants notified by mid-December.

Frequently Asked Questions When Applying for the Vodacom Bursary Program

What fields qualify?

STEM only – science, technology, engineering, mathematics.

Is it for first-years only?

No – first-, second-, or third-year undergrads.

Do I need financial need?

Yes – bursary for those lacking resources.

What marks required?

70%+ in Grade 12 subjects with exemption.

Do I pay back?

No work-back required.

When does it open again?

June 2026 for 2027 intake.

Contact?

Externalbursaries@vodacom.co.za

Important Notes & Warnings

Applications closed for 2026; wait for 2027.
Only SA citizens by birth.
STEM fields only.
Submit honest info; checks done.
Use official Vodacom site only – avoid scams.
High competition – strong marks key.
Wellness support included for recipients.