Hey future researchers and academics! 👋 Dreaming of taking your Master’s or Doctoral studies to the next level but need a financial boost? Well, you’re in luck because the UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary for 2026 is here to help make those dreams a reality! This amazing opportunity is designed to support driven postgraduate students like you, covering your research activities and tuition fees so you can focus on what truly matters: completing your degree. Ready to dive into the details? Let’s go!
The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary is a fantastic support system for students embarking on or continuing their postgraduate journeys. Whether you’re a Master’s or Doctoral student, this bursary is designed to ease your financial burden by covering your tuition fees and providing a generous research allowance. It’s open to both South African and international students, helping you power through your research and successfully complete your NQF level 9 or 10 qualification. Think of it as your academic superpower, giving you the resources you need to shine!
Who Can Apply?
Wondering if this bursary is for you? Let’s break down the eligibility:
For Master’s Students:
- You must be a returning student who first registered for your Master’s degree no more than 3 years ago (meaning in 2023, 2024, or 2025).
- If you’ve had previously approved deferments, don’t worry, you’re still eligible for bursary consideration for each deferment year.
- Even if you’re a UNISA temporary or fixed-term contract employee, you can apply if you meet all other bursary criteria!
For Doctoral Students:
- You should be a returning student who first registered for your Doctoral degree no more than 6 years ago (meaning in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025).
- Like Master’s students, if you’ve had approved deferments, you’re eligible for consideration for each deferment year.
- UNISA temporary or fixed-term contract employees can also apply if they meet the criteria.
New Bursary Applicants (Never funded by UNISA PG Bursary before):
- You must have successfully passed your Research Proposal by 31 January 2026 (make sure it was submitted by November 2025!).
- Master’s coursework students need to have passed at least 2 coursework modules in the same qualification (this excludes students with outstanding 2025 results).
Chapter Submission Requirements (for those registered for 2+ years):
- If you’re 3+ years since first registration, you need to have submitted a minimum of 2 chapters to your supervisor, in addition to your passed research proposal.
- If you’re 2 years since first registration, you need a minimum of 1 chapter submitted to your supervisor, plus your passed research proposal.
Who cannot apply? Unfortunately, if any of these apply to you, this bursary isn’t a match:
- UNISA permanent staff members.
- First-year Master’s and Doctoral students (this bursary is for returning students!).
- Students enrolled in Graduate School of Business Leadership programmes (like MBA, MBL).
- Students in special study programmes (e.g., certificates, PGCE, non-degree programmes).
- Students who already hold a postgraduate degree at the same or a higher NQF level.
- Students who have already submitted their thesis or dissertation for examination.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is super comprehensive, covering your tuition fees and providing a research allowance to support your academic journey. Check out the funding breakdown:
| Qualification | Research Allowance | Years of Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s by research | R55,000 | 3 years |
| Master’s by coursework | R25,000 | 3 years |
| Doctoral by research | R80,000 | 4 years |
| Doctoral experimental research | R120,000 | 4 years |
A few important notes on what’s covered:
- Second-year students who don’t yet have ethical clearance might receive a once-off laptop allowance from their research funds – handy!
- The remaining research allowance becomes available once you submit a confirmed ethical clearance certificate by 31 January each year.
- Just so you know, the bursary does not cover: failed or repeating modules, additional NQF level 9/10 qualifications, or any historic debt.
- UNISA prioritizes South African students, with 80% of funds allocated to SA students and 20% to international students.
How to Apply?
Applying for the UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary is straightforward, but remember to follow the steps carefully!
The 2026 UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Application will be open from 15 October 2025 and close on 19 December 2025. Mark those dates!
Here’s what you need to do:
- Apply Online Only: The most crucial step! You MUST submit your application online via the myUnisa link application. No hard copies, emails, hand-delivered, late, or incomplete applications will be considered. So double-check everything before hitting submit!
- Temporary Registration: You need to be temporarily registered by 31 January 2026 for your registration to be activated once the bursary is awarded. If you’re not registered during the awarding period, you won’t be funded.
- Supervisor Support is Key: Make sure your supervisor supports your bursary application on the M&D Activities platform by 31 January 2026. They also need to record your completed academic activities from 2025 by 19 December 2025. Applications without timely supervisor support will not be considered, so chat with your supervisor early!
- Re-applying: If you’re a returning bursary beneficiary, you need to re-apply each academic year for the same qualification, adhering to the bursary guidelines and conditions.
Required Documentation:
Gather these documents to ensure your application is complete:
For South African Students:
- A certified copy of your ID (dated no older than 6 months).
- Proof of payment (like a bank statement or receipt) if you’ve already paid tuition.
- Your personal bank details (the account must be in your name; if using a third party, additional documentation is required).
For International Students (with South African Bank Accounts):
- A certified copy of your passport (dated no older than 6 months).
- A bank account confirmation letter.
- Proof of payment (showing you as the account holder).
For International Students (with Foreign Bank Accounts):
- A certified copy of your passport (dated no older than 6 months).
- A completed international bank Claim/Refund form.
- Proof of payment.
For Third-Party Payments (if someone else is paying your fees):
- The loan agreement or proof of payment.
- The third party’s bank account confirmation.
- A certified copy of the third party’s ID (dated no older than 6 months).
Processing Times: Keep in mind it takes approximately 15–21 working days for South African students and 21–30 working days for international students for processing.
Appeals: If your application is unsuccessful, you can appeal between 1–7 May 2026. This appeal must be supported by your supervisor. Note that you cannot appeal if you are already fully funded, if there are insufficient funds, if you are double-dipping, if there are academic performance issues, or if you are simply ineligible.
Your Responsibilities: Once awarded, you need to submit a signed bursary contract to the designated officer and ensure your registration and/or module cancellation is completed before the closing date. Failing to comply might lead to your bursary being cancelled and debt recovery.
For a detailed guide, check out the official 2026 PG Bursary Application Guide for M&D students online: UNISA PG Bursary Application Guide
If this sounds like the perfect bursary to propel your Master’s or Doctoral studies forward, don’t hesitate! Get all your documents ready, chat with your supervisor, and apply online before the closing date. This could be your chance to truly excel in your research journey. Good luck, and remember to explore more amazing bursary opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!