TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary South Africa 2026
If you are a talented athlete who wants to study and play sport at a higher level, the TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary can help you do both. The TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary is open for the 2026 academic year, offering applications to eligible students who display strong athletic ability and plan to study at the University of Pretoria. Before applying, make sure to go through the guide to learn more about the bursary program, who qualifies for it, what it covers, and how to apply.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the bursary, making sure you successfully apply for the bursary. Keep reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of the TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary South Africa 2026.
Overview of TuksSport UP Sport Performance
The University of Pretoria is one of the biggest and most well-known universities in South Africa, known for excelling in both academics and sports. The University’s sports department, called TuksSport, is known worldwide for leading in many different sports.
TuksSport makes sure that all athletes and volunteers are valued and included in a long-term sport program that helps grow and support the South African community. TuksSport offers a strong support program for all athletes, giving them access to things like medical care, fitness training, sports science, testing, expert coaching, sports psychology, and help with injuries.
TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary South Africa 2026
The TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary is a financial aid program that supports talented student-athletes who are good at their sport and studying full-time at the university. Here’s what you need to know about the TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary South Africa 2026 before applying.
What Does TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary Cover?
This sports program has different parts to help you improve your sports skills while studying at university. TuksSport’s passionate and professional coaches will guide you during the program. TuksSport wants you to be part of one of the best sports universities in the country, known both in South Africa and around the world.
The bursary program supports any of the sports disciplines listed below:
- Athletics
- Archery
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Canoe
- Chess
- Cycling
- Cricket
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Judo
- Karate
- Netball
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Squash
- Swimming
- Trampoline
- Tennis
- Triathlon
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
The Sports Performance bursary is only given for one sport – students cannot get funding for more than one sport. Bursaries are given for one academic year only, and students must apply again each year to get funding. Bursaries can be renewed each year depending on your academic results, sports performance, training attendance, and dedication to the program.
Everyone who applies will get a confirmation once their application has been received. If you don’t get a confirmation within 3 weeks of applying, contact your TuklsSport club.
Who Are Eligible For the TuksSport UP Sport Performance?
Applicant must satisfy the bursary requirements. If any applicant fails to meet the criteria, their application will not be considered. The following are the bursary eligibility criteria:
- You need to be fully registered and accepted as a student at the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
- You should be good at one of the sports fields mentioned in the above section.
The bursary will be given based on the following criteria:
- Funds will be given based on the TuksSport club’s priority list.
- A lack of athletes in the club for certain events or positions.
- Ranking on South Africa’s junior or senior lists for specific sports.
- Your ranking in international competitions
- Your potential to qualify for international competitions.
- Your expected performance at USSA (South African Student Championships) and participation in Varsity SA or Varsity Cup for your sport.
How Do I Apply for the TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary?
Here’s how you can apply for the bursary program:
- Applicants need to fill out the TuksSport Bursary Application form by clicking on their sport and completing the online form.
- After that, applicants must submit clear copies of the documents mentioned below:
- A full-length action photo of yourself (A5 size, in JPEG format).
- Grade 11 school results (if you are currently in Matric and starting your first year of study in 2026)
- Support a CV that includes:
- Your past sports performance.
- Your current training plan and how you will train during your Matric exam until you start university.
- Your strengths, weaknesses, and what you are working on in training.
- Other info or achievements, like leadership roles, cultural activities, or memberships.
- Sports Performance Support Application (after completing the online form, you will receive it by email – you need to print or scan this).
- You need to send your application by email to the TuksSport Bursary administration at [email protected]. Make sure to add the “TuksSport Bursary Application 2026” in the email subject line.
(Applicants under 18 years old need a parent or legal guardian to sign their application.)
Closing Date: 31 July 2025
Final Thoughts
The TuksSport UP Sport Performance Bursary is open for the 2026 academic year, so make sure to apply as soon as possible to secure funding for your studies. Make sure to apply before the closing date, or your application will not be accepted.
