Fashion and Textile Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Find on this page a List of Fashion and Textile Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026. Are you a creative South African student with a passion for design, fabric, style, and innovation? If you dream of pursuing a career in the Fashion and Textile industry but face financial constraints, applying for a bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year could be the stepping stone to achieving your career goals. With fashion houses, retail brands, textile manufacturers, and design companies constantly seeking skilled professionals, the demand for trained experts in fashion and textiles continues to rise. Fortunately, several organizations are offering Fashion and Textile bursaries in South Africa for 2026, providing vital financial assistance to deserving students eager to build their future in this exciting and ever-evolving industry.
What Is Fashion and Textile Design?
Fashion and Textile Design is the study and practice of creating clothing, accessories, and fabrics that combine aesthetics, functionality, and cultural expression. It involves everything from sketching designs and selecting fabrics to garment construction, textile technology, and fashion marketing. The industry is not just about style, it plays a key role in global trade, sustainability, and cultural identity, making it a highly influential and dynamic career path.
Major Fields of Fashion and Textile Studies
In South Africa, Fashion and Textile studies cover a wide range of specializations, including:
- Fashion Design: Creating original clothing and accessory collections.
- Textile Design & Technology: Developing fabrics, patterns, and textile innovations.
- Garment Construction: Focusing on tailoring, sewing, and clothing production.
- Fashion Marketing & Merchandising: Managing branding, retail, and product promotion.
- Fashion Illustration & Styling: Designing visuals and curating style presentations.
- Sustainable Fashion: Promoting eco-friendly design, fabric recycling, and ethical production.
- Costume Design: Designing for theatre, film, and performance industries.
Career Opportunities in Fashion and Textiles in South Africa
Graduates in Fashion and Textiles have diverse career opportunities in the local and international creative economy, including:
- Fashion Designer
- Textile Designer or Technologist
- Pattern Maker or Garment Technologist
- Fashion Buyer or Merchandiser
- Fashion Illustrator or Stylist
- Costume Designer (for stage, film, or television)
- Fashion Lecturer or Researcher
- Entrepreneur in clothing production or retail
With South Africa’s growing fashion hubs, international collaborations, and increasing demand for sustainable fashion, professionals in this industry can thrive both locally and abroad.
Why Apply for Fashion and Textile Bursaries in 2026?
Studying towards a qualification in Fashion or Textiles can be expensive, with costs such as tuition, design materials, fabrics, sewing equipment, and accommodation. Thankfully, many fashion schools, government bodies, private companies, and cultural organizations are offering Fashion and Textile bursaries in South Africa for 2026/2027. These bursaries often cover tuition fees, study supplies, and living expenses, while also offering mentorship, industry exposure, and internship opportunities with leading fashion brands.
Applying for a Fashion and Textile bursary gives you the chance to focus on your creativity while building a strong professional network, opening doors to employment and entrepreneurship in South Africa’s fast-growing fashion industry.
List of Fashion and Textile Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Below, you will find the list of Fashion and Textile bursaries in South Africa for 2026, offered by leading design schools, industry partners, and cultural organizations. Each listing provides details on eligibility, fields of study supported, how to apply online, and closing dates, helping you take the next step toward a successful career in fashion and textiles.
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary
Canon Collins Tom Queba Scholarship
Department of Correctional Services Bursary
KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Bursary
NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund
