Postgraduate Bursaries in South Africa for 2025

Are you someone who completed your undergraduate studies and is looking for funding for your postgraduate studies in South Africa? If your answer is yes, then you are in the right place to get the best insights into postgraduate bursaries for 2025. 

As we know, with the rising costs of higher education, securing funding for postgraduate studies takes time and effort. However, to our relief, in South Africa, there are numerous organisations and institutions that offer bursaries to help students fund their studies. These bursaries are financial awards provided to learners to attend schools, universities or colleges when they do not have the financial means to cover the expenses associated with education. In other words, bursaries reduce the financial burden of the students, enabling them to pursue their educational dreams. 

In this article, we will walk you through the best bursaries for 2025 postgraduate studies. Continue to read for more insights!

What are Postgraduate Bursaries?

Postgraduate bursaries are monetary awards offered to individuals to cover their postgraduate study-related expenses. Multiple organisations, institutions, and government bodies offer these bursaries to help students with financial assistance to pursue postgraduate education. Not to mention! These bursaries are highly valuable for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds since they cover tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation costs, and other additional fees associated with education. As a result, postgraduate bursaries allow learners to focus on their academic pursuits without the pressure of financial constraints. 

Importance of Postgraduate Bursaries

Postgraduate bursaries like LLB, Computer Science and MBA bursaries in South Africa have become a bright prospect for students pursuing higher education. They solve students’ financial dilemmas by assisting them with tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and more. In other words, these bursaries are impacting students, educational institutions, and society as a whole by shaping the future of higher education. So, in this section, we have provided some key points that indicate the significance of postgraduate bursaries:

1. Offers Financial Support:

One key importance of postgraduate bursaries is that they reduce the financial barriers to higher education. Bursaries support students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, by providing them with financial assistance to manage the high expenses associated with postgraduate degrees. 

2. Encourages Advanced Studies:

With the help of bursaries, more students are considering pursuing postgraduate education. These bursaries serve as an incentive and financial encouragement for students, especially those who can’t afford higher studies, to undertake postgraduate education and contribute to building a skilled workforce. 

3. Promotes Research and Innovation:

Since bursaries support research projects, they facilitate the advancement of knowledge and innovation across multiple fields. It enables students to drive significant research that can lead to breakthroughs and discoveries. As a result, postgraduate bursaries help develop highly talented professionals who can contribute to overall societal progress. 

Types of Postgraduate Bursaries

Postgraduate bursaries are diverse and offer various opportunities for students, allowing them to pursue academic goals without the pressure of being in debt. Besides, these bursaries are awarded to students based on various criteria. In this section, we will go through each type of postgraduate bursary. They are as follows:

1. Merit-based Postgraduate Bursaries:

As the name suggests, merit-based postgraduate bursary programmes are offered to students based on their academic or professional accomplishments. These bursaries recognise and reward students with high grade point averages, academic awards, and other notable performances in their previous studies or professional fields. 

2. Financial Aid Postgraduate Bursaries:

Financial aid postgraduate bursary programmes are for students who need financial assistance. These bursaries enable students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue advanced education and will not be excluded from higher education opportunities because of financial constraints.

3. Field-specific Postgraduate Bursaries:

This type of bursary is awarded to students who are pursuing studies in a particular field. For example, there are bursaries for students in fields like law, technology, business, or public management. These bursaries are often funded by institutions or organisations that want to encourage education and research in specific fields. 

Steps to Apply for Postgraduate Bursaries

When you are applying for postgraduate bursary programmes, there are specific steps you need to follow to ensure a seamless bursary application process. Also, considering these steps helps you land a suitable bursary programme that aligns with your academic requirements and needs. Therefore, in this section, we will discuss the ways to navigate the postgraduate bursary application procedures:

1. Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Bursaries:

One key step in applying for postgraduate bursary programmes is passing the eligibility criteria. The criteria can vary for each bursary, but they generally include factors like academic achievement, financial background, and field of study. Therefore, before applying for the bursary, you must ensure whether you are eligible for the bursary application. 

2. Required Documentation for Post-Grad Bursaries:

Documents help you showcase your qualifications and suitability for a bursary. Most of the bursary programmes commonly request the following documents:

• A certified copy of the ID document
• Matric final results or certificate 
• Proof of university application or acceptance 
• Quotation from the institution for all study-related costs
• Proof of financial need
• Motivational letter
• Proof of residence

You must ensure all the collected documents are accurate and up-to-date, aligning with the guidelines of the bursary provider for a smooth and successful application.

