The MultiChoice 2026 Bursary Program is officially open for applications, offering South African students a valuable opportunity to pursue higher education in critical and scarce skill fields. This initiative reinforces MultiChoice’s ongoing commitment to education, innovation and the future of the South African workforce.
With a strong emphasis on empowering young talent, the bursary program provides much-needed financial support to undergraduate and postgraduate students. By helping learners focus on their studies without the burden of financial strain, MultiChoice aims to shape a generation that can thrive in the evolving global economy.
Since its inception, the MultiChoice Bursary Program has invested over R31 million in education. This contribution has enabled thousands of students to complete their academic journeys and enter the job market equipped with essential skills. For the 2026 academic year, the program will award 230 bursaries to deserving students enrolled in South African higher education institutions.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursaries are focused on disciplines identified as high-need areas for the country’s development. These include science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as media and entertainment studies. The eligible study areas include:
- Actuarial Science
- Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering
- Information Technology, including Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Data and Information Science
- Digital Media Technology
- Film and Television
- Marketing
- Sound Engineering
- Filmmaking
- Accounting and Finance
Through these focus areas, the program supports the development of key industries and prepares students to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economic growth.
Who Can Apply For MultiChoice Bursary?
To be considered for the MultiChoice 2026 Bursary Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be enrolled or intend to enrol at a South African institution of higher learning in one of the supported fields.
- Achieve a minimum academic performance of 75 percent for matriculants or 65 percent for current university students.
- Be a first-time undergraduate or postgraduate student (Honours or Masters level).
- Demonstrate financial need and meet the academic criteria in line with MultiChoice’s external bursary policy.
The bursary is valid for one academic year and does not cover historical student debt. Students from all nine provinces are encouraged to apply, especially those who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to their field of study.
How to Apply For MultiChoice Bursary?
MultiChoice has partnered with Skills 123 for the administration of the bursary, and with Student Village to ensure students across the country can access application support through its extensive campus network.
The bursary is open to students registered at accredited South African higher education institutions and supports studies up to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 9.
The closing date for applications is 29 January 2026. Students are advised to complete and submit their applications well before the deadline. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be accepted.
To apply, visit https://multichoice.bursary.sv.co.za/. You can also explore more about MultiChoice’s commitment to youth empowerment and education on the MultiChoice website. Application Form PDF