Pursuing postgraduate studies can be a life-changing opportunity, providing a deeper level of expertise and opening doors to advanced career paths. However, the financial burden of postgraduate education is often a significant barrier for many students. Fortunately, in South Africa, a wide array of postgraduate bursaries are available to help ease this financial pressure, allowing students to focus on their studies and reach their full potential.

This article explores the various postgraduate bursaries in South Africa, providing valuable insights into eligibility requirements, application processes, coverage, and opportunities beyond financial assistance. Let’s delve into how you can secure a bursary and take a step closer to your academic and professional dreams.

About Postgraduate Bursaries in South Africa

Postgraduate bursaries are financial awards granted to students pursuing advanced degrees, such as Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral (PhD) programmes. These bursaries are typically funded by government bodies, private companies, non-profit organisations, and universities themselves. They are designed to support research, innovation, and skills development, aligning with South Africa’s national goals of building a knowledge-driven economy.

The primary purpose of postgraduate bursaries is to alleviate the financial burden associated with tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses. Many bursary providers look for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to contributing to their field of study. Some programmes also prioritise students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds as part of the broader effort to promote equity and transformation in higher education.

Why Apply for a Postgraduate Bursary?

Applying for a postgraduate bursary can be a game-changer for many students. Here are a few reasons why you should consider applying:

• Financial Relief: Covering tuition fees, accommodation, and research expenses can ease the financial strain of postgraduate studies.
• Research Support: Many bursaries include additional funding for fieldwork, conferences, and publication costs, which are crucial for postgraduate research.
• Career Opportunities: Bursary recipients often gain access to internships, mentoring, and employment opportunities within the sponsoring organisation or industry.
• Networking: As a bursary recipient, you become part of a network of scholars and industry professionals, providing valuable connections for future career development.

Expenses Covered by Postgraduate Bursaries

Most postgraduate bursaries in South Africa offer comprehensive financial coverage. While the specifics may vary, the following expenses are typically included:

• Tuition Fees: Full or partial coverage of university tuition fees.
• Accommodation: Subsidies for student housing, whether on-campus or off-campus.
• Research Costs: Funding for laboratory work, field research, and other project-related expenses.
• Books and Learning Materials: Provision for purchasing textbooks, software, and other essential resources.
• Living Allowance: A monthly stipend to cover living expenses such as food, transport, and personal needs.
• Travel Allowances: In some cases, travel costs for attending conferences, workshops, or research sites may be covered.

List of Postgraduate Bursaries in South Africa

The following is a comprehensive list of popular postgraduate bursaries available in South Africa for the 2025 academic year:

• National Research Foundation (NRF) Bursaries: The NRF offers financial support for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies, with a focus on research excellence in various disciplines.
• Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Bursaries: This programme is aimed at students in priority research areas, including science, engineering, and technology.
• Canon Collins Trust Scholarships: Provides bursaries for postgraduate students in fields related to social justice, law, and public policy.
• FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship: A prestigious award for South African students pursuing postgraduate studies locally or abroad in any field of study.
• Sasol Bursary Programme: Focuses on students in engineering, technology, and science fields, offering comprehensive financial and professional support.
• ABSA Fellowship Programme: Supports postgraduate students in finance, commerce, and related fields, providing both financial aid and mentoring opportunities.
• Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursaries: Provides funding for postgraduate students across various disciplines, prioritising those who demonstrate exceptional academic merit.
• Old Mutual Investment Group Imfundo Trust Scholarships: Targets students pursuing Honours and Master’s degrees in investment management and related fields.
• Standard Bank Africa Derek Cooper Scholarship: Offers funding for Master’s degrees in business, economics, and finance for African students.
• The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship: Provides full funding for Honours and Master’s students, focusing on leadership development and academic excellence.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Each bursary has its specific requirements, but most postgraduate bursaries in South Africa share common eligibility criteria:

• Academic Excellence: A strong academic record is often required, with a minimum of 65-70% average in previous studies.
• South African Citizenship: Most bursaries are only open to South African citizens or permanent residents.
• Field of Study: Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant field of study, often aligning with the sponsor’s industry or research focus.
• University Enrollment: You must be accepted or currently enrolled at a recognised South African university for postgraduate studies.
• Financial Need: Some bursaries take financial needs into consideration, prioritising students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Application Process

Applying for a postgraduate bursary requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

• Research Available Bursaries: Start by identifying bursaries that match your field of study and qualifications.
• Prepare Your Documents: Typical documents include your ID, CV, academic transcripts, proof of university acceptance, and a personal statement or research proposal.
• Complete the Application Form: Most applications can be submitted online via the provider’s website. Ensure you fill in all required fields accurately.
• Submit Supporting Documents: Attach certified copies of all necessary documents.
• Follow-up: Keep track of your application status and be prepared to attend interviews or provide additional information if requested.