3. Application Process for Postgraduate Bursaries:

After understanding your eligibility and collecting all the necessary documents, you must identify suitable bursary programmes that align with your academic goals and financial needs. Besides, you should understand each bursary programme’s application instructions and deadlines to increase your chances of securing the desired bursary. 

Overview of Postgraduate Bursaries for 2025

As we approach 2025, postgraduate bursary programmes will continue to be an important stepping stone for many learners. They will continue to support academic excellence and encourage innovation across fields by financially helping learners gain specialised knowledge and skills essential for the workforce. 

Hence, if you are someone preparing to increase your chances of securing bursaries for your postgraduate studies, you must be aware of the critical dates and deadlines for the 2024-2025 bursary application. Let’s take a look:

Key Dates and Deadlines for 2024 Bursary Applications:

Here is the list of bursaries that are closing in May, June and July: 

1. Bursaries Closing In May 2024:

• Grand Gaming Bursary (closing on 31 May 2024)
• African Global Skills Academy/ Solarpop Bursary (closing on 31 May 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) (closing on 24 May 2024)

2. Bursaries Closing in June 2024:

• Loughborough Development Trust Africa Scholarship – study in the UK (closing on 14 June 2024)
• BBD Bursary (applications are accepted anytime)
• Advance Africa Scholarship (applications are accepted anytime)

3. Bursaries Closing in July 2024: 

• JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary (closing on 1 July 2024)
• Ninety -One Bursary (closing on 31 July 2024)
• Nedbank Bursary (closing on 31 July 2024)

(Source: Bursaries OPEN for the 2024 academic years. Apply Now (zabursaries.co.za))

Top Bursaries for Postgraduate Studies in South Africa

With many postgraduate bursaries available in South Africa, including honours and master’s bursaries, choosing the right one is crucial. Therefore, in this section, we have selected the top South African postgraduate bursary programmes that come under government-funded and university-specific bursaries for you. We can also take a look at each of the bursary programme’s eligibility and document requirements. Let’s explore:

Government-funded Bursaries in South Africa: 

The South African government offers government-funded bursaries in South Africa to support learners with their educational costs. Here are the two top South African government-funded bursaries:

1. Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary:

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is offering an External Bursary programme that invites students for the academic year 2024. It is awarded to students residing in towns like Gqeberha, Kariega and Despatch. Besides, this bursary covers registration fees, tuition expenses and book costs. 

Awarded to Students Pursuing:

• Business Administration (Masters)
• Business Administration (Postgraduate Diploma)
• Public Administration (Postgraduate Diploma)
• Computer Science (Bachelor’s Degree)
• Bachelor of Law

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must have completed Matric
• Should have a proven financial need
• Have a minimum academic average of 60% in the 2023 academic year

Documents Needed:

• ID Documents 
• Matric final results or certificate
• Course outline and timetable for the duration of qualification 
• Proof of acceptance to the university 
• Quotation from the university/institution for all study-related expenses
• Proof Residence 
• Motivation Letter
• Parents or guardians’ ID documents if the learner is under 18

2. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary:

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is a metropolitan municipality located within the Eastern Cape. It invites students to apply for the bursary programme for the 2024 academic year. Learners can reapply each year for funding with this municipality bursary programme. 

Awarded to Students Pursuing:

• It offers bursaries for students who are undertaking engineering, science, and architecture programmes.
• Learners pursuing the Finance programmes can also apply for this bursary. 

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be between the ages of 14 and 35 years old
• Should be from a financially disadvantaged background
• Have completed Matric

Documents Needed:

• ID Documents 
• Matric final results or certificate
• Academic transcripts if currently studying 
• Letter of acceptance to university 
• Quotation from the university/institution for all study-related expenses
• Proof of Residence 
• Parents or guardians’ ID documents if the learner is under 18

University-specific Bursaries in South Africa:

University-specific bursaries in South Africa are financial assistance programmes sponsored by individual universities to support learners. Since each university sets its own criteria and application process for bursaries, let’s take a look at the top university-specific bursaries:

1. Unisa Postgraduate Bursary:

The University of South Africa (known as UNISA) offers multiple vocational and academic programmes. For the 2024 academic year, this university is offering a Postgraduate bursary programme to learners. 

