Sita Bursary

SITA’s bursary programme for 2024 aims to develop a skilled pipeline to address the current skills gap in the ICT sector. The programme offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in critical fields within IT, such as:

  • Computer Science (BSc)
  • Computer Science and Informatics with Artificial Intelligence (BSc)
  • Cyber Security (BSc)
  • Information Technology (BSc)

By supporting 25 students across various provinces, SITA seeks to empower future IT professionals and enhance South Africa’s technology landscape.

Bursary Allocation by Province

  • Eastern Cape: 3 bursaries
  • Free State: 3 bursaries
  • Gauteng: 2 bursaries
  • KwaZulu-Natal: 3 bursaries
  • Limpopo: 3 bursaries
  • Mpumalanga: 3 bursaries
  • North West: 3 bursaries
  • Northern Cape: 3 bursaries
  • Western Cape: 2 bursaries

This geographic spread ensures equitable distribution of opportunities for students across the country.

What Does the SITA Bursary Cover?

The SITA bursary provides comprehensive coverage, including:

  • Tuition fees
  • Prescribed study materials
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Allowances
  • Work-integrated learning (where applicable)

This bursary ensures students can focus entirely on their studies without worrying about financial barriers.

Who Can Apply for the SITA Bursary?

To be eligible for the SITA bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a South African citizen.
  • Completed Matric in 2023 with at least a 70% average.
  • Intending to study full-time towards an NQF level 7 degree in one of the eligible fields in 2024.
  • Accepted or registered at a recognized public tertiary institution in South Africa.
  • Must not be receiving other bursary funding.
  • Students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply for the SITA Bursary

Applications for the SITA bursary must be submitted online via the SITA Bursary Application 2024 portal. The following documents will be required:

  • Certified copy of your ID
  • Certified copy of your Matric Certificate/ Statement of results
  • Acceptance letter from your chosen tertiary institution (on official letterhead)
  • Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Make sure to apply well before the closing date: 16 February 2024. Late applications will not be considered.

Why Choose SITA?

SITA plays a critical role in South Africa’s IT sector, driving government projects that enhance public service delivery. By aligning yourself with SITA through its bursary programme, you are not only securing financial assistance but also gaining a potential future in one of the leading IT organisations in the country.

SITA’s commitment to equity means that they prioritise applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to the company’s larger goal of promoting inclusivity and transformation in South Africa.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.