Postgraduate Bursaries

Discover postgraduate bursaries for Masters and PhD studies in South Africa. Fund your advanced research and academic career with prestigious scholarships.

6 Postgraduate Bursaries Available

12
Research Areas
50+
Research Institutions
R4M+
Total Funding
91%
Completion Rate

Featured Postgraduate Bursaries

Top postgraduate bursaries from research councils and academic institutions

National Research Foundation (NRF)

National Research Foundation

Comprehensive postgraduate funding for Masters and PhD students across all research disciplines with focus on academic excellence.

Amount: Masters: R120,000 | PhD: R140,000
Deadline: 2025-08-31

Research Fields:

All Research DisciplinesMastersPhDPostdoctoral
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Department of Small Business Development bursary for postgraduate students in business and industrial development.

Amount: Up to R200,000 per year
Deadline: 2025-06-30

Research Fields:

Business AdministrationIndustrial DevelopmentEconomicsManagement
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Claude Leon Foundation

Claude Leon Foundation

Prestigious foundation supporting postgraduate research in natural sciences, mathematics and related fields.

Amount: R180,000 - R250,000
Deadline: 2025-07-31

Research Fields:

Natural SciencesMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiology
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International trust providing scholarships for postgraduate study at South African universities.

Amount: Full tuition + living expenses
Deadline: 2025-09-30

Research Fields:

Social SciencesLawEducationDevelopment Studies
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Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme supporting research in partnership with industry.

Amount: R140,000 - R180,000
Deadline: 2026-05-31

Research Fields:

EngineeringTechnologyApplied SciencesInnovation
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Water Research Commission

Water Research Commission

Specialized bursary for postgraduate research in water-related sciences and environmental studies.

Amount: Masters: R100,000 | PhD: R130,000
Deadline: 2026-04-30

Research Fields:

Water SciencesEnvironmental StudiesHydrologyWater Engineering
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Research Areas

Explore postgraduate funding opportunities across different research disciplines and academic areas

Masters Degrees

PhD Programmes

Postdoctoral Research

Research Methodology

Academic Writing

Grant Writing

Conference Presentations

Journal Publications

Thesis Supervision

Research Ethics

Data Analysis

International Collaboration

Application Tips

Increase your chances of securing a postgraduate bursary

Develop a strong research proposal that addresses current academic or societal challenges

Secure supervisor agreement and institutional support before applying

Demonstrate academic excellence through previous degrees and publications

Show potential for original research contribution to your field

Consider interdisciplinary research opportunities for competitive advantage

Build relationships with potential supervisors and research groups

Prepare for rigorous academic and research performance requirements

Postgraduate Application Checklist

  • Comprehensive research proposal (15-20 pages)
  • Academic transcripts (Honours/Bachelor's degree)
  • Supervisor confirmation and institutional support
  • Literature review and research methodology
  • Academic references and recommendation letters
  • Research timeline and budget breakdown

Ready to Advance Your Research?

Take your academic career to the next level with comprehensive postgraduate funding. Browse our complete list of research bursaries.