University of Pretoria Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028

University of Pretoria Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028 Application

Planning to study at the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2028 but worried about tuition fees, accommodation and other university expenses? Scholarships and bursaries can make a significant difference by helping eligible students finance their studies. Continue to read more about University of Pretoria Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028.

The University of Pretoria offers a range of funding opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These include university-funded awards, merit-based funding, financial aid, faculty-specific bursaries and externally funded scholarships and bursaries. The university’s official Student Funding platform is the central place to explore available funding opportunities.

This guide explains the University of Pretoria scholarships and bursaries for 2028 applications, the major funding categories students should know about, eligibility considerations, how to apply, and how prospective applicants can prepare before the 2028 funding cycle opens.

University of Pretoria Prospectus

University of Pretoria Courses

University of Pretoria Fees

University of Pretoria Admission Requirements

University of Pretoria Scholarships and Bursaries 2028

The University of Pretoria provides several types of financial support. The opportunities can broadly be divided into:

Undergraduate merit awards
UP-funded bursaries
Postgraduate bursaries
External scholarships
External bursaries
Faculty-specific funding
Research funding
NSFAS funding
Corporate and private-sector bursaries
Special scholarships for qualifying groups
International scholarships and funding opportunities

The availability of a particular bursary or scholarship can change from year to year. UP’s funding portal currently lists opportunities according to study level, nationality, sponsor type and application status, making it one of the most useful places to monitor funding opportunities.

Who Can Apply for University of Pretoria Scholarships and Bursaries?

Funding opportunities are available to different categories of students, depending on the particular scholarship or bursary.

These may include:

Prospective undergraduate students
Current undergraduate students
Honours students
Master’s students
Doctoral students
South African citizens
Permanent residents
International students
Students with financial need
High-achieving students
Students undertaking specific research
Students studying particular fields

There is therefore no single eligibility requirement for all UP scholarships and bursaries.

For example, some postgraduate awards are restricted to Honours, Master’s and Doctoral students, while particular external awards may be limited to students from a specific nationality, faculty or research area. UP explicitly states that students registering for postgraduate diplomas and certificates, or for the fourth year of a bachelor’s degree, are not eligible for UP postgraduate bursary awards.

University of Pretoria Undergraduate Scholarships and Bursaries

Undergraduate students can explore several sources of funding.

One important category is merit-based funding. UP has awards that recognise strong academic performance, and the university’s funding information includes undergraduate funding opportunities such as first-year awards.

For example, the current Fly@UP Assist 1st Year Awards page indicates that eligible first-year students can receive an award of up to R30,000, subject to the applicable UP bursary formula and availability of funds. The university also notes that international school-leaving qualifications may be considered if they can be converted according to approved UP guidelines.

Because award values and conditions can change, students applying for 2028 should not assume that the current amount will remain unchanged.

Instead, check the official UP funding information when the 2028 awards are announced.

University of Pretoria Merit Bursaries

Academic performance can play an important role in obtaining funding.

UP offers merit-related funding, including awards for academically strong students. These awards are particularly relevant to applicants who have achieved excellent school or university results.

Students hoping to qualify for merit funding should therefore:

Aim for strong academic results.
Apply for admission to UP early.
Check whether they automatically qualify for a particular award or must apply separately.
Check the conditions attached to the award.
Monitor the official funding portal for announcements.

An important point is that admission to UP and receiving a bursary are not necessarily the same process. Being admitted to a programme does not automatically mean that you will receive every scholarship or bursary for which you may appear academically eligible.

University of Pretoria Postgraduate Bursaries 2028

UP has an extensive postgraduate funding system covering Honours, Master’s and Doctoral students.

The university’s Postgraduate Studies funding page states that students registering for Honours, Master’s and Doctoral degrees are eligible to be nominated for UP postgraduate bursaries.

Postgraduate funding may come from two broad sources:

1. UP-funded bursaries

These are funded through the university and can include postgraduate bursaries and research-related awards.

2. Externally funded bursaries and scholarships

These are provided by organisations outside UP but may be advertised or administered through the university.

UP’s postgraduate funding information specifically distinguishes between university-funded and external funding opportunities.

UP Master’s and Doctoral Bursaries

Master’s and doctoral students should pay particular attention to the postgraduate funding opportunities published by UP.

The university’s funding portal regularly publishes calls for:

Master’s bursaries
Doctoral bursaries
Research bursaries
NRF scholarships
Faculty-specific postgraduate bursaries
International scholarships
Corporate-sponsored research funding
Discipline-specific research awards

For example, the current UP funding platform has listed UP Masters and Doctoral Bursary Conditions among its funding opportunities.

Doctoral students may also find research-specific funding through the university’s Graduate Support Hub. UP identifies internal opportunities including the UP Doctoral Research Bursary, UP Postgraduate Bursary and UP Doctoral Commonwealth Bursary.

