Admin Boss Tax Knowledge Hub

Education and Study Tax Benefits

Updated: June 2026 5 min read
Quick Overview: While South Africa does not offer broad education tax deductions, bursaries for employees and certain study loans have tax benefits.
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Andre van Niekerk

Registered Tax Practitioner, Admin Boss

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Table of Contents
  1. Quick Answer
  2. Employee Bursaries
  3. Study Loan Interest
  4. No General Deduction
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer

Enter the deduction in the relevant section of your ITR12 tax return on SARS eFiling. Keep all supporting documents for 5 years.

Employee Bursaries

Bona fide bursaries or scholarships granted to employees or their relatives are tax-free up to certain limits if granted mainly for study purposes.

Study Loan Interest

Interest paid on study loans is not generally deductible for individuals unless the study is directly related to your current employment and your employer requires it.

No General Deduction

Unlike some countries, South Africa does not offer general tax deductions for tuition fees or self-funded study expenses for individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I claim this deduction on my tax return?

Enter the deduction in the relevant section of your ITR12 tax return on SARS eFiling. Keep all supporting documents for 5 years.

What documents do I need?

Keep receipts, invoices, tax certificates, logbooks, and any other proof of the expense. SARS may request these during verification.

Can Admin Boss help with my deductions?

Yes. Admin Boss is a registered tax practice that can review your deductions, ensure compliance, and maximise your tax savings. Visit adminboss.co.za/need-more-info/.

Need Help With Your Tax?

Admin Boss is a registered tax practice with over 20 years of experience helping South African individuals and businesses navigate SARS.