UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2027

UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2027⁠‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​⁠

UNISA offers Master’s and Doctoral bursaries covering tuition fees only for two consecutive years (for Honours/PG Diploma) or up to four years (for Master’s/Doctoral), with research allowances added for eligible candidates. Funding is not guaranteed and depends on fund availability, eligibility, and supervisor support.

What it offers

• Tuition fees covered for two years (PG Diploma/Honours) or up to four years (Master’s/Doctoral).
• Research allowances (not guaranteed) for eligible candidates:
  • Master’s by research: R55,000 over three years (coursework by research: R25,000 over three years).
  • Doctoral by research: R80,000 over four years (experimental research: R120,000 over four years).
• Research allowances cover annual activities (e.g., copying, printing, language editing, statistical analysis, conference travel, equipment, chemicals) only if ethical clearance is finalized by 31 January each year.
• No laptop, accommodation, textbooks, or additional study materials included.

Who can apply

• PG Diploma/Honours applicants: Must be UNISA-registered students without a supervisor (exception: coursework students with two passed modules awaiting supervisor).
• Master’s/Doctoral by research applicants:
  • Must have a supervisor allocated (no first-year students eligible).
  • Must have final ethical clearance by 31 January each year.
  • Must submit an approved re-application based on academic performance, eligibility, and fund availability.
• New applicants: Students not currently funded by UNISA for the same qualification.
• Returning applicants: Students continuing previously funded qualifications.

What you'll do

• Apply online via UNISA’s website (no physical form).
• Submit ethical clearance and supervisor support documentation annually.
• Complete research activities (e.g., data collection, analysis, travel) within budgeted allowances.

How to apply

1. Review UNISA Postgraduate Bursaries guidelines and note the application deadline on the UNISA website.
2. Click "To apply" on the bursary page (online only).
3. Submit required documents (supervisor letter, ethical clearance, academic transcripts) via mylife email.
4. Appeal rejected applications between 3 May – 7 May 2027 (link provided on 3 May).

Good to know

• No refunds for unused funds; submit a claim/allowance form via mylife email (separate forms for South African and international bank accounts).
• Outcomes sent via mylife email after registration closes (delayed results possible).
• Contact emails:
  • Application queries: CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za
  • Award/refund queries: DSF-POSTGRD@unisa.ac.za
• Appeal eligibility: Only if rejection reasons contradict university data (e.g., insufficient funds, double-dipping, unsatisfactory performance).