Empowering South Africa’s Youth Through Education: The Nestlé Future Talent Bursary

The Nestlé Future Talent Bursary supports South African youth aged 17–25 in pursuing higher education. Learn about eligibility, fields of study, application requirements, and deadlines.

Empowering South Africa’s Youth Through Education: The Nestlé Future Talent Bursary

It all starts from YOUth. Across South Africa, thousands of young people hold the potential to shape industries, communities, and the future economy—but access to quality education remains one of the most critical stepping stones to unlocking that potential. Recognising this, Nestlé East & Southern Africa Region continues to invest in the leaders of tomorrow through the Nestlé Future Talent Bursary, a programme designed to support deserving youth on their higher education journeys.

The Nestlé Future Talent Bursary is rooted in a simple yet powerful belief: education has the ability to transform lives and create a brighter, more sustainable future. By providing financial support to students pursuing tertiary studies, Nestlé aims not only to uplift individuals, but also to contribute meaningfully to the development of skills that South Africa urgently needs.

What Is the Nestlé Future Talent Bursary?

The Nestlé Future Talent Bursary is an initiative offered by Nestlé East & Southern Africa to assist young South Africans who wish to pursue tertiary studies at accredited institutions of higher learning within South Africa. The bursary targets motivated, academically capable youth who demonstrate potential and commitment to building their futures through education.

This programme forms part of Nestlé’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and long-term economic growth in the region. By investing in education today, Nestlé helps cultivate a workforce equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Who Can Apply?

The bursary is specifically designed for young people at a critical stage of their academic and career development. To qualify for the Nestlé Future Talent Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be between 17 and 25 years old
Be studying within South Africa
Be applying for or already studying on a full-time basis at an accredited tertiary institution

The programme welcomes both current tertiary students and recent high school graduates who are preparing to take the next step in their academic journey.

Fields of Study Supported

Nestlé recognises the importance of future-focused skills and disciplines that drive innovation, sustainability, and growth. As such, the bursary supports a wide range of fields aligned with both business and societal needs.

Eligible fields of study include, but are not limited to:

BSc Engineering
Data Analytics
Computer Science
Information Technology
Innovation and Digital Transformation
Digital and E-commerce
Brand Management
Social Media Marketing
Media and Communications
Agriculture
Food Science and Technology

These fields reflect Nestlé’s commitment to nurturing talent across science, technology, digital, marketing, and food systems—key sectors that shape modern economies.

Eligibility for Tertiary Students

For students who are already enrolled at a tertiary institution, academic performance is a key requirement. Applicants must:

Have achieved a minimum average of 65% in the previous year of study
Be registered at an accredited institution for the current academic year

This ensures that the bursary supports students who have demonstrated consistent effort and the ability to succeed in their chosen fields.

Eligibility for High School Learners

High school learners are also encouraged to apply, provided they meet the academic requirements. To qualify, applicants must:

Have completed their final year of high school
Hold a matric certificate with a minimum pass average of 65%

This creates an opportunity for school leavers to transition smoothly into higher education with the financial backing they need.

Required Application Documents

To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, applicants are required to submit the following certified documents:

A certified copy of the South African Identity Document
A certified copy of the latest academic results
Proof of registration or an admission letter from the intended tertiary institution

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all documents are clear, up to date, and correctly certified before submission.

How to Apply

All applications for the Nestlé Future Talent Bursary must be completed online. Interested candidates can apply through the official application portal:

During the application process, applicants must use the promotional code Nestle 2026 to ensure their application is correctly linked to the bursary programme.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

Important Closing Date

The closing date for applications is:

09 January 2026

Applications submitted after this date will not be considered, so timely submission is essential.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Talent

The Nestlé Future Talent Bursary is more than just financial assistance—it is an investment in South Africa’s youth and a commitment to building a skilled, innovative, and resilient future workforce. By supporting education in critical fields, Nestlé helps empower young people to turn ambition into achievement.

For eligible students with big dreams and the determination to succeed, this bursary could be the first step toward a brighter future—one where education truly becomes a catalyst for lasting change.