Tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses can put a strain on your finances, potentially leading to increased student loan debt or the need to work part-time, which could affect your study progress.
Securing a bursary will relieve any additional stress you may be under throughout your Masters or PhD studies, allowing you to concentrate completely on earning your qualification.
If you plan to enrol in a postgraduate course or programme, it is crucial to start your funding search early. This will give you enough time to submit your application and gather all the required information and documents.
There are several postgraduate bursaries available for Master's and PhD studies in South Africa. These bursaries are often offered by various organisations, institutions, and government bodies to support students pursuing advanced degrees.
Here are some examples on where to find postgraduate bursaries:
- Funding from government: Government provides funding to deserving postgraduate students through several bursary opportunities via its departments.
- National Research Foundation (NRF) Postgraduate Scholarships: The NRF offers various scholarships and bursaries to support postgraduate students pursuing research-based Master's and PhD degrees in various disciplines. These include the NRF Free-standing Postgraduate Scholarships and the NRF Scarce Skills Development Fund.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded to academically talented young Africans, for Postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Pretoria (UP).
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC): SAMRC offers bursaries for postgraduate studies in the medical and health sciences fields. These include the SAMRC Postgraduate Scholarships and the SAMRC Research Capacity Development Grants.
- Sasol Bursary Programme: Sasol is one of the many companies in South Africa that offer funding to students wishing to pursue postgraduate qualifications.
- Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship: The Mandela Rhodes Foundation provides scholarships for postgraduate studies in any field at selected South African universities. These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, and other study-related expenses.
- Canon Collins Trust Scholarships: The Canon Collins Trust offers scholarships for postgraduate studies in various disciplines, including social justice, education, and human rights. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and demonstrated commitment to social justice.
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship: The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship supports high-impact young South African individuals pursuing postgraduate studies. The fellowship includes financial support, leadership development, and entrepreneurial mentorship.
- Universities: Many universities in South Africa offer their own bursaries for postgraduate students. These may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and fields of study. Visit your institutions Financial Aid Office for specific opportunities.
- Bursaries Portal: The Bursaries Portal uploads and updates students on any bursary and other funding opportunities for an array of study fields including Postgraduate studies. Visit our website for more information on funding opportunities.
It's important to note that the availability, criteria, and application processes for postgraduate bursaries may vary from year to year.
It is recommended to research and visit the websites of relevant organisations, institutions, and universities to obtain the most up-to-date information on these postgraduate bursaries opportunities.
Applying for bursaries many involve submitting an application that includes academic records, personal statements, reference letters and sometimes even a motivational essay.
Find the latest bursaries, how to apply for bursaries and any other information you need on bursaries on our website.
