Data Science Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026

Find on this page a List of Data Science Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026. Are you a South African student with strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for technology and data? If you aspire to build a career in Data Science but face financial challenges, applying for a Data Science bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year could be your gateway to an exciting and in-demand profession. As organizations across industries rely on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled data scientists, analysts, and AI specialists continues to rise. Fortunately, many companies, universities, and government institutions are offering Data Science bursaries in South Africa for 2026, providing financial assistance to talented students eager to develop the skills needed to thrive in this fast-growing field.

What Is Data Science?

Data Science is the interdisciplinary field that combines mathematics, statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract meaningful insights from data. It involves collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets using tools such as Python, R, SQL, and machine learning algorithms. Data Science enables organizations to make data-driven decisions, predict trends, and optimize performance across various sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and technology.

Major Fields of Data Science Studies

In South Africa, Data Science studies encompass a wide range of specializations, including:

Data Analytics: Focuses on interpreting and visualizing data to guide business decisions.
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence: Involves training algorithms to detect patterns and make predictions.
Big Data Engineering: Centers on managing and processing large-scale data systems.
Statistical Modeling: Uses mathematical methods to understand and predict data behavior.
Data Mining: Extracts valuable insights from vast and complex datasets.
Business Intelligence: Translates data into actionable strategies for organizations.
Cloud Computing & Data Infrastructure: Supports scalable storage and analysis of massive data collections.

Career Opportunities in Data Science in South Africa

Graduates with qualifications in Data Science can pursue diverse career paths across industries such as finance, healthcare, insurance, telecommunications, and government. Some of the top roles include:

Data Scientist
Data Analyst
Machine Learning Engineer
Business Intelligence Analyst
Data Engineer
AI Researcher
Quantitative Analyst
Statistician
Data Consultant

As South Africa’s digital economy expands, data professionals are increasingly sought after to help businesses harness the power of information and automation.

Why Apply for Data Science Bursaries in 2026?

Pursuing a degree in Data Science or related fields such as Computer Science, Statistics, or Artificial Intelligence can be financially demanding, with costs including tuition, software tools, and research resources. Luckily, several corporations, government departments, and academic institutions are offering Data Science bursaries in South Africa for 2026/2027. These bursaries often cover tuition fees, learning materials, and living expenses, while also providing mentorship, internship opportunities, and guaranteed employment after graduation.

Applying for a Data Science bursary not only eases the financial burden but also gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, connect with industry experts, and position yourself for success in one of the most lucrative and future-proof careers in South Africa.

List of Data Science Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026

Below, you will find the list of Data Science bursaries in South Africa for 2026, offered by leading technology firms, government agencies, and academic institutions. Each listing includes details on eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application procedures, and closing dates which will help you take the next step toward building a rewarding career in the world of data and innovation.

Accenture Scholarship

Capitec Bank Bursary

City of Cape Town Bursary

Clicks Foundation Bursary

Compensation Fund Bursary

Dentsu SA Bursary

Department of Tourism Bursary

DSI-CSIR Bursary

Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) Bursary

Exxaro Bursary

Feenix Student Debt Bursaries

FirstRand Foundation Trust Bursary