Scholarships and Student Funding in Eswatini
By Muntasir Minhaz • Published Jul 25, 2026 • African Countries & Cities, African Scholarships & Student Funding
The Eswatini government funds most local students through a tertiary scholarship split into a discounted study loan and a repayable assistance loan. You apply online through the Scholarship Application System, and picking a priority subject improves your chances since funds are limited.
💵 The study loan portion covers tuition, books, and registration at a reduced rate
📩 Apply at the government's Scholarship Application System, no paper forms accepted
⏱️ Local institution applications close June 30 each year, South Africa and regional Africa applications close December 31
🎓 UNESWA runs its own separate foundation scholarship for enrolled students
The government tertiary scholarship
The main source of funding for Swazi students is the Ministry of Education's tertiary scholarship , administered through the Scholarship Secretariat. It has two parts that work differently, and understanding the split matters before you accept an offer.
The Study Loan portion covers tuition, registration, books, uniforms where required, and internship or project allowances, at a discounted rate compared to the full cost. The Student Assistance Finance portion covers accommodation, meals, and a personal allowance, and this part is fully repayable after you graduate and start working. Treat the two parts differently when you plan your finances: one is a subsidy, the other is a loan you must pay back in full.
Who qualifies
To be considered you need to be an Eswatini citizen, have completed high school with at least five credits including in key subjects, and hold a qualification obtained within the past five years. You cannot apply if you have already received a government scholarship before. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee an award. The Scholarship Selection Board interviews shortlisted applicants, and acceptance to a tertiary institution on its own does not secure funding.
How to apply
Applications go entirely through the online Scholarship Application System at slas.gov.sz. Paper applications are not accepted. You need a written acceptance letter from an accredited tertiary institution before you apply, along with certified copies of your birth certificate, academic results, national ID or PIN, a passport photo, and a tax certificate.
Deadlines differ by where you plan to study. Applications for local Eswatini institutions close June 30 each year. Applications for study in South Africa or elsewhere in Africa close December 31. Deadlines for overseas study vary by institution, so confirm the specific date with the Scholarship Secretariat directly.
Priority study areas
Because scholarship funds are limited, the government sets priority fields that get preference in selection. For local study, priority areas include education, the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), engineering, environmental science, agriculture, nursing, technical and vocational fields, and tourism and hospitality. For study in South Africa or elsewhere in Africa, priority areas include actuarial science, engineering, ICT, medicine, psychology, social work, and other specialized healthcare professions. Applying in a listed priority field improves your odds, though it does not guarantee an award.
University and private funding
Beyond the government scholarship, UNESWA runs its own foundation scholarship fund for students already enrolled at the university. Contact the financial aid or student affairs office directly to find out when applications open for a given academic year, since cycles and available slots change.
Some employers and organizations operating in Eswatini also sponsor bursaries in return for a work-back contract after graduation, particularly in fields like engineering, agriculture, and health. These are not centrally listed, so check directly with companies in your intended field, or ask your university's career or financial aid office about current sponsors.