Speech Therapy and Hearing Therapy Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Find on this page a comprehensive list of Speech Therapy and Hearing Therapy bursaries in South Africa available for 2026. Are you a passionate South African student with a drive to improve communication, hearing, and quality of life for individuals with speech and hearing challenges? If you aspire to pursue a career as a Speech Therapist or Audiologist but face financial constraints, applying for a bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year could be your gateway to success in the healthcare and rehabilitation sector. With hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices increasingly relying on trained professionals, the demand for skilled therapists in speech and hearing continues to grow. Thankfully, many institutions, foundations, and government programs are offering bursaries to support deserving students in pursuing formal education and professional qualifications in this vital field.
What Is Speech and Hearing Therapy?
Speech Therapy and Hearing Therapy are allied health professions that focus on assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and hearing disorders. Speech Therapists (also known as Speech-Language Pathologists) help individuals with speech, language, voice, and swallowing difficulties, while Audiologists specialize in hearing, balance, and auditory processing issues. These professions play a critical role in improving patients’ social, educational, and professional lives, making them essential components of healthcare and rehabilitation services.
Major Fields of Study in Speech and Hearing Therapy
In South Africa, students pursuing studies in speech and hearing therapy can specialize in areas such as:
- Speech-Language Pathology: Diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders in children and adults.
- Audiology: Assessment and rehabilitation of hearing and balance disorders.
- Early Intervention Therapy: Supporting infants and young children with communication delays.
- Special Needs Therapy: Working with patients who have complex communication or hearing challenges.
- Clinical Research and Rehabilitation: Developing innovative treatments and rehabilitation strategies.
Career Opportunities in Speech and Hearing Therapy in South Africa
Graduates in Speech and Hearing Therapy have access to diverse career paths, including:
- Speech Therapist / Speech-Language Pathologist in hospitals or private practice
- Audiologist in clinics, hospitals, or research institutions
- Early Intervention Specialist for children with communication delays
- Rehabilitation Therapist in schools, special care centers, or NGOs
- Clinical Researcher in communication and hearing sciences
- Lecturer or academic in universities and training institutions
With the healthcare industry growing in South Africa, qualified therapists have opportunities to work both locally and internationally, contributing to public health, education, and rehabilitation.
Why Apply for Speech and Hearing Therapy Bursaries in 2026?
Formal education in Speech Therapy and Hearing Therapy can be expensive, covering tuition fees, clinical training, study materials, and equipment. Fortunately, various government departments, universities, private sponsors, and healthcare foundations are offering bursaries in South Africa for 2026/2027. These bursaries often cover tuition fees, clinical training costs, and living expenses, while providing mentorship, professional exposure, and hands-on experience in clinical settings.
Applying for a bursary not only reduces financial pressures but also connects students with professional networks, increasing their chances of a successful and impactful career in the healthcare sector.
List of Speech Therapy and Hearing Therapy Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Below, you will find a detailed list of bursaries in Speech Therapy and Hearing Therapy available in South Africa for 2026, offered by reputable universities, government programs, and healthcare foundations. Each listing includes eligibility criteria, fields of study covered, application processes, and deadlines to help you plan your educational journey and future career in this rewarding field.
Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
KZN Department of Health Bursary
Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary