Cipla Bursary Programme
The Cipla Bursary Programme is a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary bursary run by pharmaceutical company Cipla South Africa, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a one-time laptop allowance for high-achieving South African students. Established in 2017 as a strategic skills pipeline, it supports scarce and critical skills across Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain and more, and offers a pathway into the Cipla Graduate Skills Programme after graduation. Applications are submitted exclusively online through Cipla's careers (TurboHire) portal.
Eligible Fields of Study
Cipla South Africa (Pty) Ltd (administered in-house via the Cipla careers/TurboHire online application system) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Studying at a recognised, accredited public tertiary institution in South Africa
- ✓ Minimum overall academic average of 70% (must be maintained each year for renewal)
- ✓ Currently registered or accepted in an eligible field of study
- ✓ Willing to participate in vacation work
- ✓ Willing to apply to the Cipla Graduate Skills Programme after graduation
- ✓ Fluent in English
- ✓ Highly motivated and excellence-focused
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees
- ✓ Accommodation
- ✓ Meals
- ✓ Books
- ✓ One-time laptop allowance (up to R8,000)
- ✓ Access to the ICAS employee wellness programme
- ✓ Psychometric assessment feedback
- ✓ Vacation work opportunities
- ✓ Access to Cipla Subject Matter Experts for mentorship and networking
- ✓ Pathway to apply for the Cipla Graduate Skills Programme after graduation
Work Commitment
No formal post-study work-back obligation, but recipients must participate in vacation work and are required to apply to the Cipla Graduate Skills Programme after graduation.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Cipla South Africa (Pty) Ltd (administered in-house via the Cipla careers/TurboHire online application system) bursary application
- 1
Visit the Cipla bursary page at za.cipla.africa/careers/bursary-program/ when applications are open
- 2
Apply online via the Cipla careers / TurboHire portal (ciplasouthafrica.turbohire.co) — this is the only accepted channel
- 3
Complete the online application form in full and upload all required supporting documents
- 4
Ensure your application is complete; incomplete applications are automatically disqualified
- 5
Shortlisted candidates may complete a psychometric assessment and receive feedback
- 6
Successful applicants are notified and funds are credited to the institution account (around 30 March)
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Latest academic results / transcript showing a 70%+ average
- 📄 Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised public tertiary institution
- 📄 Up-to-date CV
- 📄 Matric certificate or latest school results (for first-year applicants)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Cipla Bursary Programme?
- South African citizens studying at a recognised, accredited public tertiary institution in South Africa with a minimum overall academic average of 70%. Applicants must be fluent in English, willing to do vacation work, and willing to apply to the Cipla Graduate Skills Programme after graduation.
- Is the Cipla bursary only for Pharmacy and medical students?
- No. Although Cipla is a pharmaceutical company and Pharmacy and Health Sciences are prominent, the bursary is genuinely cross-disciplinary. It also covers Natural Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Economic Management Sciences, Supply Chain Management, Graphic Design, Industrial Psychology/HR, Manufacturing and Digital Marketing/Communications.
- How and where do I apply?
- Applications are accepted exclusively online through Cipla's careers system on the TurboHire portal (ciplasouthafrica.turbohire.co), linked from za.cipla.africa/careers/bursary-program/. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified, and no other application channels are accepted.
- When does the Cipla bursary open and close?
- The programme runs annually. The 2026 cycle closed on 17 February 2026, and the next intake is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027 for the following academic year. Applicants are advised not to contact Cipla once the bursary has closed.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 17 February 2026
Apply on Cipla South Africa (Pty) Ltd (administered in-house via the Cipla careers/TurboHire online application system)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other Medical & Health Sciences bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
ADSA Dietetics Bursary
Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA)
The Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) awards an annual bursary to financially disadvantaged South African students studying towards an undergraduate BSc Dietetics degree. Worth up to R30,000 per year for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study, it is aimed at first-year (or just-completed-first-year) students who show a genuine passion for food science, nutrition and health. Recipients also receive free ADSA student membership for the duration of the bursary.
View details →Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI) Student Radiography & Ultrasound Bursary
Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI) (administered in-house; studies completed through the University of Johannesburg, where ARMI is an accredited clinical training facility)
Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI), a diagnostic radiology services provider, offers a full bursary to South African students who want to train as diagnostic radiographers or sonographers through a 4-year Bachelor's degree at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The bursary covers all tuition fees plus textbooks, uniforms, vaccinations and a monthly living allowance, and rewards distinctions with a performance incentive. In return, recipients commit to a 32-month work-back period (8 months for each year of study) at ARMI.
View details →Aspen Pharmacare Bursary
Aspen Pharmacare
Aspen Pharmacare, Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, awards bursaries to South African students studying BPharm and other pharmaceutical-sector qualifications including chemical engineering and related sciences. The programme is open to both new applicants and children of Aspen employees, and supports up to full cost of study at approved institutions.
View details →