Awarded to Students Pursuing:

• All fields of study at UNISA toward postgraduate studies, including Diploma, Honours, Master’s and Doctoral qualifications.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be temporarily registered for registration 
• Must not already hold a postgraduate degree at the same or a higher NQF level than the qualification registered.
• Must not be a permanent staff member at the University of South Africa (UNISA)
• Must not be registered for special study programmes

Documents Needed:

• Certified ID Document copy
• Proof of payment of registration fees
• Relevant academic certificates

2. UFS Postgraduate Diploma Bursary:

The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of the most respected South African tertiary institutions, and an increasing number of international students are enroling here. Through its bursary programme, students can apply for studies at UFS this academic year. 

Awarded to Students Pursuing:

• Full-time Postgraduate Studies at UFS 

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen or International student
•  Must have completed Matric
• Completed an undergraduate degree (at any institution)
• Have a minimum average of 65% for undergraduate studies
• Have strong academic ability

Documents Needed:

• Undergraduates who have not completed their degree at UFS should submit their academic records in PDF format. 

Notable Postgraduate Bursaries in South Africa for 2024

In South Africa, students pursuing postgraduate studies often face educational costs as a significant barrier. With many bursaries available for 2024, learners can now get substantial support from funding authorities or organisations. These bursaries not only reduce the financial burden on students but also help them focus on their academic and professional goals. 

So, in this section, we have added the top postgraduate bursaries 2024 in South Africa. Let’s take a closer look into the details of the bursaries, including their eligibility criteria, application procedure and more: 

Prestigious Bursaries for Postgraduate Studies in South Africa

Here are some of the recognised bursaries for postgraduate studies in South Africa:

1. Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary:

The Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary is a bursary for postgraduate studies in South Africa that has financially helped postgraduate students pursue Master’s and Doctorate degrees for over twenty years. Since this bursary is granted for one academic year, students must reapply for funding every year. 

Awarded to Students Pursuing:

• Postgraduate studies- Masters or Doctorate in ANY field.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Have completed an Honours degree qualification
•  Registered or accepted to study at a university in South Africa
• Have a solid academic record

Documents Needed:

• ID Documents 
• Latest academic results
• Proof of application and acceptance to the university 
• Estimate expenditure for the course you are applying for 
• Proof of Residence 
• Motivation Letter

2. Imfundo Enhle Education Trust Bursary:

Imfundo Enhle Education Trust is a private entity that supports and helps students pursue education. This trust upholds four values- Ubuntu, Inclusion, Diversity and Empowerment. It offers a full bursary to cover all study-related expenses and partial funding for learners who have alternate funding. 

Awarded to Students Pursuing:

• Postgraduate and Undergraduate studies in ANY field.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Studying towards undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
• Must be from a financially disadvantaged background
• Have a household income of not more than R350 000 per annum
•  Registered or accepted to study at a university in South Africa
• Students of any age, race, or gender may apply

Documents Needed:

• ID Documents 
• Matric results
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of university registration
• Proof of university acceptance
• Motivational letter
• Proof of household income

Regional Bursaries for Postgraduate Studies in South Africa

Here are the bursaries for postgraduate studies in South Africa provided for learners from particular regions:

1. Mulilo Bursary:

Mulilo Bursary was founded in 2014 to financially assist disadvantaged students. It has supported more than 100 students from the Northern Cape province. The bursary offers tuition fees, book allowances, accommodation, and even a monthly stipend.

Awarded to Students Pursuing:

• Postgraduate and Undergraduate studies in ANY field.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be 35 years old or younger
• Currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
• Intending to study towards an Undergraduate, Postgraduate or Distance Learning qualification in any field.
• Have a family income of not more than R180 000 per annum.

Documents Needed:

• ID Documents 
• Matric final results or certificate 
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of university registration or application
• Motivational letter

2. Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary:

The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) will be awarded to students residing in Gauteng. It will provide them with opportunities and career guidance programmes to develop skills. The GCRA covers expenses like registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation, laptops, books, and a living allowance. 

Awarded to Students Pursuing:

• Postgraduate and Undergraduate studies in ANY field.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be between 18 – 35 years 
• Have completed Matric in Gauteng.
• Intending to study towards an Undergraduate, Postgraduate or Distance Learning qualification in any field.

