Stellenbosch, 1 July 2026 – Applications for Stellenbosch University Funding Opportunities (SUFO) for the 2027 academic year are now open for undergraduate students. The Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries and Loans (CUBL) invites eligible current and prospective undergraduate students to apply for financial support. 

Application dates

• Current undergraduate students: 1 July – 30 September 2026
• Prospective undergraduate students: 1 October – 30 November 2026

Funding opportunities are awarded according to available funding, financial need, academic merit and, where applicable, donor-specific criteria. 

CUBL encourages students to apply as early as possible and to ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted before the relevant closing date.

Before starting the online application, applicants should visit the Application Process tab on the SU Bursaries and Loans website. This section provides step-by-step guidelines, as well as a list of the supporting documents required to complete an application.

Current students can access the online application form using their eight-digit SU student number, while prospective students should use their South African ID number. The online application process has been designed to be user-friendly and efficient. Once applicants have prepared the required documents for upload, the online form should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Each year, CUBL receives applications from students who are academically capable and deeply committed to their studies, but who face financial barriers that may affect their ability to continue or complete their qualifications.

Access to funding often determines whether a student can continue and successfully complete their studies. In some cases, financial support helps a student settle an outstanding fee balance so that they can continue with their studies or graduate with their peers. In others, emergency funding provides short-term relief during an unexpected personal or family crisis. Some students are also nominated for suitable funding opportunities that become available during the academic year, including donor-funded bursaries aligned to their field of study, academic performance, leadership potential or financial circumstances.

These moments of support often arrive at a critical point in a student’s journey. A top-up bursary can help a final-year student cross the finish line. A donor-funded opportunity can ease the burden on a household that has stretched every resource to keep a student at University. Emergency assistance can help a student remain focused on their academic work during a difficult season. Together, these interventions reflect SU’s broader commitment to helping students not only access higher education, but also remain, succeed and complete their studies.

In addition to institutional funding, CUBL also manages and administers bursaries on behalf of external donors. These bursaries may have specific requirements, including financial need, academic performance, leadership qualities or other donor-defined criteria.

Students who wish to be considered for these donor-funded opportunities must complete and upload the additional application form when prompted during the SU funding application process. Several SU family bursaries are also available to students who meet the eligibility requirements and can provide proof of descendancy.

CUBL looks forward to receiving applications for the 2027 academic year and remains committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey.

Students are reminded that SU funding is limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee that funding will be awarded. However, completing the application timeously and correctly ensures that eligible students can be considered for available opportunities.

Need more information?

Students can:

• Visit the SU Bursaries and Loans website
• Contact SU Client Services on 021 808 9111
• Log a ticket on the SU Service Desk portal by navigating to Student Finances and selecting the appropriate query type

Apply now and take an important step towards securing support for your 2027 academic journey.