South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a strong interest in the maritime sector, ocean economy, and blue economy skills development? The SAIMI Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to deserving students who wish to pursue maritime-related studies at accredited institutions. The South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) is a government-supported entity established to promote skills development, research, and transformation within South Africa’s maritime industry, in line with the country’s Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy initiative.
The SAIMI Bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance, which may include coverage for tuition fees, registration fees, prescribed study materials, accommodation, and a monthly allowance, depending on funding availability and level of study. Beyond financial support, bursary recipients may also benefit from industry exposure, mentorship opportunities, and access to maritime research networks that enhance academic success and career readiness. The bursary targets high-performing students, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, who are committed to contributing to South Africa’s growing maritime and ocean economy.
By applying for the SAIMI Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just funding, they position themselves for meaningful careers in maritime transport, marine engineering, ocean sciences, logistics, naval architecture, and other critical maritime fields that support national and global trade.
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 requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
The South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) was established in 2014 through a collaborative initiative led by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU). The institute works closely with universities, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Further Education and Training (FET) institutions, government departments, the maritime industry, and African maritime stakeholders.
SAIMI’s core mandate is to promote and advance South Africa’s maritime sector by coordinating education, training, research, innovation, and skills development. It also serves as a national knowledge hub on maritime matters, supporting transformation and inclusivity within the oceans economy.
About Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary Program 2026/2027
SAIMI invites applications for the Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary for the 2026 academic year. This bursary is exclusively awarded to Black female students pursuing maritime-related qualifications at Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s, or PhD level.
The bursary was established in honour of Ms Sindiswa Nhlumayo, former Executive Head of the Centre for Maritime Excellence at SAMSA, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the maritime industry and her commitment to empowering women in the sector.
Fields of Study Covered by the SAIMI Bursary
Undergraduate Qualifications
- Animal Production (Aquaculture focus) – BSc
- Applied Geology – BSc
- Aquaculture – Certificate
- Environmental Sciences / Management / Studies – BSc
- Geological Sciences – BSc
- Logistics – Diploma
- Marine Electronics Communication Engineering – National Diploma
- Marine Engineering – Diploma, BEng, BEng Tech, BEng Tech Honours
- Marine Science – Diploma
- Maritime Studies – Diploma / Advanced Diploma
- Maritime Transportation & Logistics – BSc / BCom
- Meteorology – Diploma
- Microbiology – BSc
- Nautical Studies – Diploma / Advanced Diploma
- Oceanography – BSc
- Port & Harbour Engineering – National Diploma
- Shipping & Logistics – Diploma / Advanced Diploma
- Transport Management – Diploma
- Zoology & Entomology – BSc
Honours & Postgraduate Diplomas
- Aquaculture – PGDip
- Aquatic Health – BSc Hons
- Environmental Sciences / Management – BSc Hons
- Geological Sciences / Applied Geology – BSc Hons
- Marine Ecology – BSc Hons
- Marine & Environmental Law – PGDip
- Maritime Economics – BCom Hons
- Maritime Law – PGDip
- Maritime Studies – PGDip
- Maritime Transport – PGDip
- Maritime Transport Economics – BCom Hons
- Oceanography – BSc Hons
- Zoology & Entomology – BSc Hons
Master’s Qualifications
- Applied Geology – MSc
- MBA (Maritime-related research focus)
- Marine & Environmental Law – LLM / MPhil
- Marine & Ship Surveying – LLM
- Maritime Management – Master’s
- Maritime Studies – LLM / MPhil / MCom
- Ocean Governance – LLM
- Oceanography – MSc
- Ports & Shipping – Master’s
- Shipping Law – LLM
- Zoology & Entomology – MSc
PhD Qualifications
- Applied Geology
- Botany
- DBA (Maritime-related research focus)
- Development Studies (Maritime focus)
- Marine & Ship Surveying
- Maritime Law
- Microbiology
- Oceanography
- Shipping Law
- Zoology & Entomology
SAIMI Bursary Coverage Value & Benefits
The SAIMI bursary offers comprehensive financial support, which includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Subsidised accommodation allowance
- Meal allowance
- Access to SAIMI-hosted conferences and selected maritime events
- Participation in organised maritime and science bodies
Note: The bursary does not cover historical or outstanding student debt.
Eligibility Requirements for SAIMI Bursary Application 2026/2027
Undergraduate Applicants
- South African citizen
- Female student
- From a previously disadvantaged designated group
- Currently in or completed Matric
- Studying or provisionally accepted for a full-time maritime-related qualification
- Enrolled or accepted at an accredited South African tertiary institution
- Minimum 70% average if currently studying
- A or B symbols in Matric
- From the “missing middle” (household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per year)
Honours & Master’s Applicants
- South African citizen
- Female student from a designated group
- Studying a maritime-related qualification
- Minimum 70% at undergraduate level and 65% at honours level
- At least one year of completed study
- From the missing middle income category
PhD Applicants
- South African citizen
- Female student from a designated group
- Studying a maritime-related qualification
- Minimum 70% average at Master’s level
- At least one year of completed study
- From the missing middle income category
How to Apply for SAIMI Bursary 2026/2027
Step 1: Download the Correct Application Form
- Undergraduate Application Form, Click here to download
- Honours & Masters Application Form, Click here to download
- PhD Application Form, Click here to download
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit certified copies of all required documents, including academic records, proof of income, acceptance letters, and motivational or research papers (as applicable to level of study).
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Email your complete PDF application to: bursary@saimi.co.za
Subject line: “SAIMI Bursary 2026”
Closing Date for SAIMI Bursary Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 5 December at 23:59 (midnight)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) for Bursary Enquiries
For further information, contact SAIMI directly:
- Email: bursary@saimi.co.za | info@saimi.co.za
- Telephone: 041 504 4038
