Human Resources Bursaries in South Africa Available in 2026
Find on this page a List of Human Resources Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026. Are you a South African student with strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for working with people? If you dream of pursuing a career in Human Resources but face financial constraints, applying for a Human Resources bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year could be the opportunity you need to achieve your career goals. With businesses, government departments, and organizations across every sector relying on HR professionals to manage recruitment, training, employee relations, and workplace development, the demand for skilled HR practitioners continues to grow. Fortunately, many companies, institutions, and organizations are offering Human Resources bursaries in South Africa for 2026, providing financial assistance to deserving students who wish to study in this vital field.
What Is Human Resources?
Human Resources (HR) is the field focused on managing the workforce within an organization. It includes recruiting and hiring employees, training and skills development, performance management, compensation and benefits, labor law compliance, and employee wellness. Beyond administration, HR plays a strategic role in building workplace culture, fostering employee engagement, and ensuring that organizations attract and retain top talent.
Major Fields of Human Resources Studies
In South Africa, Human Resources studies cover a wide range of specializations that prepare students for diverse roles in the workforce, including:
- Recruitment and Selection: Managing hiring processes and talent acquisition.
- Training and Development: Creating and implementing staff training programmes.
- Employee Relations: Handling workplace issues, conflict resolution, and labor negotiations.
- Compensation and Benefits: Managing salaries, benefits, and incentive structures.
- HR Compliance and Labour Law: Ensuring organizations follow labour regulations.
- Organisational Development: Focusing on workplace culture and employee performance.
- Industrial Psychology: Applying psychological principles to workforce management.
Career Opportunities in Human Resources in South Africa
A qualification in Human Resources opens doors to a variety of careers across industries. Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Human Resources Manager
- HR Officer or Administrator
- Recruitment Specialist
- Training and Development Officer
- Industrial Relations Specialist
- Compensation and Benefits Analyst
- Labour Relations Consultant
- Talent Development Manager
With South Africa’s growing corporate, public, and non-profit sectors, skilled HR professionals are in demand both locally and internationally.
Why Apply for Human Resources Bursaries in 2026?
Studying Human Resources can be financially challenging, with costs such as tuition, textbooks, research projects, and accommodation. Fortunately, numerous companies, government departments, and educational institutions are offering Human Resources bursaries in South Africa for 2026/2027. These bursaries often cover study fees, living expenses, and study materials, while some may also include mentorship, internships, and guaranteed work opportunities after graduation.
Applying for a Human Resources bursary not only relieves the financial burden of studying but also provides access to practical work experience and professional networks, ensuring graduates are ready to thrive in South Africa’s competitive HR job market.
List of Human Resources Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Below, you will find the list of Human Resources bursaries in South Africa for 2026, offered by top companies, government entities, and institutions. Each listing includes details on eligibility requirements, fields of study supported, how to apply, and application deadlines, helping you secure your future in the Human Resources profession.
BCE Foodservice Equipment Bursary
Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) Bursary
Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
Eastern Cape Office of the Premier Bursary
Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) Bursary
Mitsubishi Power Africa Bursary
Mossel Bay Municipality Bursary
Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
Northam Zondereinde Mine Bursary
Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary
Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary
Ratlou Local Municipality Bursary
Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) Bursary
South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) Bursary
Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary
West Coast District Municipality Bursary