UNISA Bursary 2025/2026 for South Africans | How to apply for University of South Africa bursaries program online, application form pdf download, requirements, eligibility, and UNISA bursary application closing date 2025/2026.
Are you a student looking for Companies that offered Bursaries in South Africa 2025/2026? The University of South Africa (UNISA) invites an application from suitably and qualifies students for their bursary program 2025/2026.
Overview of UNISA Bursary Program
Every day, Students are pondering the net about:
- How to Apply for Bursary 2025/2026
- Companies offering Bursaries in South Africa
- Who Qualifies for a Bursary in South Africa
- How Do I Get Bursary?
- How Does Bursary Work?
Let’s dive into the full information about UNISA bursaries and application details in 2025/2026.
If you are successfully enrolled with a University you can apply for a bursary.
A bursary is a monetary award made by any educational institution or funding authority to individuals or groups. It is usually awarded to enable a student to attend school, university, or college when they might not be able to, otherwise. Some awards are aimed at encouraging specific groups or individuals into the study.
UNISA Bursary Application Details 2025/2026
UNISA is offering post-graduate bursaries, which includes Masters by dissertation & Doctoral study and experimental research, Masters by coursework, and Honours bursary. These bursaries will be awarded to South African and non-South African citizens.
The bursary for Master by dissertation & Doctoral study and experimental research covers the entire tuition fees for a maximum of 3 years on the application received for each year. The stipulated budget for research funds totals to R55 000.
The bursary for Masters by coursework covers tuition fees for a maximum of 2 years. The stipulated budget for research funds is any amount not exceeding R25 000 while the student is registered for the dissertation module.
The bursary for Doctoral research covers tuition fees for a maximum of 4 years on the application received for each year. The stipulated budget for research funds totals to R80 000, which is the maximum amount that can be awarded for research activities for a duration of study per qualification.
The bursary for Doctoral by experimental research covers tuition fees for a maximum of 4 years on the application received each year. The stipulated budget for research funds is a maximum of R120 000 per qualification (including all years of research expenditure).
An application for funding must be submitted each year along with a proposed budget provided that it does not exceed the amount stipulated per year. Continued receipt of the bursary is dependent on a positive supervisor’s report provided that the recipient displays strong academic progress. Preference will be given to existing bursary recipients, especially to those who are close to completion.
Once the bursary application has been successful, the student will receive a bursary contract along with a refund form. The refund form will be used in claiming research funds from the Division Student Funding. No funds will be released without submitting a fully completed refund form. In addition, under no circumstances shall the research funds be utilized for accommodation, meals, or any other expenses it was not meant for.
It is entirely the student’s responsibility to claim research funds and any credit balances, as well as to submit an application and a detailed budget each year should the student wishes to continuously receive financial assistance.
UNISA Bursary Requirements and Eligibility
Listed below are the criteria for each bursary category.
In order to qualify for the bursary for Master by dissertation & Doctoral study and experimental research, an applicant must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria:
- Registered for Masters by dissertation or Doctoral qualifications (applicants who are registered for a second Masters or Doctoral degree are not eligible for this bursary.
- Obtained Proposal module at UNISA (the bursary does not cover the Proposal module).
- Obtained a positive supervisor’s report recommending financial support on the basis of quality submissions e.g. research chapters submitted, data analysis, etc. (applies to new and re-applying applicants)
- Obtained approval by the Masters and Doctoral Research Bursary Committee (MDRBC) based on academic progress, the standard of work submitted, prioritization of research fields, innovative specializations, and appropriate methodology.
In order to qualify for the bursary for Masters by coursework, an applicant must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria:
- Registered for a coursework Masters qualification (permanent staff members of UNISA and students who are registered for a second/third Masters degree or have already completed Doctorate do not qualify for this bursary program)
- Passed two modules of the coursework Masters
- Obtained a positive supervisor’s report recommending financial support on grounds of academic performance in the coursework modules already completed
- Obtained approval by the Masters and Doctoral Research Bursary Committee (MDRBC) based on coursework modules already completed and supervisor’s report
UNISA will be awarding these bursaries to South African and non-South African citizens, but preference will be given to South African students.
How to Apply and Application Details
To apply for a bursary for Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas, applications must be done online at the Unisa website by selecting the relevant bursary you intend to apply for on the left menu.
The following documents are required to be submitted:
- Copy of ID
- Academic record
To apply for a bursary for a Master’s degree by dissertation & doctoral studies and by coursework, download the 2020 master’s & doctoral motivation form by visiting here.
The application form must be completed by both the student and his or her supervisor and must be submitted online.
Contact Details
University of South Africa
Preller St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002
Phone: 012 429 3111
Make sure to read every detail of your Bursary contract. Not every company offers the same rewards and some companies will ask you to work for them as long as you have held the bursary.
However, if you have queries regarding the UNISA bursary application 2025/2026, Please kindly DROP A COMMENT below and we will respond to it as soon as possible.
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