Hey future postgrad! Ready to take your academic journey to the next level but need a little financial boost? UNISA is here to help! If you’re a qualifying South African alumni eyeing a **Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or Honours** qualification, this bursary could be exactly what you need.
The UNISA Postgraduate Bursary is designed to ease your financial burden by covering your **tuition fees**. This means you can focus on your studies, achieve your academic goals, and unlock new opportunities without the stress of funding. It’s all about supporting bright minds like yours!
Who Can Apply?
Think you’ve got what it takes? Here’s the lowdown on who UNISA is looking for:
- **Returning Bursary Superstars:** If you’ve been funded for a PGD/Honours before and passed your modules with at least a 50% average, you’re welcome to re-apply! (Yes, you need to re-apply every year.)
- **New Academic Aces:** South African NQF Level 7 undergraduate alumni who completed their degree or advanced diploma with an impressive average of **60% or more**.
- **Second-Year PGD/Honours Students:** If you’re already in your second year, you need to have passed at least three modules with a 60% average.
- **UNISA Fixed-Term/Temporary Employees:** Yes, even you can apply if you meet the academic criteria above!
But wait, who *can’t* apply?
- UNISA permanent staff and international students.
- Students doing certain Postgraduate Diplomas (Business Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management).
- Students with special study programmes, certificates, non-degree modules, or BTech qualifications without a relevant recent NQF 7 qualification.
- Students who already hold a postgraduate degree (NQF Levels 8–10) – this bursary is for PGD and Honours only!
What Does It Cover?
Let’s talk money! This bursary is super specific about what it covers:
- **Tuition fees only!** That’s right, it helps with the cost of your courses.
- **What it DOES NOT cover:** Accommodation, laptops, textbooks, additional study materials, failed modules, additional qualifications, new qualifications, or historic debt. So, plan accordingly!
- You can be funded for up to **two consecutive years**, but remember, you need to re-apply for that second year.
- Awards are prioritized based on academic excellence – so the highest averages get first dibs!
How to Apply?
Ready to make your move? Here’s your step-by-step guide:
The application period is from **15 October to 19 December 2025**. Make sure you get your application in on time!
- **Go Online:** All applications *must* be submitted online via the myUnisa portal. Sorry, no hard copies, emails, or late submissions will be accepted.
- **Get Registered:** You need to be temporarily registered by **31 January 2026** for your bursary to be activated. Funding only covers modules registered at the time the bursary is awarded.
**What happens next?**
- Keep an eye on your **mylife email account**! That’s where all outcome notifications will be sent.
- If you paid your registration fees yourself and then get awarded, you might be eligible for a refund! Just make sure to deregister before the cancellation closing date if you don’t secure alternative funding, and keep all proof of payment.
- **Appeals:** If you feel your rejection was a mistake, you can appeal between **1 and 7 April 2026** via email.
**If you’re awarded the bursary:**
- **Sign that Contract:** You’ll need to sign and return your bursary contract to the designated bursary officer before the closing date.
- **Banking Details:** Submit your banking details for any refund processing if you paid fees personally. If a third party paid, they’ll need to provide certified ID copies (student and payer), proof of payment, a bank account confirmation letter, and a completed claim/refund form.
Just a heads-up: Funding isn’t guaranteed; it depends on available funds. Also, if you don’t stick to the terms, withdraw, or terminate your studies, the bursary might be cancelled and charged to your student account. Always communicate with the bursary office if you’re making changes to your registration!
For all the official details and to start your application, visit the UNISA website:
If this sounds like the perfect bursary for your postgraduate dreams, don’t wait — apply now! And remember to explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
