Hey future Master’s and Doctoral students! Are you looking to take your studies to the next level but need a little financial boost? Well, you’re in luck because the awesome UNISA Postgraduate Bursaries for Master’s and Doctoral studies are back for 2026, and they could be exactly what you need to fund your research journey!
This bursary is specifically designed to help returning Master’s and Doctoral students at UNISA cover both their tuition fees and essential research activities. Whether you’re a South African or an international student, if you meet the eligibility criteria, this bursary could help you register for and successfully complete your advanced degree. It’s all about empowering you to focus on your groundbreaking research without the extra financial stress!
Who Can Apply?
So, who gets to grab this fantastic opportunity? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Master’s Students: You need to be a returning student who first registered no more than 3 years ago (so, between 2023 and 2025). Even UNISA temporary or fixed-term contract employees can apply if they meet the criteria!
- Doctoral Students: For our PhD candidates, you should be a returning student who first registered no more than 6 years ago (between 2020 and 2025). UNISA temporary or fixed-term contract employees are also welcome to apply.
- Returning Bursary Beneficiaries: If you’ve been funded by this bursary before, you can re-apply each year to continue your research in your previously funded NQF level 9/10 qualification, subject to meeting academic performance and eligibility requirements.
- New Bursary Applicants: If you’re new to the UNISA Postgraduate Bursary, you must have passed your Research Proposal by 31 January 2026 (meaning it should have been submitted by November 2025). Master’s coursework students also need to have passed at least two coursework modules in the same qualification (unless you have outstanding 2025 results).
- Chapter Submission Requirements: Depending on how long you’ve been registered, there are specific chapter submission requirements for your supervisor to consider your application.
Who CANNOT Apply? Just so we’re clear, this bursary is NOT for UNISA permanent staff, first-year Master’s or Doctoral students, Graduate School of Business Leadership students (MBA, MBL), students in special study programmes (like certificates or PGCE), or those who already hold a postgraduate degree at the same or higher NQF level. Also, if you’ve already submitted your thesis/dissertation for examination, this bursary isn’t for you.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary isn’t just about tuition – it’s about making sure you have what you need for your research journey! It covers both your tuition fees and provides a research allowance. Check out the annual research allowances:
| 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 extra perks and important notes: If you’re a second-year student without ethical clearance, you might get a once-off laptop allowance from your research funds. The rest of your research allowance becomes available once you submit a confirmed ethical clearance certificate by 31 January each year. Just remember, the bursary won’t cover failed/repeating modules, additional NQF level 9/10 qualifications, or any historic debt. UNISA also prioritises South African students, with 80% of funds going to them and 20% to international students.
How to Apply?
Ready to apply? Awesome! Here’s what you need to know to get your application in:
- Online Applications Only: You MUST apply online via the official myUnisa link application. No hard copies, emails, hand-delivered, late, or incomplete applications will be considered. Make sure your application is in before the closing date!
- Supervisor Support: Your supervisor needs to record and support all your M&D activities on the platform by 31 January 2026. This is super important for your application to be considered.
- Required Documents: Get these ready to upload with your online application:
- South African Students: A certified copy of your ID (no older than 6 months), proof of tuition payment (if you’ve paid), and your bank details (your account only, or third-party documentation if applicable).
- International Students (with South African Bank Accounts): A certified copy of your passport (no older than 6 months), a bank account confirmation letter, and proof of payment (if you’ve paid).
- International Students (with Foreign Bank Accounts): A certified copy of your passport (no older than 6 months), a completed international bank Claim/Refund form, and proof of payment.
- Third-Party Payments: If someone else is paying, you’ll need a loan agreement or proof of payment, the third party’s bank account confirmation, and their certified ID (no older than 6 months).
- Registration: You must be temporarily registered by 31 January 2026 for your registration to be activated once the bursary is awarded. If you’re not registered, you won’t be funded!
Important Student Responsibilities: If you’re awarded the bursary, you’ll need to submit a signed bursary contract. Also, make sure any registration or module cancellations are completed before the closing date. Not following these steps could mean your bursary is cancelled and you might owe money back.
You can find the detailed 2026 PG Bursary Application Guide for M&D students online at the official UNISA website: UNISA M&D Bursary Guide
If this sounds like the right bursary to power your academic future, don’t wait — apply now and explore even more bursaries on Bursaries Room! Your research journey starts here!