For students who want to study fields like business management, economics, accounting, finance, or supply chain, the good news is: financial support exists. In this blog post, we’ll explore what commerce really means, the various subfields it includes, and a list of popular commerce bursaries that can help you fund your education and future career.

What Is Commerce?

Commerce refers to the system of trade and business activities that support the buying and selling of goods and services. It goes beyond just money it includes management, law, marketing, logistics, and entrepreneurship. From retail stores to multinational corporations, every organisation relies on principles of commerce to succeed.

In South Africa, commerce plays a vital role in job creation, economic growth, and transformation. Whether it's through small businesses in local communities or large financial institutions in major cities, commerce connects people, resources, and innovation across the country.

Main Fields and Subcategories in Commerce

Commerce is a broad field made up of various specialisations. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key areas within commerce that students can pursue:

Accounting ^{Click here for Accounting bursaries}

Accounting focuses on tracking, reporting, and analysing financial transactions. It’s a critical skill for businesses, government departments, and NGOs. In South Africa, chartered accountants are in high demand across sectors.

Finance

This field deals with investment, banking, budgeting, and wealth management. Careers include financial analysts, investment bankers, and personal finance consultants. South Africa’s finance sector is one of the most advanced on the continent.

Economics

Economists study how societies allocate scarce resources. They help governments and businesses understand trends, inflation, interest rates, and economic development. It’s a key field for policy and planning.

Marketing

Marketing involves promoting and selling products or services. In today’s digital economy, marketing includes social media, branding, digital advertising, and customer research. It’s both creative and analytical.

Business Management

This field covers how to plan, run, and grow a business. It includes strategic planning, operations, leadership, and human resources. Business management graduates often become entrepreneurs or corporate managers.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship teaches how to start and grow businesses. In South Africa, where unemployment is a major issue, entrepreneurs can play a key role in economic transformation and innovation.

Supply Chain and Logistics

This field deals with the movement of goods from suppliers to customers. It includes warehousing, transport, procurement, and inventory control. It’s essential for industries like retail, manufacturing, and agriculture.

The Importance of Commerce in South Africa

Commerce contributes directly to South Africa’s GDP and employment. Here’s why it matters:

Job Creation

Commerce creates both formal and informal jobs from accountants and economists to local shop owners and digital marketers. Supporting commerce means supporting livelihoods.

Innovation and Economic Growth

As businesses grow, they innovate. New products, better services, and smarter systems improve the economy and drive progress in fields like fintech, agribusiness, and e-commerce.

Social Impact

Commerce also promotes transformation. Through entrepreneurship and inclusive business models, communities can generate wealth, reduce inequality, and promote local ownership.

Popular Commerce Bursaries in South Africa

Studying commerce can be expensive  especially at top universities. Fortunately, many organisations offer bursaries to support students pursuing careers in business-related fields. Here are some of the most recognised bursaries in the country:

Investec Bursary Programme

This bursary supports academically strong students pursuing degrees in commerce, especially finance, economics, and accounting. It covers full tuition, accommodation, books, and mentorship.

SAICA Thuthuka Bursary

Offered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, this bursary is aimed at students who want to become CAs. It supports historically disadvantaged individuals and includes financial, academic, and emotional support.

Nedbank Bursary Fund

Nedbank provides bursaries for degrees in banking, economics, actuarial science, business, and financial planning. It is open to high-performing students who demonstrate financial need.

Old Mutual Bursaries

Old Mutual supports students in finance, actuarial science, and commerce. Their bursary includes full funding, internships, and potential employment after graduation.

Shoprite Bursary Scheme

Shoprite offers bursaries for students in supply chain management, logistics, retail business management, and finance. It’s a great option for those interested in retail commerce and operations.

KPMG Bursary

KPMG funds students in the accounting and auditing field. Bursaries are offered to high-performing students, and recipients may be offered training contracts with the firm after graduation.

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Bursary

PwC provides financial assistance to commerce students, particularly in accounting, taxation, and auditing. Their bursary is often linked to internship or work-back opportunities.

Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Bursaries

Through the NSFAS system, the government supports students from low-income households in all fields  including commerce. This is a primary option for students at public universities and TVET colleges.

Conclusion

Commerce is a dynamic and influential field that offers a variety of career paths from corporate finance to entrepreneurship. In South Africa, where economic challenges and opportunities go hand in hand, studying commerce gives students the tools to become job creators, problem solvers, and leaders of the future.

Whether your passion is managing a business, launching a startup, solving economic issues, or analysing financial data there’s a place for you in the commerce sector. And thanks to a range of bursaries, you don’t need to let financial challenges stop you from pursuing your dream.

Explore your options, apply early, and stay focused. South Africa needs innovative, ethical, and driven commerce graduates more than ever.

Visit our bursary listings page to discover the latestBursariesopen for applications in 2025.