Unisa Master’s and Doctoral Bursary
About this opportunity
Master’s and Doctoral bursary for African students in South Africa (2026). Amount varies; deadline 30 November.
The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary provides financial support to returning and new master’s and doctoral students, covering tuition fees and a research allowance for eligible candidates. The bursary is open to South African and international students, with priority given to South African citizens under an 80/20 funding ratio. Applications must be submitted online via myUnisa between 21 September 2026 and 30 November 2026, with registration required by 31 January 2027 to activate funding. Supervisor support via the M&D Activities platform is mandatory by the same deadline. The bursary is not renewable for additional years or for different qualifications and excludes permanent UNISA staff, first-year students, and those with prior postgraduate degrees at the same or higher level. Research allowances are capped annually (e.g., R55,000 for master’s by research over 3 years), but funding depends on eligibility, supervisor approval, and ethical clearance.
Key details
South AfricaWhat you get
- **Tuition fees** covered (subject to registration activation)
- **Research allowance** (capped annually: **R55,000 for master’s by research over 3 years**, **R80,000 for doctoral research over 4 years**)
- Priority funding for **South African citizens** (80% of total allocations)
- Funding **not renewable** for additional years or different qualifications
- Excludes **failed/repeating modules** or **historic debt**
Documents needed
- Supervisor’s **M&D Activities platform** support (e.g., chapter drafts, ethical clearance certificate) by **31 January 2027**
- Proof of temporary/fixed-term employment (if applicable)
- Final ethical clearance certificate (not conditionally approved) by **31 January 2027**
- Registration proof of payment (ATM receipt) for self-funded students
- Completed **V35 form** (intention to submit) for new applicants
- Passed research proposal or 2 coursework modules (for master’s by coursework) by **31 January 2027**
How to apply
- Submit **online via myUnisa link app** between **21 September 2026 and 30 November 2026**
- Ensure **temporary registration** is activated by **31 January 2027**
- Get **supervisor support** on the **M&D Activities platform** by **31 January 2027**
- Submit **required documents** (e.g., ethical clearance, supervisor records) by **31 January 2027**
- Attend the **Q&A session on 9 October 2026** (11:00–12:00) for guidance
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