Selection Process

The selection process for postgraduate bursaries usually involves multiple stages:

• Initial Screening: Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
• Academic Evaluation: Academic merit and potential are assessed based on your transcripts and achievements.
• Shortlisting: A shortlist of candidates is drawn up based on the evaluation criteria.
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or asked to present their research proposals.
• Final Decision: Successful applicants are notified, and they may need to sign a bursary agreement outlining the terms and conditions.

Closing Dates

Each bursary programme has its own closing date. Generally, applications open in the middle of the year and close around September to November. It’s crucial to check the specific deadlines on the bursary provider’s official website.

Here is a list of postgraduate bursaries available in South Africa

• Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary
• Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary
• Analyze Consulting Bursary
• Aon Bursary
• AWS Skills Development Bursary
• Babette Taute Scholarship
• Baker Hughes Bursary
• BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund
• Council for Geoscience Bursary
• CPGR Bursary
• Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship
• CSIR Bursary
• Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary
• Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary
• Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary
• Department of Tourism Bursary
• Department of Transport Bursary
• Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary
• DSI-CSIR Bursary
• DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship
• Energy Mobility Education Trust Scholarship
• FirstRand Foundation Honours Bursary
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program South Africa
• Garden Cities Bursary
• Genesis Educational Foundation Trust (GEFT) Bursary
• Gold Fields Ltd Bursary
• Golder Bursary
• GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town
• Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship
• Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship
• HCI Foundation Bursary
• HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary
• IIE-Vega School Bursary Competition
• Imfundo Enhle Education Trust Bursary
• Inscape Scholarship
• INSETA Bursary
• John Davidson Educational Trust Bursary
• Keaton Energy Mining Bursaries
• LGSETA Bursary
• Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
• Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
• Mhlathuze Water Bursary
• MINDS Scholarship
• MiWay Bursary
• Netflix Scholarship
• Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries
• Potato Industry Development Trust Bursaries
• PwC Honours Bursary
• Quantum Foods Bursary
• Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary
• Rhodes Trust Scholarship
• Royal Bafokeng Holdings Bursary
• Rothschild & Co Foundation Scholarship
• RSM Education Trust Bursary
• SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) Bursary
• SA WISE Angus Scholarship
• SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant
• SAAFoST Foundation Bursary (for Part-Time Students)
• SAMAC Bursary
• SANBI Biological Invasion Bursary
• SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship
• SANRAL Bursary
• SANSA Bursary
• Sasol Bursary
• Scatec Bursary
• South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Bursary
• South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) Bursary
• South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) Bursary
• South African Reserve Bank Scholarship
• Sibanye-Stillwater Bursary
• SKA South Africa Bursaries
• South African Association of Botanists Scholarship
• South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) Bursary
• Tomorrow Trust Bursary
• Toyota Tsusho Africa Bursary
• Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary
• UCT Centre For African Studies: Jack Simons Bursary
• UCT Department of Information Systems Bursary
• UCT International and Refugee Scholarship
• UFS Honours Bursary
• UKZN Archbishop Denis E. Hurley Educational Fund Bursary
• University of Pretoria Postgraduate Bursary
• University of the Free State Postgraduate Bursary
• University of the Western Cape Postgraduate Bursary
• University of Witwatersrand Postgraduate Merit Award
• W&RSETA Bursary
• WSP Bursary
• Zutari Bursary

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and availability may vary each year. For the most current information, it’s advisable to consult the official websites of these bursary providers or visit comprehensive bursary portals such as ZABursaries and Bursaries Africa.

Conclusion

Postgraduate bursaries in South Africa present a golden opportunity for students to advance their education without the financial burden. By securing a bursary, you gain not only financial support but also access to a network of professionals, mentorship, and potential job opportunities. With thorough preparation and a well-crafted application, you can take advantage of these opportunities and embark on a successful postgraduate journey.

Start your application today, and take the first step towards unlocking your full potential in academia and beyond!