Documents Needed:

• ID Documents 
• Matric certificate 
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of university registration or application
• Proof of address in Gauteng
• Proof of household income
• Motivational letter

Essential Tips for Securing a Postgraduate Bursary

While securing a postgraduate bursary, you must remember specific tips to ensure a seamless bursary application process. In this section, we have gathered a few strategies you can follow to get your desired postgraduate bursary.

Research Thoroughly and Start Early:

Since there are many postgraduate bursary programmes available, you must select the one that meets all your academic and financial requirements. Therefore, remember to start your application process early to avoid last-minute errors and missing deadlines. 

Write a Winning Bursary Application Letter:

To write a compelling bursary application letter, you must understand the goals and values of the bursary you are applying for. You can highlight your academic and professional achievements, career goals, and relevant work experiences. Besides, you must clearly express your financial situation and state how a bursary can help you out. Most importantly, you should proofread and edit your application to ensure it is free of grammatical and spelling errors.

Avoid Common Mistakes in Bursary Applications:

Some of the common mistakes you must avoid are being too specific when mentioning your achievements and goals, writing poorly with grammatical errors, and missing deadlines. Besides, some applicants may submit incomplete applications without the necessary documents. Therefore, ensure you submit your application before the deadline without any mistakes and errors that could cause disqualification.

