Master’s and Doctoral Bursaries 2026 Bursary Application Period:The 2026 UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Application will open from 15 October 2025 and close on 19 December 2025. N.B.: Only online applications submitted via the myUnisa link application will be considered. No hard copy, email, hand-delivered, late, or incomplete applications will be accepted. Students must be temporarily registered by 31 January 2026 for registration to be activated once the bursary is awarded. Students who are not registered during awarding will not be funded. No additional coursework modules will be funded after the award has been allocated and registration activated. Returning bursary beneficiaries must re-apply each academic year for the same previously funded qualification, subject to bursary guidelines, terms, and conditions. Ensure supervisors support the bursary application on the M&D Activities platform by 31 January 2026, in addition to recording academic activities completed in 2025 by 19 December 2025. Applications without timely supervisor support will not be considered. About the Bursary The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral bursary aims to assist returning Master’s and Doctoral students with research activities and tuition fees, enabling them to register for and complete their degrees. The bursary provides financial support to both South African and international students, subject to eligibility, academic performance, and availability of funds. Important Notices 2026 Masters & Doctoral Bursaries Q&A Session Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025 Time: 10:00 CAT Link: Microsoft Teams – 2026 Masters & Doctoral Bursaries Q&A Session To all 2025 Approved & Awarded Students Processing of refunds and research allowances is still in progress. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the correct administrator as per email instructions. M&D Bursary Guidelines, Terms, and Conditions Who Can Apply? Master’s Students Returning students who first registered no more than 3 years ago (2023–2025). Students with previously approved deferments are eligible for bursary consideration for each deferment year. UNISA temporary/fixed-term contract employees who meet bursary criteria are also eligible. Doctoral Students Returning students who first registered no more than 6 years ago (2020–2025). Students with previously approved deferments are eligible for each deferment year. UNISA temporary/fixed-term contract employees who meet bursary criteria are eligible. Returning Bursary Beneficiaries South African and international students continuing research in previously funded NQF level 9/10 qualifications, subject to academic performance, eligibility, and available funds. New Bursary Applicants Students never funded by the UNISA Postgraduate Bursary. Must have passed the Research Proposal by 31 January 2026 (submitted by November 2025). Master’s coursework students must have passed 2 coursework modules in the same qualification (excluding students with 2025 outstanding results). Chapter Submission Requirements 3+ years since first registration: Minimum 2 chapters submitted to supervisor, in addition to passed research proposal. 2 years since first registration: Minimum 1 chapter submitted to supervisor, in addition to passed research proposal. Who Cannot Apply? UNISA permanent staff First-year Master’s and Doctoral students Graduate School of Business Leadership students (MBA, MBL) Students in special study programmes (certificates, PGCE, non-degree programmes) Students who already hold a postgraduate degree at the same or higher NQF level Students who have submitted thesis/dissertation research for examination Bursary Funding Covers tuition fees and research essentials: QualificationResearch AllowanceYears of FundingMaster’s by researchR55,0003 yearsMaster’s by courseworkR25,0003 yearsDoctoral by researchR80,0004 yearsDoctoral experimental researchR120,0004 years Additional Notes: Second-year students without ethical clearance may receive a once-off laptop allowance from research funds. Remaining research allowance is available upon submission of a confirmed ethical clearance certificate by 31 January each year. Bursary does not cover: failed/repeating modules, additional NQF level 9/10 qualifications, or historic debt. Priority: 80% South African students, 20% international students. Application Process & Required Documentation Supervisor Support Supervisors must record and support all M&D activities on the platform by 31 January 2026. Documentation South African Students Certified ID copy (≤6 months old) Proof of payment (bank statement/receipt) if student paid tuition Bank details (student’s account only; 3rd party documentation required if applicable) International Students (South African Bank Accounts) Certified passport (≤6 months old) Bank account confirmation letter Proof of payment (student as account holder) International Students (Foreign Bank Accounts) Certified passport (≤6 months old) Completed international bank Claim/Refund form Proof of payment Third-Party Payments Loan agreement or proof of payment 3rd party bank account confirmation 3rd party certified ID (≤6 months old) Processing Time: South African students: 15–21 working days International students: 21–30 working days Appeals Period: 1–7 May 2026 Must be supported by supervisor Cannot appeal if: fully funded, insufficient funds, double-dipping, academic performance issues, or ineligible Important Student Responsibilities Submit signed bursary contract to designated officer Ensure registration and/or module cancellation is completed before closing date Failure to comply may result in bursary cancellation and debt recovery 2026 PG Bursary Application Guide for M&D students is available online For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.