Who can apply for the Bowmans Bursary Programme?

South African citizens who have completed or are currently in Matric, or who are already enrolled at a recognised South African university studying towards a law qualification (LLB, BCom Law or BA Law). Applicants should have a minimum 70% overall average / excellent academic results and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to applicants from historically and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

How do I apply and where?

Applications are submitted online through the Bowmans opportunity on the Leaply applications platform at https://leap.ly/opportunities/914. Note the platform is 'Leaply' (leap.ly), and Bowmans is the firm formerly known as Bowman Gilfillan.

When does the bursary open and close?

The annual application window runs approximately from 1 August to 30 September. The round for the 2026 academic year closed on 30 September 2025, and the next round (for the 2027 academic year) is expected to open in August 2026. Always verify the live opportunity on leap.ly each cycle.

What does the bursary cover and is there a work-back obligation?

It is a full-cost bursary covering all study-related expenses (tuition and related costs); the exact rand value is not published. No fixed work-back period is published — instead it offers mentorship, access to the firm's vacation work programme, and a potential pathway to articles of clerkship and future placement at Bowmans.

General

Bowmans Bursary Programme

Bowmans (Bowman Gilfillan Inc.), administered in-house via the Leaply (leap.ly) applications platform

Bowmans, one of South Africa's Big Five corporate law firms, offers a full-cost law bursary covering all study-related expenses for aspiring lawyers. Recipients gain mentorship from specialist lawyers, access to the firm's vacation work programme, and a potential pathway to articles of clerkship and future placement at the firm. The exact rand value is not published, and the bursary supports LLB, BCom Law, and BA Law study.

Amount: Full-cost bursary covering all study-related expenses (tuition and related costs); exact rand value not published
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Renewable: Yes

Applications closed

Apply now

Eligible Fields of Study

Bowmans (Bowman Gilfillan Inc.), administered in-house via the Leaply (leap.ly) applications platform supports students in the following disciplines

Law (LLB)

BCom Law

BA Law

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Completed Matric or currently in Matric (or currently enrolled at a recognised South African university)
✓ Minimum 70% overall average / excellent academic results
✓ Demonstrated financial need
✓ Passion for law, plus team-player and leadership qualities
✓ Preference for applicants from historically and economically disadvantaged backgrounds

What's Included

✓ Covers all study-related expenses (full-cost bursary)
✓ Mentorship from specialist lawyers
✓ Access to the Bowmans vacation work programme
✓ Potential pathway to articles of clerkship (candidate legal practitioner) and future placement at the firm
✓ Practical exposure across the firm's practice areas

Work Commitment

No fixed work-back period is published. The bursary is designed as a pathway into the firm — recipients gain access to vacation work and may be considered for articles of clerkship (candidate legal practitioner) and future placement at Bowmans.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Bowmans (Bowman Gilfillan Inc.), administered in-house via the Leaply (leap.ly) applications platform bursary application

1
Visit the live Bowmans opportunity on the Leaply platform at https://leap.ly/opportunities/914 during the annual application window (approximately 1 August to 30 September)
2
Create a Leaply (leap.ly) account and complete the online application form
3
Upload all required supporting documents, including a motivational letter
4
Tertiary (university) applicants also submit a marked legal assignment
5
Submit the application before the closing date and await shortlisting and selection by Bowmans graduate recruitment

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Grade 11 and Matric results / National Senior Certificate (NSC)
📄 University academic transcript (if currently studying)
📄 Motivational letter
📄 Proof of household income
📄 Marked legal assignment (tertiary applicants only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Bowmans Bursary Programme?: South African citizens who have completed or are currently in Matric, or who are already enrolled at a recognised South African university studying towards a law qualification (LLB, BCom Law or BA Law). Applicants should have a minimum 70% overall average / excellent academic results and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to applicants from historically and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
How do I apply and where?: Applications are submitted online through the Bowmans opportunity on the Leaply applications platform at https://leap.ly/opportunities/914. Note the platform is 'Leaply' (leap.ly), and Bowmans is the firm formerly known as Bowman Gilfillan.
When does the bursary open and close?: The annual application window runs approximately from 1 August to 30 September. The round for the 2026 academic year closed on 30 September 2025, and the next round (for the 2027 academic year) is expected to open in August 2026. Always verify the live opportunity on leap.ly each cycle.
What does the bursary cover and is there a work-back obligation?: It is a full-cost bursary covering all study-related expenses (tuition and related costs); the exact rand value is not published. No fixed work-back period is published — instead it offers mentorship, access to the firm's vacation work programme, and a potential pathway to articles of clerkship and future placement at Bowmans.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 September 2025

Apply on Bowmans (Bowman Gilfillan Inc.), administered in-house via the Leaply (leap.ly) applications platform's official site

Information verified 2025-09-30. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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