Every bursary season, scammers target students and parents with fake offers. They usually want money, personal information or both. Knowing the warning signs will protect you.
Warning signs of a bursary scam
- You are asked to pay. Genuine bursaries never charge an application, processing or “admin” fee.
- It sounds too easy. Messages promising guaranteed funding with no requirements are fake.
- The contact is on WhatsApp or a free email address only. Real companies apply through official websites and company email addresses.
- You are rushed. “Apply in the next two hours” or “only 5 places left” is a pressure tactic.
- They want sensitive details early. Never share bank PINs, passwords or one-time PINs (OTPs).
- The website address looks wrong. Check for spelling mistakes or unusual domain names.
How to check that a bursary is real
- Find the bursary on the company’s official website, not just on social media.
- Check that the application link or email address uses the company’s real domain.
- Look the bursary up in our directory. Every listing links to the official application channel.
- If in doubt, phone the company’s main switchboard (from its official website) and ask.
If you think you have been scammed
- Stop all contact and do not send more money or documents.
- If you shared banking details, contact your bank immediately.
- Report the scam to the South African Police Service and to the platform where you saw it.
- Warn friends and classmates so they are not targeted next.