The Postgraduate Funding Office (PGFO) is responsible for the management of postgraduate funding at the institution. This involves a variety of internal and external funding instruments with specific rules and regulations, departmental bursary administration, developing and implementing institutional policies and ensuring prudent financial administration which complies with prescripts and legislation. At the core of this function is the financial and psycho-social well-being of our postgraduate students. As professional scholarship administrators, we are dedicated in our efforts to support our postgraduate student community. Please take a look at the current funding announcements by clicking on the banner below or on the quick links list. These funding opportunities are divided into several categories and contain several funding instruments, with criteria including academic merit, leadership, financial need, research priority areas, etc.
In addition to administering a wide range of funding opportunities, the Postgraduate Funding Office serves as a strategic partner in promoting sustainable postgraduate support at Stellenbosch University. We collaborate with faculties, funders, and administrative divisions to strengthen financial governance, enhance transparency, and improve access to postgraduate funding. Through proactive engagement and capacity-building initiatives, the office fosters an environment that supports academic excellence, research innovation, and student well-being. Our commitment extends beyond financial administration, we are passionate about cultivating a supportive postgraduate experience that values inclusivity, transparency, and student success. The Postgraduate Funding Office continuously reviews and refines its systems to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and national funding frameworks. By engaging with local and international partners, we contribute to broadening access to postgraduate studies and strengthening the university’s position as a globally competitive research institution. Through innovation and collaboration, we aim to empower every postgraduate student to thrive academically and personally.
Book a Teams Meeting (virtual) consultation for postgraduate funding enquiries below.
Scholarship Opportunities
Harry Crossley Scholarship 2026
The Harry Crossley Scholarship Programme at Stellenbosch University is a prestigious scholarship that provides financial assistance to exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence (an average of 70% or higher in previous degree studies). The Harry Crossley Scholarship Programme covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. In addition to financial support, recipients of the scholarship also benefit from a range of personal development opportunities.
| Level of Study | Master's and Doctoral |
| Fields of Study | All fields are eligible (excl. Theology and Political Studies) |
| Duration | One academic year (renewable based on academic progress)
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| Scholarship Values | Master's R150 000 Doctoral R160 000 |
| Eligibility |
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| Closing Date | 30 September 2025 |
Required documentation with submission of application
For more details or assistance:
DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship for funding in 2026
The National Research Foundation invites all prospective 2026 postgraduate full-time students not in salaried employment (contractual or permanent) while studying, to apply for funding support NOW. You should apply for this funding opportunity even if you are not sure if you are going to be accepted into Honours, Master’s or Doctoral studies for 2026.
All Master’s and Doctoral scholarship recipients currently receiving NRF funding and who are eligible to receive a second or third year of funding for 2026 do not need to submit a new application for the renewal of their scholarship, and are required to submit a progress report.
Important to Note:
- The NRF minimum academic requirement for postgraduate funding is 65%.
- Successful applicants will be funded either at Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS). The FCS funding will be awarded to South African citizens and Permanent Residents only, who are either financially needy (i.e., those with a combined annual household family income of less than or equal to R350 000), living with a disability or exceptional academic achievers (achieved 75% or higher for the previous degree). The PCS funding will be awarded to 5% of international students including South African citizens and Permanent Residents who could not be funded under FCS, but meet other minimum requirements for the NRF scholarship funding criteria.
- International students do not qualify for Honours scholarship funding.
Please note the following exclusions:
- Structured Masters with a thesis component credit of less than 50%;
- professional master's or professional doctoral degree and
- Individuals that are on sabbatical leave from their current employment
| DSI-NRF Postgraduate Funding documents | How to apply (Application guideline) |
NRF Profile Registration Guide NRF General Application Guide 2025-2026 Masters and Doctoral
Honours |
NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application submission deadlines per funding level
| Scholarship Type | Submission Deadline | Contact Person |
|---|---|---|
| First-Time Masters and Doctoral General | 4 July 2025 * Extended deadline: 11 July 2025
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| SARAO Masters and Doctoral General | 4 July 2025 |
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| Masters and Doctoral Extension Support | 15 August 2025 |
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| SARAO Honours | 31 August 2025 |
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Honours General
| 21 November 2025 * Deadline for Submission of Application for Financial Means Test: 25 August 2025 |
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Please ensure that the scholarship application is submitted a few days prior to the above closing date, to avoid system overload.
