TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary

Who can apply

• Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
• You must be a full-time registered and accepted student at the University of Pretoria, for the 2027 academic year
• You must excel in one of the above sporting disciplines
• Bursary recipients will be selected based on the following criteria:
• Prioritising of funds per the TuksSport club prioritization
• Shortage of athletes in the Club for events or playing positions
• Position on sport specific SA Junior and Senior rankings
• Position on international rankings
• Ability to qualify for international competitions
• Potential performances at USSA (South African Student Championships taking place each year) and participation at the Varsity Sport SA and Varsity Cup competitions in a specific sporting code

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to TuksSport UP Sport Performance - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE TUKSSPORT BURSARY COVER?

TuksSport, the sport department of the University of Pretoria, is inviting students to apply for the University of Pretoria Sports Performance Support Bursary, for the 2027 academic year.

This sports programme consists of many components which the candidate will need to further enhance their sporting talent, whilst simultaneously obtaining a tertiary qualification.

TuksSport passionate and professional coaches will act as a guide to the candidate during the programme, ensuring that they reach their fullest potential. TuksSport aims to make the candidate part of the TuksSport, at one of the top Academy and Sporting Universities in the country, that is both locally and internationally recognised.

Bursaries will be awarded to students who join, participate in, and excel in their respective disciplines at the University of Pretoria, in the following sports:

• Archery
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Canoe
• Chess
• Cricket
• Cycling
• Fencing
• Football
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Hockey
• Judo
• Karate
• Netball
• Rowing
• Rugby
• Squash
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Trampoline
• Triathlon
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

WHAT DOES THE TUKSSPORT BURSARY COVER?

The Sports Performance bursary will only be awarded for 1 sport code - students cannot be in receipt of funding for more than 1 sport code.

Bursaries are awarded for 1 academic year at a time, and students are required to re-apply for funding each year. Bursaries will be renewed each year based on academic performance, sporting performance, as well as training attendance and commitment to the programme.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE TUKSSPORT BURSARY?

All applicants will receive acknowledgement of their application soon after their application is received. Applicants who do not receive acknowledgement of their application within 3 weeks of applying, should make contact with their specific TuksSport club.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE TUKSSPORT BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a full-time registered and accepted student at the University of Pretoria, for the 2027 academic year
• You must excel in one of the above sporting disciplines

Bursary recipients will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Prioritising of funds per the TuksSport club prioritization
• Shortage of athletes in the Club for events or playing positions
• Position on sport specific SA Junior and Senior rankings
• Position on international rankings
• Ability to qualify for international competitions
• Potential performances at USSA (South African Student Championships taking place each year) and participation at the Varsity Sport SA and Varsity Cup competitions in a specific sporting code

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE TUKSSPORT BURSARY?

Applicants must complete the TuksSport Bursary Application Form 2027

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the TuksSport Bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR THE TUKSSPORT BURSARY?

Applicants must then submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• Full length action shot photograph of yourself (A5 size in jpeg format)
• Grade 11 school results (if currently in Matric and entering your first year of study in 2027)
• Sports Curriculum Vitae (including the following: 1) Sporting Performance History, 2) Training Plans currently being followed, along with your training plan (if in Matric), during the Matric exams until your arrival at University, 3)Your strong and weak points and areas you are focusing on in your during your training sessions
• Other Information or Achievements (e.g. leadership, cultural, associations etc.)
• Sports Performance Support Application (the online application you completed above will be emailed to you - this must be scanned / print generated)

Note: applicants who are under 18 years old, must have their application signed by a parent or legal guardian.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE TUKSSPORT BURSARY?

31 July 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact TuksSport directly:Tel: 012 420 6060Or contact the TuksSport specific code manager directly.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (UP) & TUKSSPORT

The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s largest and most respected institutions, celebrating both academic and sporting excellence. The University’s sport’s department is known as TuksSport and is a global leader in many sporting fields.

TuksSport ensures that all athletes and volunteers are given value and are part of sustainable sport programmes that aim to further develop and enhance the South African community. TuksSport ensures that a high-performance support programme is established for all athletes and participants; providing services such as medical, scientific, fitness, sport-testing, tactical and technical expertise, and sports psychology and injury support.

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