Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student facing financial challenges but determined to succeed in your tertiary studies? The Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year offers much-needed financial support to deserving students who demonstrate strong academic potential and genuine financial need. This bursary is administered through a well-established charitable trust that is committed to advancing education and empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals.
The Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary is primarily aimed at assisting students who are unable to fund their studies independently, with a particular focus on members of the Jewish community in South Africa. Funding may be awarded for a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate studies at recognised South African universities and institutions. The bursary typically contributes towards essential study-related costs such as tuition fees and may help ease the overall financial burden associated with higher education, allowing students to focus fully on their academic success.
By applying for the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary 2026/2027, students gain access to more than just financial assistance, they receive support from a legacy rooted in philanthropy, education, and community upliftment. This opportunity can play a crucial role in helping talented students complete their studies and build meaningful, impactful careers.
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 find out more about the eligibility criteria, fields of study supported, application process, and closing date for the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Application 2026/2027.
About Rhodes University
Rhodes University, established in 1904, is one of South Africa’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Situated in Grahamstown (Makhanda), Eastern Cape, Rhodes is a small, research-intensive university with a student population of just over 8,200 students. Despite its size, the university consistently ranks among the top South African universities for academic excellence, undergraduate and postgraduate pass rates, and research output per academic staff member.
Rhodes University is widely respected for its strong academic culture, close student-lecturer engagement, and commitment to developing critical thinkers and innovators who contribute meaningfully to society.
About Ada & Bertie Levenstein and the Bursary Programme
The Ada and Bertie Levenstein Bursary Programme was established following the largest single donor bequest in the history of Rhodes University, made by Mr Elias Bertrand (Bertie) Levenstein and Ada Levenstein. The Levensteins were deeply passionate about education and lifelong learning and dedicated much of their lives to supporting individuals who lacked the financial means to pursue academic opportunities.
The bursary programme was created to ensure that academically talented students from poor, rural, and working-class backgrounds are not denied access to higher education due to financial constraints. Rhodes University has expressed profound gratitude for this generous donation, which continues to transform lives through education.
The Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University, Dr Mabizela, has further reinforced this mission by committing to ensuring that deserving students with strong academic potential and financial need are supported through initiatives such as the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary.
About the Rhodes University Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Programme
Rhodes University invites postgraduate students to apply for the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary is available for full-time postgraduate studies at Rhodes University and supports the following qualifications:
- Honours degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral (PhD) degrees
Importantly, the bursary is open to students pursuing studies in ANY field of intellectual or creative study, although preference may be given to candidates in the Science disciplines.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- An excellent academic record
- A clear need for financial assistance
Bursary Obligations and Expectations
Successful bursary recipients will be expected to:
- Register for and complete all coursework, examinations, and thesis requirements within the approved funding period.
- Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress throughout the duration of the bursary.
- Actively pursue the publication of novel research outputs arising from their studies.
Bursary recipients are expected to publish their research in a recognised bursary or academic journal, either during or shortly after completion of their programme. All publications must:
- Acknowledge financial support from the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary
- Be published under full affiliation with Rhodes University
Bursary Value, Renewal and Selection Process
Bursary Value
The value of the bursary depends on the level of study:
- Honours degree: R100,000 per year
- Master’s degree: R100,000 per year
- Doctoral degree: R120,000 per year
The bursary value may be adjusted annually to account for inflation.
Renewal of Funding
- Bursaries are awarded for one academic year at a time.
- Funding for multi-year qualifications (Master’s and PhD) is renewable, subject to:
- Excellent academic performance
- Satisfactory progress
- Completion of the degree within the expected timeframe
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be assessed by a selection committee, which includes:
- Director of Research (Chair)
- Faculty Deans
- Heads of Departments
- Academic experts
The final selection process may include referee reports and/or interviews.
Eligibility Requirements for the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be 26 years old or younger at the start of the 2026 academic year
(Funding for successive years may be considered for candidates older than 26) - Must be studying or intending to study full-time
- Must be registered or planning to register for an Honours, Master’s or Doctoral qualification
- Must be studying or intending to study in any field of study (Science fields preferred)
- Must be registered or accepted at Rhodes University
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must have an excellent academic record
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in the application not being considered.
How to Apply for the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
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Download and complete the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Application Form 2026 (.docx)
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID document
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Full academic record/transcripts (on institutional letterhead)
- Motivational letter (short)
- Proof of application or departmental support letter (for new Rhodes students)
- Brief research proposal (Master’s and PhD applicants)
- Supervisor’s progress report (Master’s and PhD applicants)
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted via email to:
Email: pgfunding@ru.ac.za
Email subject line: Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Application
Closing Date for Applications
Closing date: 11 October
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
Contact Details of Ada & Bertie Levenstein
For any enquiries related to the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursaries Programme, contact:
Rhodes University – Postgraduate Funding Office
Tel: 046 603 8755
Email: pgfunding@ru.ac.za