Hey future disaster management hero or fire technology expert! Ready to make a real difference in South Africa and need some financial help to get there? Then listen up, because the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) External Bursary for the 2026 academic year might just be your golden ticket!
The DCoG, specifically through its National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), is offering an amazing bursary opportunity. This isn’t just any bursary; it’s designed to support passionate South African students who want to dive deep into Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering. If you’re planning to study full-time at a public university or university of technology here in Mzansi, this bursary could cover your studies from undergraduate all the way up to a Master’s degree, helping you build a safer, more resilient South Africa.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for this awesome opportunity, you need to tick a few boxes:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to have applied, been accepted, or already be registered at a recognised South African public higher education institution.
- Your chosen full-time qualification must be an Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Master’s in either Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering.
- Just a heads-up: PhD programmes and short certificate courses aren’t eligible for this specific bursary, so keep that in mind!
For Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Advanced Diploma Applicants:
- A certified copy of your valid South African Identity Document.
- A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (Matric Certificate).
- Your most recent academic results, transcript, or statement, showing a minimum average of 60%.
- Official proof that you’ve applied, been accepted, or registered for your chosen full-time qualification at a recognised public university or university of technology in South Africa.
For Master’s Degree Applicants:
- A certified copy of your valid South African Identity Document.
- A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (Matric Certificate).
- A comprehensive academic transcript reflecting a minimum average of 65%.
- A brief Curriculum Vitae (CV), maximum two pages.
- Proof that you’ve applied, been accepted, or registered for a full-time Master’s programme in Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering.
- A research proposal that aligns with one of the 16 NDMC Priority Thematic Areas as outlined in the NDMC Research Agenda. Make sure your research idea fits their needs!
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is super generous! If you’re successful, you can expect:
- Full coverage of your tuition fees, including those pesky registration costs.
- Master’s students, you get an extra perk! A research allowance of up to R11,000 to help with your studies.
How to Apply?
Getting your application in is straightforward, but pay close attention to the details:
- All applications must be submitted online through the official NDMC bursary portal: https://onlinebursary.ndmc.gov.za/
- Make sure all your documents are complete and uploaded correctly. They won’t accept emailed, incomplete, late, password-protected, or corrupted applications – so double-check everything before you hit submit!
- Remember, they only contact shortlisted or successful candidates. If you don’t hear back, unfortunately, it means your application wasn’t successful this time.
- The absolute final day to apply is 30 September 2025. Don’t leave it until the last minute – get your application in early to avoid any technical glitches!
If this sounds like the right bursary for you, don’t wait — apply now and explore more bursaries on Bursaries Room to kickstart your dream career!
