MMEG (Margaret McNamara Education Grants) Bursary 2026 – Closing Date: 14 September 2025, Apply Now!

Hey future leaders! Ready to unlock some amazing funding for your studies? Today, we’re diving deep into the incredible MMEG (Margaret McNamara Education Grants) Bursary for 2026, a fantastic opportunity specifically for South African women ready to make a real impact!

So, what exactly is the MMEG Bursary? MMEG, or Margaret McNamara Education Grants, is an awesome non-profit organization established way back in 1981. Their whole jam is empowering women from developing countries by providing vital education grants. Think of it as a launchpad for your dreams, helping you build a brighter future for yourself and contribute positively to your community. This initiative is inspired by Margaret McNamara herself, a passionate advocate for education and gender equality. This isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s about becoming a changemaker!

What Does It Cover?

Get this: the MMEG Bursary is open to female students from South Africa (and other eligible countries – check their list here if you’re curious!) for the 2026 academic year. And the best part? It covers ALL fields of study! Whether you’re aiming for a Certificate, Undergraduate, Graduate, or even Post-Doctorate qualification at selected South African universities, this could be for you.

MMEG grants can be up to US$7,000 (that’s roughly R126,000, depending on exchange rates, of course!). These funds are awarded in February 2026. After you apply, keep an eye out! Shortlisted candidates usually hear back for a telephonic interview within 2 to 3 months of the deadline, and the final results are announced on the MMEG website in December 2025. How exciting is that?

Who Can Apply?

Okay, let’s talk eligibility! To be considered for this amazing MMEG Bursary, you need to tick a few boxes:

• First off, you need to be a South African national (though women from countries on the MMEG Country Eligibility List can also apply!).
• You must be officially enrolled to study towards a Certificate, Undergraduate, Graduate, or Post-Doctorate qualification.
• Your studies must be in-person at one of these accredited South African universities: Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Fort Hare University, Limpopo University, Nelson Mandela University, North-West University, Rhodes University, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Sol Plaatje University, Stellenbosch University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Mpumalanga, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State, University of the Western Cape, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Venda, University of Zululand, Vaal University of Technology, or Walter Sisulu University.
• You can be studying full-time or part-time (as long as it’s at least 2 courses per semester/term).
• You need to plan on being fully enrolled for a complete academic term after receiving the bursary.
• Specifically, you must be enrolled for at least one more academic term after the grant is awarded in December (meaning between January and July 2026).
• You should also plan to graduate no more than 3 years after getting the bursary.
• Finally, you cannot be related to any staff member, spouse, retiree, or MMEG Board member of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, or Inter-American Development Bank.

How to Apply?

Ready to jump in and apply? Awesome! The application process for the MMEG Bursary is super straightforward and done entirely online.

Head over to the official application portal here: MMEG Bursary Application 2026. Make sure to select “South Africa program” in the very first question of the application – it’s important!

If you’re new to the portal, you’ll need to Register an Account first. Once that’s done, you can Login and start your application.

You’ll also need to submit some important documents. Make sure they’re clear copies (preferably PDF, JPEG, or PNG) – if anything’s missing, your application might not be considered:

• Your ID document with a photo (if you’re a South African citizen).
• Your passport with a photo (if you’re studying outside your home country).
• Your study permit or visa page with your current passport (if applicable to foreign candidates).
• A second passport page with a photo (if you have dual citizenship).
• Proof of official university registration (this needs to be on your institution’s letterhead, not just an acceptance letter).
• Your latest academic reports and transcripts (also on your institution’s letterhead).
• A brief personal story: Tell MMEG about your studies, how your experiences and future plans connect to your commitment to helping women and children in developing countries.
• A brief paragraph estimating your financial situation for the academic year and how you plan to cover your needs (make sure to calculate estimated expenses in Rand!).
• If applicable, a brief summary of your thesis (objective, methodology, findings, and how it relates to your career goals). If not, describe how your current studies link to your future professional or volunteer service goals.
• Two reference letters:
  • One from a faculty member at your university.
  • One from someone who can vouch for your character (definitely NOT a family member!).
  • At least one referee must have known you for two semesters (or equivalent) or more.
  • These letters must include the referees’ email addresses. MMEG will contact them via Embark Online with a link to submit their recommendations. Make sure you get their consent before providing their details! If your referee doesn’t receive the email, tell them to check their spam folder, turn off pop-up blockers, or contact MMEG directly.

Mark your calendars! The deadline for the MMEG Bursary is 14 September 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. Don’t wait until the last minute – get your application in before this date to ensure it’s considered!

Got questions? No problem! Before reaching out, make sure to check the MMEG Bursary FAQ’s – they’re super helpful. If you still need assistance, you can drop an email to the MMEG South Africa Program at: southafrica@mmeg.org.

Phew, that was a lot of info, but totally worth it, right? If the MMEG Bursary sounds like your next big step towards an amazing future, then what are you waiting for? Get your application in before the deadline, and remember, Bursaries Room is always here to help you find more incredible funding opportunities!

Michael Brooks

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