Many South African bursaries, especially from companies and government, come with a work-back obligation. In exchange for funding your studies, the funder expects you to work for it after you graduate. Understanding this before you sign can save you a lot of stress later.
How work-back bursaries usually work
- You work for the funder for a set period after graduating, often one year for every year of funding.
- You are paid a normal salary for that work. It is a job, not unpaid service.
- Some funders guarantee a position, while others offer one only “subject to available vacancies”.
- If you leave early, or refuse a reasonable job offer, you may have to repay part or all of the bursary.
The benefits
- A job lined up after graduation, which is a big advantage in a tough job market
- Vacation work and mentoring while you study, which builds real experience
- Generous funding: work-back bursaries often cover tuition, accommodation, books and living costs
The trade-offs
- Less freedom to choose your first employer or where you live
- Possible placement at a remote site, such as a mine or plant
- Repayment obligations if your plans change
Clauses to check before you sign
- Length of service: how many years, and when the period starts
- What happens if no job is offered: are you released from the obligation?
- Repayment terms: how much you repay if you leave early, and whether interest is charged
- Academic conditions: minimum marks you must keep, and what happens if you fail a module
- Postgraduate study: can you defer the work-back period to study further?
- Location: can you be placed anywhere in the country?
Ask the bursary provider to explain anything you do not understand, and ask a parent, lecturer or your university’s financial aid office to read the contract with you.
Finding bursaries with and without work-back
Every listing in our bursary directory shows whether a work-back period or vacation work is mentioned. If you prefer more flexibility, look at foundations, trusts and scholarships, which are less likely to include a service obligation.