TIP: Scholarship applications should be submitted at least a few days prior to the indicated closing date(s) to avoid technical issues that may arise due to overload of the NRF Connect system closer to or on the closing date(s).
Private Bursaries 2026
These bursaries are limited to certain fields of study and offer small amounts to a few selected students only. These bursaries are subject to the availability of funds. When allocations of the private bursaries are made, preference is given to SA citizens, with the highest level of study (degree programme) and the highest marks, unless otherwise specified. Some departments, especially those in the fields of science and technology, offer financial assistance from departmental funds to selected students.
Scholarship details
Fulltime Honours, Masters and Doctoral studies. All fields of study.
Opening date: 01 July 2025
Closing date: First Friday in December (Annually)
Outcome: May/June 2026
| Field of study | Available Bursaries |
|---|---|
| Afrikaans | de Jager, CJ / de Villiers, Anna / Hymne Weiss / Hertzog, JBM General / Smith, JJ |
| Anthropology | Uys, Dirkie |
| Arts | de Klerk, DP |
| Botany | de Villiers, OT / Boonstra |
| Drama | Engelen, Fred |
| Education | La Grange, AJ / Pauw, DAA |
| Engineering | La Grange, Phillip (for Electronic Engineering) / Louw, Tienie (for Astronautical Engineering) |
| English | Victoria League (Honours students who would like to focus on teaching of the English language) |
| Economics | Uys, Dirkie |
| History | Blommaert / Dekker, HP / Conradie, GD |
| Mathematics | Cillié |
| Political science | Uys, Dirkie |
| Psychology | La Grange, AJ |
| Viticulture and Oenology | Theron, CJ |
HB & MJ Thom Bursary
Scholarship details
Fulltime Honours, Masters and Doctoral studies. All fields of study are welcome to apply.
Opening date: 01 July 2025
Closing date: 03 October 2025
Outcome: December 2025
The HB & MJ Thom Scholarship programme is designed to recognise and reward outstanding post-matric leadership in various fields such as sports, culture, academics, religion, and more. The scholarship is open to students who have completed an undergraduate qualification and now would like to proceed to complete a postgraduate qualification at Stellenbosch University.
While a good academic record is not mandatory for eligibility, the University prefers applicants who have excelled in their previous academic pursuits. In addition to meeting the stipulated criteria, candidates must also submit two testimonials and a comprehensive CV along with their completed application form.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must demonstrate exceptional achievements in at least two of the following categories: participation in SU student leadership structures, engagement in sports, involvement in cultural activities or community service, or leadership roles in religious organizations. The applicant must provide specific examples of their leadership accomplishments, highlighting two exceptional achievements in these areas.
Qualifying Criteria
- South African citizens only
- Full-time Honours, Master's, and Doctoral studies
- All fields of study are considered.
The Ernst & Ethel Ericksen Trust Bursary
Scholarship details
Fulltime Masters and Doctoral studies.
The Ernst & Ethel Ericksen Trust was established by Ethel Eriksen in the early 1980's. The trust provides study grants to students doing post graduate study and has enabled scholars from all walks of life to fulfill their dreams, and in so doing benefit South Africa.
Qualifying Criteria
- The student must be a South African citizen.
- Study must be at a South African university.
- Students must have completed their honours degree in order to apply.
Opening date: 01 August 2025
Closing date: 30 September 2025
Willem Punt Bursary
Scholarship details
Stellenbosch University students or students in their second year of study.
Opening date: Open all year
Statutory Funding Support
DSTI-CSIR InterBursary Support Programme
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the CSIR are pleased to invite applications for the DSTI-CSIR
Inter-programme Bursary Scheme (IBS). The IBS is intended for full-time postgraduate studies at any South African public university within targeted areas.
| Eligibility | Students who are approved or registered for full-time studies at any South African public university, who intend study for the following degrees:
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| Focus areas | CSIR-DSTI IBS applications are restricted to students whose degrees are aligned with the thematic research areas indicated below:
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| Value of the bursary award per annum |
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| Application link | https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za |
| More information | https://www.csir.co.za/dsi-csir-inter-bursary-support-programme |
| Contact details | CSIR IBS team: Tel: +27(12) 841 3304 Email: [email protected] |
| Closing date | Monday, 4 August 2025 |
CSIR-SASOL Bursary Programme
The CSIR bursary programme financially supports full-time, unemployed students in obtaining qualifications in areas that are deemed a priority by the CSIR.
