UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African postgraduate student seeking financial support to advance your academic and research career? The UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering funding opportunities to deserving Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students registered at the University of South Africa (UNISA). As Africa’s largest open distance learning institution, UNISA is committed to promoting academic excellence, research development, and skills advancement by supporting postgraduate students across a wide range of disciplines.
The UNISA Postgraduate Bursary provides financial assistance that may cover tuition fees and, in some cases, research-related costs, depending on the level of study and funding category. This bursary is aimed at academically strong students who demonstrate research potential and are committed to completing their postgraduate qualifications within the prescribed timeframes. By easing the financial burden of postgraduate studies, UNISA enables students to focus on producing high-quality research that contributes to national development and global knowledge.
Through the UNISA Postgraduate Bursary 2026/2027, students gain an opportunity to strengthen their academic profiles, improve research output, and enhance future career prospects in academia, industry, public service, and specialised professional fields. The programme plays a vital role in developing high-level skills and supporting South Africa’s knowledge economy.
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, postgraduate study levels covered, application process, and closing date for the UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027.
About University of South Africa (UNISA)
UNISA is a leading comprehensive university with a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, many of which are internationally accredited. The university operates eight colleges, each providing high-quality education and research opportunities:
- College of Accounting Sciences (CAS)
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
- College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS)
- College of Education (CEDU)
- College of Graduate Studies
- College of Human Sciences (CHS)
- College of Law (CLAW)
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET)
Additionally, UNISA’s Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) is recognised as one of the top business schools in South Africa. With an extensive geographical footprint and flexible learning options, UNISA provides students with both academic and vocational pathways to success.
About the UNISA Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields Covered
The UNISA Postgraduate Bursary 2026 is open to students pursuing any field of study at UNISA for the following qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Honours Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral Degree
Key Benefits
- Postgraduate Diploma & Honours bursary: Covers tuition fees for up to 2 consecutive years for qualifying students. Supports UNISA alumni and current students in completing their programmes.
- Master’s & Doctoral bursary: Covers tuition fees and research essentials for 2–4 years depending on the programme, helping students with research and experimental work.
Funding is awarded based on:
- Academic performance
- Eligibility criteria
- Availability of funds
Expenses Covered & Funding Value
Postgraduate Diploma & Honours Bursary
- Covers tuition fees only for the first 2 consecutive years.
- Does not cover outstanding historic debt or failed/repeating modules.
- Awards are prioritised based on academic performance, from highest to lowest.
Master’s & Doctoral Bursary
- Master’s by research or experimental research: Up to R55 000 for 3 years
- Master’s by coursework: Up to R25 000 for 2 years
- Doctoral by research: Up to R80 000 for 4 years
- Doctoral by experimental research: Up to R120 000 for 4 years
Applicants will receive bursary outcomes via their myLife email account.
Eligibility Requirements for UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Postgraduate Diploma & Honours
- Must be a South African citizen
- Completed an undergraduate NQF Level 7 qualification (degree or advanced diploma) at UNISA by 31 January 2026
- Temporarily registered, with registration activated upon successful application
- Minimum overall average of 60%
- Must have passed at least 3 postgraduate modules in the same programme
- Excludes students from SBL, special study programmes, or those with existing postgraduate qualifications
Master’s & Doctoral
- Must be a South African citizen (preference 80%) or international student (20%)
- Temporarily registered, with registration activated upon successful application
- Master’s research: Completed Research Proposal module and supervisor’s report recommending support
- Master’s coursework: Passed at least 2 coursework modules and have supervisor support
- Excludes 1st-year students, MBA/MBL students, special programmes, or those with higher NQF qualifications
Failure to meet all criteria will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for UNISA Postgraduate Bursary 2026/2027
Applications are submitted online only: UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026
Supporting Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and module results
- Details of other bursaries applied for
- Supervisor report (for Master’s & Doctoral applicants)
Applications via email, post, or hand delivery will not be accepted.
Important Notes About UNISA Bursaries
- Postgraduate Diploma & Honours bursaries cover 2 consecutive years; students must maintain a minimum average of 60% to continue funding.
- Master’s & Doctoral bursaries require annual reapplication with supervisor reports confirming satisfactory progress.
- Appeals can be submitted within 1–7 April 2026 (Diploma & Honours) and 1–7 May 2026 (Master’s & Doctoral) if required.
- Bursaries are subject to availability of funds and may be cancelled if conditions are not met.
Closing Date for UNISA Postgraduate Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 25 January (extended)
Late applications will not be accepted. Ensure your submission is complete and on time.
Contact the UNISA Bursary Provider
For queries related to the UNISA Postgraduate Bursary 2026, contact the university via your myLife email or: CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za