University of Pretoria NRF Scholarships

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is another major source of postgraduate funding for students studying at UP.

UP currently advertises NRF scholarships for postgraduate students from Honours through Doctoral level. Its 2027 funding announcement identified six different NRF scholarship opportunities.

NRF funding can be particularly important for students pursuing research-intensive postgraduate qualifications.

However, applicants should carefully check the requirements because NRF funding is subject to eligibility rules relating to factors such as:

Academic performance
Study level
Citizenship or residency
Financial need
Research area
Age and other applicable criteria
Availability of funding

For example, UP’s information on 2026 NRF postgraduate funding stated that the minimum academic requirement was 65% for the previous degree. It also distinguished between Full Cost of Study and Partial Cost of Study awards, with specific eligibility requirements.

These figures should not automatically be treated as the 2028 requirements. Prospective applicants should check the NRF and UP requirements applicable to the 2028 academic year.

University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

One of the significant scholarship opportunities associated with UP is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The programme is aimed at high-achieving young Africans who face significant socioeconomic challenges. UP states that the programme has supported undergraduate and postgraduate students, including Honours and Master’s students.

The scholarship is not simply based on academic performance.

The current application information indicates that eligible candidates must have applied to and been accepted into specified UP programmes. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate leadership and commitment to community service.

The programme can be particularly relevant to African students who require substantial financial and broader educational support.

Prospective 2028 applicants should monitor the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page for the next application cycle because eligible programmes and deadlines can change.

What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides more than a conventional tuition bursary.

UP describes it as providing scholarships and wraparound support to selected scholars.

Depending on the applicable programme and scholarship conditions, support may address areas such as:

Tuition
Accommodation
Learning materials
Student support
Academic development
Leadership development
Career development
Community engagement

Applicants should consult the official programme information for the exact benefits applicable to their intake rather than assuming that every scholar receives identical funding.

University of Pretoria Faculty-Specific Bursaries

Another important funding route is through individual faculties and departments.

A bursary may be available specifically for students studying:

Education
Law
Engineering
Health Sciences
Veterinary Science
Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Humanities
Economic and Management Sciences
Information technology and computing
Other specialised disciplines

For example, UP’s Faculty of Education provides information about funding options including the Funza Lushaka Bursary and NSFAS.

Students should therefore avoid relying only on a general search for “UP bursaries.” Check the faculty and department associated with your intended qualification as well.

NSFAS and University of Pretoria

South African students who require financial assistance should also investigate NSFAS.

NSFAS is separate from UP’s internally funded scholarships and bursaries, but it can provide an important source of financial assistance for eligible students.

UP’s funding resources direct students to NSFAS as one of the external funding routes.

Students should apply through the appropriate NSFAS process and carefully check the funding conditions applicable to the relevant academic year.

External Bursaries Advertised by the University of Pretoria

One of the biggest advantages of monitoring the UP funding portal is that students can discover scholarships and bursaries funded by organisations outside the university.

Recent UP funding listings have included opportunities associated with organisations such as:

National Research Foundation
SANSA
South African Reserve Bank
Amazon
Motus
Ernst and Ethel Eriksen Trust
Margaret McNamara Education Grants
Protein Research Foundation
Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust

These examples demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available, but they should not be interpreted as a confirmed list of 2028 bursaries. Funding calls open and close throughout the year and eligibility differs between sponsors.

UP Scholarships and Bursaries for International Students

International students should not assume that all UP funding opportunities are available to them.

Some scholarships specifically accept international applicants, while other bursaries are restricted to South African citizens or permanent residents.

For example, the current UP funding system identifies some opportunities by nationality, while the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is specifically aimed at young Africans who meet its eligibility conditions.

International applicants should therefore check each funding opportunity individually.

They should look for requirements relating to:

Citizenship
Country of residence
Academic qualifications
Admission to UP
Programme eligibility
Financial need
Leadership
Community involvement
Research area

How to Apply for University of Pretoria Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028

The application procedure depends on the specific scholarship.

There is no single application form that covers every UP bursary or scholarship.

A typical process may involve the following steps.

Step 1: Apply to the University of Pretoria

If the scholarship requires admission to UP, you should first apply for your chosen programme.

UP publishes undergraduate and postgraduate application information through its official application channels.

Step 2: Choose your programme carefully

Some scholarships are restricted to particular fields of study.

Make sure your chosen qualification matches the funding opportunity.

Step 3: Search the UP funding portal

Visit the university’s Student Funding section and search for scholarships and bursaries that match your:

Study level
Nationality
Faculty
Academic performance
Financial circumstances

The UP funding platform allows students to explore funding opportunities and their current status.

Step 4: Check the eligibility requirements

Read the entire funding announcement.

Do not apply based solely on the title of the bursary.

