Detailed guide to bursaries and funding opportunities for Honours, Master’s, Doctoral, postgraduate diplomas, and research‑based studies in South Africa and abroad.
Postgraduate funding assists graduates to pursue advanced qualifications beyond a Bachelor’s degree, including Honours, Master’s and PhD programmes. These awards usually cover some combination of tuition fees, living allowances, research support, books, travel, and accommodation depending on the provider and field of study.
Many bursaries prioritise academic merit, financial need, scarce skills fields (STEM, research), and South African citizenship, with closing dates typically in late 2026 for 2027 intake cycles. Always check each provider’s official website for the most current application window.
National and Institutional Bursaries (South Africa)
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) – STEM Postgraduate Bursaries (2027)
Provides funding for postgraduate study in sciences such as remote sensing, environmental science, GIS, ecology, geology, and related STEM fields. Applications open in May 2026 and close 30 September 2026 for 2027 funding, and include eligibility criteria such as minimum academic average (often ≥65 %) and age limits.
UNISA Postgraduate Bursaries (Honours, PG Dip, Masters, Doctoral)
The University of South Africa offers institutional bursaries to registered postgraduate students. Application periods historically open in October and close in December of the preceding year (e.g., 15 Oct–19 Dec 2025 for 2026), with extensions into early 2026 for appeals. Separate streams exist for PG Diploma/Honours and Master’s/Doctoral level, each with specific eligibility (e.g., averages, registration status).
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) – Postgraduate Funding
NSFAS provides means‑tested postgraduate funding for eligible South African citizens doing recognised PGCE, BEd Honours and other postgraduate programmes at public universities (income caps apply). Application windows usually open from September–November for the following academic year.
Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Funding Office – Private and Faculty Bursaries
Offers a suite of small to mid‑sized bursaries and scholarships across diverse fields (e.g., science, arts, engineering). Deadlines vary by fund but many close in the second half of the year prior to study entry.
Government, Corporate & Sector Funding
Many national departments, SETAs and corporate sponsors offer bursaries supporting postgraduate study. Below are key programmes often available for 2027:
Government and Sector Education Training Authorities
- Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary – supports postgraduate research in agriculture and related sciences.
- BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund – helps graduate students manage outstanding debt.
- AWS Skills Development Bursary – supports digital skills development at postgraduate level.
- INSETA Bursary – funds postgraduate studies in sectors aligned with the insurance and finance sectors.
- ILASA Bursary – water sector and sanitation higher learning support.
- LGSETA Bursary – municipal and local government‑relevant postgraduate training support.
- SANRAL Bursary – infrastructure and civil engineering postgraduate bursaries.
- Sasol Bursary – energy and chemical studies at postgraduate levels.
Many of these have monthly stipends and cover tuition, books, accommodation; some require service agreements or work commitments after graduation (varies by SETA). Application windows typically fall between Mid‑Year and year‑end preceding the academic year, so check individual portals for exact 2027 deadlines.
Trusts, Foundations & International Scholarships
National/International Trusts
- Canon Collins Trust and University of London Scholarships – fully funded scholarships for postgraduate study with international distance learning options.
- Cecil Renaud International Scholarship – international study support.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (South Africa) – competitive full funding for postgraduate study in the United States.
- Rhodes Trust Scholarship (Postgraduate) – full funding for study at the University of Oxford for outstanding candidates.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship – postgraduate opportunities with broad international options.
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Hollywood Foundation Bursary – creative industries postgraduate support.
- Mmabana Arts, Culture & Sports Foundation Bursary – honours and masters scholarships for arts and culture study.
- NFVF Bursary or NFVF International Bursary – film and visual media postgraduate support.
Volunteer & Development Sector
- NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund – leadership and development‑oriented postgraduate funding.
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) Scholarship – regional postgraduate funding linking SADC member states.
University‑Specific Postgraduate Bursaries
University of the Free State (UFS) – Postgraduate Diploma Bursary
Supports tuition for selected postgraduate diploma programmes. Applicants usually require at least 65 % average on the qualifying degree and must not hold other funding; awards cover one year only
University of Pretoria (UP) – Postgraduate Bursary Framework
Provides Honours, Master’s and doctorate bursaries with eligibility based on GPA and field. Priority given to full‑time postgraduate research candidates.
(Some universities also run internal funds for research and department‑specific awards – check your institution’s postgraduate office.)
Additional Worthy Postgraduate Funding Options
These are reputable bursaries and scholarship sources worth exploring for 2027:
- CPGR Bursary – crop and plant science research funding
- ISFAP Postgraduate Bursary – general postgraduate support (applications open for 2027 cycle)
- Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary – law and legal postgraduate support
- Lesedi Bursary – support for selected fields
- Moses Kotane Institute Bursary – research funding in technology and innovation
- Potato Industry Development Trust Bursaries – agriculture related postgraduate funding
- SA Maths & Science Teacher Intern Programme (SAMSTIP) Bursary – postgraduate teacher training support
- Santam Bursary – postgraduate study in risk, insurance and related fields
- Standard Bank Bursary – financial services postgraduate funding
- Western Cape Department of Agriculture Bursary – sector‑specific postgraduate bursary
Advice for 2027 Applicants
- Start Early: Many bursary windows for 2027 open mid‑year (June–September 2026) and close before the year ends.
- Prepare Documents: Common requirements include academic transcripts, ID, motivation letter, CV, proof of registration, and letters of support from supervisors for research awards.
- Research Proposals: For Master’s and PhD awards, a strong research proposal significantly improves chances.
- Monitor Portals: Universities and SETAs update bursary details annually; bookmark official funding pages.
