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.
Book a Teams Meeting (virtual) consultation for postgraduate funding enquiries here.
Centre for undergraduate bursaries and loans
Scholarship Opportunities
Master's and Doctoral Studies 2026
| 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 value | Master's R150 000 Doctoral R160 000 |
| Eligibility |
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Required documentation with submission of application
For more details or assistance:
The DSI-NRF Masters and Doctoral applications for 2026
Extended SU and NRF application deadline: 11 July 2025
Please ensure that the scholarship application is submitted a few days prior to the above closing date, to avoid system overload
The National Research Foundation invites all 2026 postgraduate students, 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 eligible for a second or third year of funding are required to submit a progress report, but they do not need to submit a new application.
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 |
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).
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.
CSIR Scholarships
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 | ||
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.
2026
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.