The bursary is open to academically qualifying young people and aims to attract and increase participation of women and black people in science, engineering and technology, specifically in the areas mentioned below:
| Eligibility | Honours | Masters | Doctoral |
| Areas |
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| Requirements |
For master’s and doctoral bursaries, applicants should be South African citizens who possess the following:
Furthermore, the ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who takes ownership and initiative. He/she must also meet the entry requirements for a master’s or doctoral bursary at a selected university. The following documents must accompany your application:
Failure to attach these documents will render your application null and void. | ||
| Bursary covers |
Academic merit will be considered during the selection process, and it is imperative to increase the participation of women and black people in science, engineering and technology. | ||
| Additional benefits | CSIR students will also receive additional support through the following initiatives:
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| Obligations | You are obligated to work back every year that the CSIR has funded | ||
| How to apply | Apply here https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za/ | ||
| Contact details | For more information on the CSIR bursary, please contact the CSIR Bursary Programme team. Tel: +27(12) 841 2616 Email: [email protected] | ||
| Closing date | Friday, 29 August 2025 | ||
Postgraduate Loans
Standard Bank Student Loan
Standard Bank is offering students an opportunity to get a Student Loan Without Surety – meaning you do not require a guardian or parent to be able to take up this loan.
Nedbank Student Loan
If you're a full-time student or still busy with your internship or articles, your guarantor (the person who guarantees that your loan will be repaid) only needs to pay the monthly interest on your loan. Once you've completed your studies, you will start repaying your loan (capital) and interest.
However, if you're a part-time student, you will need to pay the monthly interest and capital from the start, during your studies. Please visit the website here for more information on the application process.
ABSA Student Loan
Not sure how to pay for your studies? Talk to us, we can help you. Our study loan offers you the opportunity to borrow funds at a low-interest rate to support yourself or someone you would like to benefit from study funding. Take up a study loan with us, it could be the best thing for your future. Please visit the website here for more information on the application process.
FNB Student Loan
An FNB Student Loan can be used for tuition fees, accommodation, equipment, other study material and devices. You may apply for additional funds on an annual basis if you are studying over more than one year. Please visit the website here for more information on the application process.
Capitec Student Loan
Whether you want to further your career, revamp your home or pay for unexpected medical expenses, we have the right credit solution to help you get what you need. Please visit the website here for more information on the application process.
Fundi Loans for Postgraduate Students
Fundi is a South African Education Finance specialist. They strive to help students achieve their dreams, by covering the costs of attending tertiary institutions. Watch the small clip video below and you can even visit their website (https://www.fundi.co.za/) for more information on Fundi.
SU Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP)
Opening date: 1 September 2025
Closing date: 31 October 2025
Stellenbosch University aims to become Africa's leading research-intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society. Full and Partial Scholarships are available based on criteria set per faculty. International students may also apply.
All scholarship awards will be made on the condition that the applicant meets all of the requirements of the scholarship as well as the admission requirements of the relevant degree programme.
The Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) is one of our flagship scholarship programmes. It aims to support our vision of becoming a leading research-intensive University by supporting a pool of emerging research talent amongst our postgraduate students. Please note that there are two separate application processes – your application for postgraduate study and your application for this scholarship programme.
- Step 1: Visit our Prospective Postgraduate Student website (www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies) and familiarise yourself with the available postgraduate programme options and the minimum entry requirements for each.
- Step 2: Apply for the relevant postgraduate programme and note under which Faculty it falls.
- Step 3: Locate the scholarship faculty criteria of the relevant Faculty (in the call document below). Each faculty has unique qualifying criteria.
- Step 4: Apply for the PSP via the correct application link for the Faculty. Application links can be found on page 3 of the call document.
NOTE: If you were previously NSFAS or ISFAP funded during your undergraduate degree, please include proof of funding with the application documents. This can be in the form of a fee statement reflecting the NSFAS bursary or institutional letter from financial aid confirming NSFAS/ISFAP funding.
Good luck with your scholarship application! Remember to start early and complete the application thoroughly.