Step 5: Prepare supporting documents

Depending on the funding opportunity, you may need documents such as:

South African ID
Passport
Academic transcripts
School results
Proof of admission
Proof of registration
Curriculum vitae
Motivation letter
Research proposal
Proof of household income
Reference letters
Other supporting documentation

Step 6: Submit before the deadline

Funding opportunities often have different closing dates.

Some external bursaries advertised through UP may close months before the academic year begins.

Step 7: Monitor your application

Check your email and the relevant UP funding platform regularly for updates.

When Should You Apply for UP Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028?

Students planning to start university in 2028 should begin researching funding opportunities well before 2028.

This is particularly important because some external scholarships open during the year before the academic year of study.

For example, the current UP funding platform already publishes opportunities for the following academic year, including postgraduate scholarships and external bursaries.

Therefore, waiting until January 2028 to begin looking for funding could mean missing important opportunities.

Recommended timeline

2026–2027:
Research UP programmes, admission requirements and scholarship providers.

2027:
Apply for scholarships and bursaries whose application cycles open for 2028 study.

Late 2027:
Finalise admission, funding and supporting documentation.

Early 2028:
Check for late-opening bursaries and additional funding opportunities.

The actual dates will vary by sponsor, so applicants should always use the official deadline published for each opportunity.

Documents to Prepare for UP Bursary Applications

Preparing your documents early can make the application process easier.

Create a digital folder containing:

Certified ID or passport where required
Latest academic results
Final school-leaving certificate when available
University academic transcript for postgraduate applicants
Proof of UP application or admission
Proof of registration where required
Curriculum vitae
Motivation letter
Research proposal for research-based postgraduate funding
Proof of income where financial need is assessed
Parents’ or guardians’ supporting financial documents where required
Reference letters
Certificates demonstrating leadership or community involvement

Not every scholarship requires every document.

Always follow the specific checklist provided by the funding provider.

Tips for Winning a University of Pretoria Scholarship in 2028

1. Apply early

Some scholarships have limited funding and strict deadlines.

2. Maintain strong academic results

Many scholarships are merit-based or have minimum academic requirements.

3. Do not focus only on one bursary

Apply for several suitable opportunities instead of relying on a single source of funding.

4. Read the eligibility criteria carefully

A high academic average does not compensate for failing an essential eligibility requirement.

5. Build a strong motivation

Where a motivation letter is required, explain your academic goals, financial circumstances, career plans and how the scholarship will help you.

6. Highlight leadership and community involvement

This is particularly important for scholarships such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, where leadership and community service form part of the selection criteria.

7. Keep your documents ready

Having your documents prepared allows you to apply quickly when a suitable opportunity opens.

8. Monitor official sources

Do not rely solely on social media posts or third-party bursary websites. Verify the opportunity on the official UP funding page or the sponsor’s official website.

Frequently Asked Questions About UP Scholarships and Bursaries 2028

Does the University of Pretoria offer full scholarships?

Some scholarships can provide substantial financial support, but the exact benefits depend on the specific programme or sponsor. Students should read the conditions of each scholarship carefully.

Does UP offer bursaries to undergraduate students?

Yes. UP provides and advertises undergraduate funding opportunities, including merit-related awards and external funding.

Does UP offer postgraduate bursaries?

Yes. UP offers postgraduate funding for eligible Honours, Master’s and Doctoral students.

Can international students apply for UP scholarships?

Some scholarships are open to international students, while others are restricted to South African citizens or permanent residents. Eligibility must be checked for each scholarship.

Can I apply for more than one bursary?

You can apply for multiple funding opportunities where their rules allow it. However, some awards may restrict students from holding other bursaries simultaneously. Always check the conditions of the specific award.

Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship available at UP?

Yes. UP partners with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and offers scholarship opportunities to eligible African students in specified programmes.

Does UP automatically give scholarships to students with good marks?

Not necessarily. Some merit awards may follow specific university processes, while other scholarships require a separate application. Students should check the conditions of each award.

Final Thoughts on University of Pretoria Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028

The University of Pretoria scholarships and bursaries for 2028 can provide valuable financial assistance to students who want to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies but need help meeting the cost of higher education.

The most important thing to remember is that UP funding is not one single bursary programme. The university’s funding ecosystem includes merit awards, university-funded bursaries, postgraduate research funding, NSFAS, faculty-specific funding and numerous external scholarships and bursaries.

For 2028 applicants, the best strategy is to start preparing early. Apply for admission to UP, research the funding opportunities that match your programme and personal circumstances, prepare your supporting documents and monitor the official UP funding portal for new opportunities.

Because 2028 funding amounts, application dates and eligibility requirements can change, prospective students should treat current funding information as a planning guide rather than assuming that the conditions for a 2026 or 2027 award will automatically apply in 2028.