30+ Postgraduate Bursaries 2027 South Africa Students

Postgraduate bursaries are financial awards that cover part or all of the costs of completing postgraduate qualifications.

Postgraduate studies include Honours, postgraduate diplomas, Master’s degrees, and doctoral (PhD) programmes.

They may include tuition, research costs, living allowances, travel grants, or conference funding.
Funding awards are competitive and often require good academic performance and a research plan.

Many postgraduate bursaries are aligned with national priority areas such as science, technology, engineering, and health.

Postgraduate Bursaries open for 2027 applications

Here are 30+ postgraduate bursaries South African students should consider:

1. National Research Foundation (NRF) Masters Scholarship – funding for full‑time Master’s research students.
2. National Research Foundation (NRF) PhD Scholarship – funding for doctoral candidates.
3. NRF Thuthuka Grant – research funding for emerging researchers.
4. Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) Postgraduate Bursary – funding for students who do not qualify for NSFAS and need support for postgraduate study.
5. South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Postgraduate Bursary – science and engineering related research funding.
6. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Postgraduate Bursary – research funding in science and technology.
7. Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) Postgraduate Bursary – research funding across priority fields.
8. Fulbright South Africa Postgraduate Scholarships – international study funding.
9. Canon Collins Trust Scholarships – postgraduate scholarships for academic study.
10. Commonwealth Scholarship for South Africans – doctoral or Master’s funding.
11. HENSOLDT South Africa Postgraduate Bursary – science and technical study support.
12. GreenMatter Fellowship (PhD) – environmental science research funding.
13. Energy Mobility Education Trust Postgraduate Bursary – energy and mobility research funding.
14. University of Cape Town Postgraduate Merit Awards – university‑based bursaries.
15. University of the Witwatersrand Postgraduate Bursaries – internal honours and postgraduate funding.
16. University of Pretoria Postgraduate Scholarships – graduate research support.
17. Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Grants – research and tuition funding.
18. Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding – tuition and research bursaries.
19. UNISA Postgraduate Bursary – supports postgraduate diplomas, honours, and second degrees.
20. Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Postgraduate Bursary – agriculture related research.
21. African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Postgraduate Scholarship – various disciplines.
22. AIMS Google DeepMind Scholarship – science and computational research support.
23. Africa Wetu Foundation Postgraduate Funding – broad postgraduate support.
24. Agbiz Centenary Bursary – postgraduate funding in agricultural fields.
25. DSBD Black Industrialists Scheme Postgraduate Funding – business and industrial research.
26. Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development Bursary – postgraduate agricultural research.
27. Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment Postgraduate Bursary – environmental science funding.
28. Department of Sport, Arts & Culture Postgraduate Funding – humanities and arts research support.
29. Telkom Foundation Postgraduate Bursary – communication and tech related research.
30. Standard Bank Scholarship for Postgraduate Study – merit and need based funding.
31. Old Mutual Foundation Postgraduate Bursary – student research support.
32. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Postgraduate Awards – leadership and postgraduate funding.

Who qualifies for postgraduate bursaries in South Africa

Eligibility criteria vary by bursary, but the common requirements include:

1. A South African citizen or permanent resident status.
2. Official acceptance into an accredited postgraduate programme (Honours, Master’s, PhD, or postgraduate diploma).
3. A strong academic record, often above a specific GPA or class average.
4. A research proposal or plan for research focused bursaries (for Master’s/PhD).
5. Proof of financial need for need‑based and scholarship programmes.

When postgraduate bursary applications open and close for 2027

Postgraduate bursary application periods vary but generally follow these timelines:

1. Many research council bursaries (like NRF) open mid year (May–August 2026).
2. SANSA postgraduate bursaries usually open in May and close late September 2026.
3. Corporate and foundation scholarships can open anytime from March to October 2026.
4. University internal postgraduate bursaries often align with academic admission cycles around August–October 2026.

It is important to check official bursary portals for exact opening and closing dates.

What postgraduate bursaries cover

Postgraduate bursaries can cover a number of expenses depending on the funder:

1. Tuition fees for the full qualification.
2. Research costs including materials, equipment, and fieldwork.
3. Living allowances to assist with daily expenses.
4. Travel grants for conferences or research travel.
5. Accommodation support while studying.

How to apply for postgraduate bursaries in South Africa

Follow these steps to apply for postgraduate funding:

1. Identify bursaries that match your study level and field.
2. Visit the official bursary portal for each listing.
3. Prepare required documents such as your ID, academic transcripts, research proposal, and proof of acceptance.
4. Complete the online application form or submit documents as instructed.
5. Submit your application before the closing date.

What documents are needed for postgraduate bursary applications?

Typical documents include:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID.
2. Academic transcript(s) showing undergraduate results.
3. Proof of registration or acceptance for postgraduate study.
4. A research proposal (for research based bursaries).
5. Proof of financial need if required.

Contact details for postgraduate bursary providers

1. National Research Foundation (NRF)
   Website: https://www.nrf.ac.za/
   Email: info@nrf.ac.za
2. Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP)
   Applications: https://applyonline.isfap.org.za/
3. South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
   Bursaries and research funding: https://www.sansa.org.za/bursaries/
4. University of South Africa (UNISA) Postgraduate
   More Info: https://www.unisa.ac.za/
5. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
   Research bursaries: https://www.csir.co.za/

These contacts are key starting points where you can find application details, requirements, and deadlines for postgraduate bursaries available to South African students in 2027.