Postgraduate Bursaries for 2025

Honours Bursaries 2025	Masters Bursaries For 2025	PHD/ Doctoral Bursaries For 2025	Postgraduate Bursaries 2025
Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary	Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary	Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary	AbbVie and SASA Scholarship
Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary	African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Bursaries	African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Bursaries	Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary
Analyze Consulting Bursary	African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursary	African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursary	AMSOL Bursary
Aon Bursary	Africa Wetu Foundation Bursary	Agbiz Centenary Bursary	AWS Skills Development Bursary
AWS Skills Development Bursary	Agbiz Centenary Bursary	Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) Bursary	Baker Hughes Bursary
Babette Taute Scholarship	Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary	Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary	BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund
Baker Hughes Bursary	AIMS Google DeepMind Scholarship	Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP)	Canon Collins Trust and University of London Scholarships for Distance Learning
BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund	Aon Bursary	Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship	Cecil Renaud International Scholarship
Council for Geoscience Bursary	Astron Energy Bursary	Canon Collins Sol Plaatje Scholarship	CPGR Bursary
CPGR Bursary	AWS Skills Development Bursary	Canon Collins Tom Queba Scholarship	Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary
Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship	BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund	Cecil Renaud International Scholarship	Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Bursary
CSIR Bursary	Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship	Council for Geoscience Bursary	FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary	Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship	CPGR Bursary	Fulbright Foreign Student Program South Africa
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary	Canon Collins Scholarship for Economic Justice	CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary	Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary	Canon Collins Sol Plaatje Scholarship	CSIR Bursary	HCI Foundation Bursary
Department of Tourism Bursary	Canon Collins Tom Queba Scholarship	David and Elaine Potter Fellowship	Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary
Department of Transport Bursary	Canon Collins Trust and University of London Scholarships for Distance Learning	Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary	Hollywood Foundation Bursary
Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary	Cecil Renaud International Scholarship	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary	ILASA Bursary
DSI-CSIR Bursary	Cenfri Bursary	Department of Tourism Bursary	Imfundo Enhle Education Trust Bursary
DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship	CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary	DSI-CSIR Bursary	Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary
Energy Mobility Education Trust Scholarship	Council for Geoscience Bursary	DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship	INSETA Bursary
FirstRand Foundation Honours Bursary	CPGR Bursary	Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship	ISFAP Postgraduate Bursary
Fulbright Foreign Student Program South Africa	Critical Food Studies Postgraduate Scholarship	Embassy of France Scholarship	John Davidson Educational Trust Bursary
Garden Cities Bursary	CSIR Bursary	Energy Mobility Education Trust Scholarship	Kuehne + Nagel Inzuzo Trust Bursary
Genesis Educational Foundation Trust (GEFT) Bursary	David and Elaine Potter Fellowship	EP Bradlow Bursary at Stellenbosch University	Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary
Gold Fields Ltd Bursary	Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Bursary	Erika Theron Trust Scholarship	Lesedi Bursary
Golder Bursary	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Bursary	Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary	LGSETA Bursary
GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town	Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Bursary	FoodBev SETA Bursary	LRF Dr Michael Bradfield Bursary
Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship	Department of Tourism Bursary	Fulbright Foreign Student Program South Africa	Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship	Doug Banks Renewable Energy Vision (DBREV) Scholarship	Gates Cambridge International Scholarship	Mhlathuze Water Bursary
HCI Foundation Bursary	DSI-CSIR Bursary	GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town	MINDS Scholarship
HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary	DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship	Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship	Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation Bursary
IIE-Vega School Bursary Competition	Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship	Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship	Moses Kotane Institute Bursary
Imfundo Enhle Education Trust Bursary	Embassy of France Scholarship	HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary	Mulilo Bursary
Inscape Scholarship	Energy Mobility Education Trust Scholarship	Imfundo Enhle Education Trust Bursary	Netflix Scholarship
INSETA Bursary	Erika Theron Trust Scholarship	Imperial Stellenbosch University Bursary	NFVF Bursary
John Davidson Educational Trust Bursary	Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary	L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant	NFVF International Bursary
Keaton Energy Mining Bursaries	FoodBev SETA Bursary	Maize Trust Bursary	NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund
LGSETA Bursary	Fulbright Foreign Student Program South Africa	Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary	Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa Bursaries
Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship	Gates Cambridge International Scholarship	Mintek Bursary	Potato Industry Development Trust Bursaries
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship	Genesis Educational Foundation Trust (GEFT) Bursary	National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) Bursary	Robben Island Museum (RIM) Bursary
Mhlathuze Water Bursary	GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town	Netflix Scholarship	Rhodes Trust Scholarship
MINDS Scholarship	Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship	NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary	SA Maths and Science Teacher Intern Programme Bursary
MiWay Bursary	Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship	NMU/ AIDC PostDoctoral Fellowship	SAMSTIP (Southern African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Programme) Bursary
Netflix Scholarship	HENSOLDT South Africa Bursary	NRF Scholarship at UJ	SANRAL Bursary
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries	HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary	Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries	Sanlam CA Trainee Bursary
Potato Industry Development Trust Bursaries	Imfundo Enhle Education Trust Bursary	Potato Industry Development Trust Bursaries	Santam Bursary
PwC Honours Bursary	Imperial Stellenbosch University Bursary	Rhodes Trust Scholarship	SAOTA Bursary
Quantum Foods Bursary	John Davidson Educational Trust Bursary	SAAFoST Brian Koeppen Memorial Scholarship	Sasol Bursary
Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary	Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme	SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) Bursary	Scatec Bursary
Rhodes Trust Scholarship	KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship	SACCCS Bursary	South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) Bursary
Royal Bafokeng Holdings & Liquid Intelligent Technologies Bursary	MANCOSA Bursary	SAMAC Bursary	SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary
Rothschild & Co Foundation Scholarship	Mastercard Foundation Scholarship	SAMRC Internship Scholarship	South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Bursary
RSM Education Trust Bursary	MINDS Scholarship	SANBI Biological Invasion Bursary	SANS Killie Campbell Bursary
SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) Bursary	Mintek Bursary	SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship	Southern African Development Community (SADC) Scholarship
SA WISE Angus Scholarship	Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary	South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) Bursary	Southern African Weed Science Society Bursary
SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant	Maize Trust Bursary	SANSA Bursary	Standard Bank Bursary
SAAFoST Foundation Bursary (for Part-Time Students)	Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship	SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship	SVA International Bursary
SAMAC Bursary	Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) Bursary	Sasol Bursary	Tegkor/ Nelson Mandela University Bursary
SANBI Biological Invasion Bursary	Meat Industry Trust (MIT) Bursary	Sasol Agriculture Trust Bursary	The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship	National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) Bursary	Scatec Bursary	The Rhodes Trust Scholarship (Postgraduate)
SANRAL Bursary	NESP Scholarship	SKA South Africa Bursaries	UCT Centre For African Studies: Jack Simons Bursary
SANSA Bursary	Netflix Scholarship	Sorghum Trust Scholarship	UFS Postgraduate Diploma Bursary
Sasol Bursary	NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary	South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Bursary	Unisa Postgraduate Bursary
SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship	NMU/ AIDC PostDoctoral Fellowship	South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) Bursary	Upstream Training Trust Bursary
Scatec Bursary	NRF Scholarship at UJ	Southern African Development Community (SADC) Scholarship	UWC/ INSETA Bursary
South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Bursary	Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) Bursary	Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) Bursary	UWP Consulting Bursary
South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) Bursary	Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries	Stellenbosch University Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship	VGI Consulting Bursary
South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) Bursary	Potato Industry Development Trust Bursaries	Stellenbosch University Doctoral Scholarship	Western Cape Department of Agriculture Bursary
South African Reserve Bank Scholarship	Quantum Foods Bursary	Stellenbosch University GEM Scholarship	Western Cape Provincial Treasury Bursary
Sibanye-Stillwater Bursary	Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)	Stellenbosch University Lisa Maskell Scholarship	–
SKA South Africa Bursaries	Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary	Tiso Foundation Archibald Mafeje PhD Scholarship	–
South African Association of Botanists Scholarship	Rhodes Trust Scholarship	Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary	–
South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) Bursary	SAAFoST Brian Koeppen Memorial Scholarship	UCT Archive and Public Culture Postgraduate Bursaries	–
Tomorrow Trust Bursary	SA Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) Bursary	UCT International and Refugee Scholarship	–
Toyota Tsusho Africa Bursary	SACCCS Bursary	UFS and South African Society for Plant Pathology (SASPP) Fellowship	–
Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary	SAMAC Bursary	Umgeni Water Postgraduate Bursary	–
UCT Centre For African Studies: Jack Simons Bursary	SAMRC Internship Scholarship	Unisa Postgraduate Bursary	–
UCT Department of Information Systems Bursary	SAMRC Scholarship	University of Johannesburg W&RSETA Bursary	–
UCT International and Refugee Scholarship	SANBI Bursary	UKZN Ethekwini Maritime Cluster Bursary	–
UFS Honours Bursary	SANBI Biological Invasion Bursary	University of Free State (UFS) Doctoral Scholarship	–
UKZN Archbishop Denis E. Hurley Scholarship	SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship	UKZN College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science Bursary	–
Unisa Postgraduate Bursary	SANRAL Bursary	UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarships	–
UWC/ INSETA Bursary	SANSA Bursary	UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship	–
–	SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship	Winter Cereal Trust Bursary	–
–	SARB Scholarship	–	–
–	Sasol Bursary	–	–
–	Sasol Agriculture Trust Bursary	–	–
–	Scatec Bursary	–	–
–	South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Bursary	–	–
–	South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) Bursary	–	–
–	South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary	–	–
–	South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) Bursary	–	–
–	Southern African Development Community (SADC) Scholarship	–	–
–	SKA South Africa Bursaries	–	–
–	Sorghum Trust Scholarship	–	–
–	South African Association of Botanists Scholarship	–	–
–	South African-German Centre for Development Research (SA-GER CDR) Scholarship	–	–
–	South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) Bursary	–	–
–	South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) Bursary	–	–
–	Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) Bursary	–	–
–	Stellenbosch University Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship	–	–
–	TETA Scholarship at WMU	–	–
–	Tiso Foundation Scholarship	–	–
–	TFG Fellowship Bursary	–	–
–	Toyota Tsusho Africa Bursary	–	–
–	Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary	–	–
–	UCT Archive and Public Culture Postgraduate Bursaries	–	–
–	UCT International and Refugee Scholarship	–	–
–	Umgeni Water Postgraduate Bursary	–	–
–	Unisa Postgraduate Bursary	–	–
–	University of Johannesburg W&RSETA Bursary	–	–
–	UKZN College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science Bursary	–	–
–	UKZN Ethekwini Maritime Cluster Bursary	–	–
–	UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship	–	–
–	UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary	–	–
–	UWC Faculty of Education Bursary	–	–
–	Winter Cereal Trust Bursary	–	–

Conclusion

Many postgraduate bursary programmes are available in South Africa, allowing learners to pursue their higher studies without any financial burden. However, learners wanting to secure postgraduate bursaries in South Africa for 2024 must thoroughly research and pay careful attention to application details. In this article, we have walked you through the different types of bursaries, their eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. Understanding the key points shared in our article, you can apply for the right postgraduate bursary that reduces your educational costs and allows you to focus on your academic journey.

Contact Regenesys Career Counsellor today for a quick course quotation and take the first step towards your future. Don’t wait—your educational journey starts now!

Postgraduate Bursaries in South Africa 2025 – FAQs