Mezzanine, a leading South African digital technology enabler (and a member of the Vodacom Group), has officially opened applications for its 2026 Academic Merit Bursary. This opportunity is specifically tailored for first-year students in the Western Cape who are pursuing a career in Computer Science but face financial barriers to completing their degree.
Beyond just financial support, Mezzanine offers a unique “foot in the door” to the tech industry through job shadowing and networking with their team of world-class developers and digital solution experts.
Quick Overview
- Organization: Mezzanine (Mezzanine Ware)
- Location: Western Cape (Student must be based here)
- Field of Study: 1st Year Computer Science (Undergraduate)
- Closing Date: 31 March 2026
- Target: Unemployed SA Citizens by birth
🚀 Student Desk Expert Insight: The Mezzanine Tech Edge
Mezzanine isn’t just a software company; they specialize in digital solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and education across Africa. Here is why this bursary is a strategic choice:
- Beyond the Tuition: While many bursaries only pay the bills, Mezzanine provides job shadowing. In Computer Science, seeing how an “Agile” team actually deploys code to thousands of users is more valuable than any textbook.
- The Merit + Need Balance: This bursary uses a dual-filter. You must have a strong academic record (65% average), but they also prioritize those with “financial need.” If you have the brains but lack the budget, this is designed specifically for you.
- Western Cape Focus: Because Mezzanine is headquartered in Stellenbosch, they focus exclusively on students at Western Cape universities (like UCT, Stellenbosch, or UWC). This makes the networking and job shadowing logistics much easier for the student.
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What the Bursary Covers
The Mezzanine Bursary is comprehensive and may cover:
- Tuition Fees: Full payment of academic fees for the 2026 year.
- University Accommodation: Support for on-campus living costs.
- Professional Mentorship: Direct access to Mezzanine staff for networking and industry exposure.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 intake, you must check every box below:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen by birth.
- Geography: Must be currently located in the Western Cape.
- Academic Level: Must be a first-year student enrolled for full-time undergraduate Computer Science studies at an accredited Western Cape university.
- Grades: Must have passed Grade 12 (Matric) with a minimum average of 65%.
- Financial Status: Must be currently unemployed and NOT in possession of any other bursary for 2026.
- Vetting: Must have a clear criminal and credit record.
Required Documents for Application
Prepare these in digital format (PDF is usually best) before applying:
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified Copy of ID and Certified Matric Certificate
- Motivational Letter (Explain why you chose Computer Science and your financial need)
- Proof of Registration/Acceptance for 2026
- Latest Fee Statement or a formal quotation from your university
- Proof of Household Income: Latest 3 months’ payslips of parents/guardians (or an affidavit if they are unemployed)
How to Apply (Closing 31 March 2026)
Applications are handled through Mezzanine’s recruitment portal.
- Online Portal: Apply for Mezzanine Bursary 2026
- Submit: Click ‘Apply to Position’ and upload all required documents listed above.
- Wait for Feedback: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don’t hear back within 30 days of the closing date (31 March), consider your application unsuccessful.
Pro Tip: Your Motivational Letter is your secret weapon. Mezzanine builds “tech for good.” In your letter, mention how you want to use Computer Science to solve social problems (like healthcare or food security) in South Africa. This aligns perfectly with their mission.
