When does the BBD bursary close?

BBD accepts applications all year round — there is no fixed annual deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply as soon as you are ready.

What academic average do I need for the BBD bursary?

You need at least a 70% overall average in Matric, or 65% at tertiary level if you are already studying. Maths and a strong technical record matter.

Do I have to work for BBD after graduating?

Yes. Recipients join the BBD Graduate Programme after qualifying and are expected to work at BBD for a period linked to the length of the bursary.

Each year, BBD bursars attend a one-week onsite workshop where they meet other bursars, work on a group project using BBD's tech stack, and experience the company culture firsthand.

Computer Science & IT

BBD Software Development Bursary

BBD

BBD's Bursary & Beyond Programme funds aspiring software developers studying IT-related degrees at recognised South African universities. Unlike most bursaries, applications are open year-round and recipients flow directly into the BBD Graduate Programme after qualifying, making it one of the most accessible paths into a full-time software engineering career.

Amount: Tuition support + graduate placement pathway
Deadline: 31 December 2026
Renewable: Yes

Apply now

Eligible Fields of Study

BBD supports students in the following disciplines

Computer Science

Software Engineering

Computer Engineering

Information Technology

Informatics

Information Systems

Game Design

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Studying or planning to study an IT-related degree at a recognised South African university
✓ Minimum 70% average in Matric, or 65% average at tertiary level
✓ Eligible qualifications include BSc, BEng, BCom and BIS at Bachelor's, Honours, Master's or Doctoral level
✓ Demonstrable passion for building software (a portfolio or side projects is a plus)

What's Included

✓ Tuition support throughout your degree
✓ Annual one-week onsite Vac Week workshop with other bursars
✓ Practical exposure to BBD's tech stack and project teams
✓ Mentorship from working software engineers
✓ Automatic placement into the BBD Graduate Programme after graduation
✓ Real project work from day one of employment

Work Commitment

Bursary recipients join the BBD Graduate Programme after graduation and are expected to work at BBD for a period linked to the duration of their bursary.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your BBD bursary application

1
Apply online via the BBD careers website at any time of the year
2
Submit your latest academic transcripts and CV
3
Include any software projects, GitHub links or portfolio work you have
4
Complete BBD's technical and culture-fit assessment if shortlisted
5
Attend an interview with the BBD team
6
Sign the bursary agreement if successful

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Certified Matric certificate (or latest results if still in Matric)
📄 Certified university academic transcripts (if currently studying)
📄 Up-to-date CV
📄 Links to any personal coding projects, GitHub profile or portfolio

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the BBD bursary close?: BBD accepts applications all year round — there is no fixed annual deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply as soon as you are ready.
What academic average do I need for the BBD bursary?: You need at least a 70% overall average in Matric, or 65% at tertiary level if you are already studying. Maths and a strong technical record matter.
Do I have to work for BBD after graduating?: Yes. Recipients join the BBD Graduate Programme after qualifying and are expected to work at BBD for a period linked to the length of the bursary.
What is Vac Week?: Each year, BBD bursars attend a one-week onsite workshop where they meet other bursars, work on a group project using BBD's tech stack, and experience the company culture firsthand.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 31 December 2026

Apply on BBD's official site

Information verified 2026-05-25. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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