NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African graduate with a strong interest in advanced research, innovation, and industry-focused postgraduate studies? The NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering valuable financial support to high-performing students who wish to pursue postgraduate qualifications at Nelson Mandela University (NMU). This bursary is supported in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), an organisation dedicated to strengthening South Africa’s automotive and manufacturing sectors through skills development and research.
The NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary is designed to support Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students whose research aligns with priority areas such as engineering, applied sciences, technology, manufacturing, and innovation-driven disciplines that contribute to economic growth and industrial development. By investing in postgraduate education, NMU and AIDC aim to develop a pipeline of highly skilled researchers and professionals who can respond to the country’s critical skills needs.
The bursary typically provides financial assistance towards tuition fees and may also contribute to research-related costs and a living allowance, depending on the level of study and availability of funds. Beyond financial support, beneficiaries gain exposure to industry-relevant research, academic mentorship, and opportunities to build strong links between academia and the automotive and manufacturing industries.
By applying for the NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary 2026/2027, students not only ease the financial burden of postgraduate studies but also position themselves for impactful careers in research, innovation, and industry leadership.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to learn more about the eligibility requirements, qualifying fields of study, application process, and closing date for the NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About NMU & AIDC
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Nelson Mandela University was established in January 2005 following the merger of the Port Elizabeth Technikon, the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University. NMU is a comprehensive public university offering qualifications ranging from diplomas and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate and doctoral programmes.
The university operates across seven campuses, with six located in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and one in George, and is recognised for its strong focus on applied research, innovation, and industry collaboration.
Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC)
The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), which operates under the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED). AIDC plays a critical role in supporting South Africa’s automotive sector through skills development, technology advancement, and industry-aligned research initiatives.
About the NMU / AIDC Bursary Programme 2026/2027
The Department of Mechatronics, together with the Advanced Mechatronics Technology Centre at Nelson Mandela University, in partnership with AIDC, invites postgraduate students to apply for bursary funding for the 2026 academic year.
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries are awarded for postgraduate research in the following area:
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Automotive Engineering and Manufacturing
Funding is available for:
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
The automotive engineering and manufacturing sector is a strategic growth area identified by the South African Government, with a growing demand for highly skilled professionals capable of solving complex production and manufacturing challenges.
Bursary recipients will be required to focus on industry-related problems and work closely with key automotive industry partners in the Eastern Cape.
Selection Process and Research Duties
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Nelson Mandela University within two weeks of the closing date. Applicants who do not receive feedback within this period should regard their application as unsuccessful.
Doctoral Candidates – Duties and Responsibilities
Doctoral bursary recipients will be expected to:
- Investigate novel methods in automotive engineering and manufacturing
- Design and prototype scaled engineering models to simulate complex manufacturing systems
- Develop solutions to real-world industry challenges
- Present research findings at national and international conferences
- Publish articles in accredited national and international journals
- Participate in academic activities related to engineering modules
Master’s Candidates – Duties and Responsibilities
Master’s bursary recipients will be required to:
- Solve complex automotive engineering and manufacturing problems faced by industry
- Collaborate with engineers and technicians to implement engineering solutions
- Present research findings at local and international forums
- Contribute to scientific and research publications
- Participate in academic and departmental engineering activities
Eligibility Requirements for NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all the relevant minimum requirements to be considered.
Doctoral Bursary Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Hold a Master’s degree (MSc, MEng, or MTech) in:
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- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Intend to study towards a Doctoral qualification in Automotive Engineering and Manufacturing at Nelson Mandela University
- Have knowledge of programming, modelling, statistics, and design of experiments
- Demonstrate strong writing and presentation skills
- Applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Master’s Bursary Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Hold a BEng or BTech degree in:
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- Electronics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Intend to study towards a Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering and Manufacturing at Nelson Mandela University
- Have experience in electromechanical, mechanical, and electronic systems design
- Possess knowledge of programming, modelling, statistics, and experimental design
- Demonstrate strong writing and presentation skills
- Applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Failure to meet any requirement will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary 2026/2027
There is no application form to complete. Eligible students must submit the following compulsory documents:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A covering letter explaining how you meet the selection criteria
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Submission Method
Applications must be submitted via email to: khaled.abou-el-hossein@mandela.ac.za
Email subject line: NMU / AIDC Bursary 2026
Closing Date for NMU / AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 18 November at 16:00
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are advised to submit their documents well before the closing date.
Contact Details of NMU / AIDC
For bursary-related enquiries, contact Nelson Mandela University directly: