South Africa’s Department of Higher Education is exploring a new bursary scheme that would be funded in the private sector, according to reporting. The initiative is presented as part of the government’s broader search for alternative ways to finance access to higher education. Under the proposed approach, a dedicated bursary fund would support students who want to study at private colleges and private universities. The goal is to improve affordability and widen participation by redirecting part of the funding burden toward private-sector resources, while aligning with government efforts to expand higher education opportunities. The reporting does not specify the timeline for implementation, the size of the fund, or which private-sector organisations would contribute. It also does not detail the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries, or how institutions would be selected and monitored. The proposal, however, indicates a shift toward mixed financing, combining government oversight with private funding to help more students cover tuition and related higher-education costs.