University of South Africa Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2027
University of South Africa (UNISA)
UNISA is accepting 2027 postgraduate bursary applications from eligible returning master’s and doctoral students, including international students. Awards may cover tuition and approved research essentials, subject to funding and academic criteria. Apply online by 30 November 2026.
The University of South Africa (UNISA) has opened its 2027 Master’s and Doctoral Bursary application for continuing students. The bursary is intended to help eligible returning students complete their existing UNISA degrees through tuition support and approved research expenses. It is open to South African and international students, but South African citizens receive funding priority under UNISA’s stated 80/20 allocation.
First-year master’s and doctoral students cannot apply. Returning applicants must meet the university’s registration-period, academic-progress and supervisor-support rules. New bursary applicants must have passed their research proposal by 31 January 2027, or, for master’s coursework students, have passed two coursework modules in the same previously registered qualification, subject to the exceptions in the official guidance. Continuing beneficiaries must apply again for 2027.
Apply through the UNISA student bursaries application portal using your myUnisa credentials. Select “Masters and Doctoral Bursary Fund”, check eligibility and submit the online declaration. UNISA does not accept emailed, paper or late applications. The application closes on 30 November 2026. Read the current official bursary guidance before applying, because support depends on eligibility, academic progress and available funds.
Source and verification
Check the current official call before applying
Recorded source check: October 11, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
The bursary may cover tuition fees and approved research essentials. The published maximum research allowance over the eligible study period is R55,000 for research master’s, R25,000 for coursework master’s, R80,000 for doctoral research, or R120,000 for experimental doctoral research. These are ceilings, not guaranteed awards. Research allowance also requires final ethics clearance and supervisor support; all awards depend on available funds.
Eligibility summary
Open to eligible returning UNISA master’s and doctoral students, including South African and international students. First-year students are excluded. South African citizens receive funding priority under UNISA’s 80/20 allocation. