About the Bursary Provider – Standard Bank
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, established in 1862, is one of the country’s largest and most respected financial services groups. The institution, as we know it today, officially became The Standard Bank of South Africa in 1962 as a subsidiary of the British-based Standard Bank.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, Standard Bank operates across 20 African countries, making it one of the most influential financial institutions on the continent. It is currently Africa’s biggest lender by assets and a leader in both commercial and business banking.
Standard Bank offers a wide variety of financial products and services including borrowing, saving and investment solutions, current accounts, electronic banking, fleet management, vehicle and asset finance, as well as cash and liquidity management.
About the Standard Bank Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
Standard Bank is calling on ambitious and academically strong students to apply for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year.
The bursary is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing studies in the following fields:
- Actuarial Science
- Analytics Science
- Agriculture
- Behavioural Economics
- Behavioural Finance
- Business Science
- Commerce
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Financial Technology
- Information Science
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Statistics
This bursary aims to support students who are dedicated to excelling in fields that align with the bank’s mission of driving innovation and growth across Africa.
What the Standard Bank Bursary Covers
The Standard Bank bursary is a comprehensive funding opportunity designed to relieve students of the financial burden that often comes with tertiary education. Successful applicants will receive full coverage for:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and study materials
- A laptop
- Accommodation and meals
- Monthly living allowance
- Transport assistance (bus ticket for four trips a year between home and campus)
Before final selection, shortlisted applicants will go through a formal assessment process. This may include a psychometric evaluation and an interview to determine suitability.
Once students have completed their studies, they may be required to work for Standard Bank, subject to the availability of positions within the company.
Eligibility Requirements for the Standard Bank Bursary
Applicants are required to meet the following criteria before submitting their applications. Failure to meet all the requirements may result in disqualification.
For Undergraduate Students:
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be studying full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields
- Must be entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of study in 2026
- Must be enrolled at a recognised and accredited public tertiary institution in South Africa
- Must maintain a strong academic record with a minimum overall average of 65% in recent examinations
- Must be in financial need
For Postgraduate Students:
- Must be studying full-time towards a postgraduate qualification (up to Master’s level) in one of the listed fields
- Must be enrolled at a recognised and accredited public tertiary institution in South Africa
- Must have a proven record of academic excellence with at least 65% average in the most recent exams
- Must be in financial need
How to Apply for the Standard Bank Bursary
Applications for the bursary programme must be completed online via the following link: Standard Bank Bursary Application
Be sure to include clear copies of the required supporting documents listed below, as incomplete applications will not be considered:
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Full academic record printed on official institutional letterhead
- Proof of household income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of pension/grant if applicable)
Closing Date for the Standard Bank Bursary
The closing date for the Standard Bank Bursary is 15 October 2025 (extension).
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted, so make sure to apply before the deadline to be considered.)
Contact the Bursary Provider
For any queries about the Standard Bank Bursary Programme, applicants should contact StudyTrust, the official administrators of the bursary:
Bursary Enquiries
Tel: 011 403 1632
Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za
Contact Page: https://studytrust.org.za/contact-us/
Conclusion
The Standard Bank Bursary is more than just financial support—it’s an opportunity to join one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions. By investing in talented young minds, Standard Bank continues to shape the future of business, technology, and innovation across the continent. If you are passionate about your studies and determined to make an impact, this bursary could open the door to endless opportunities.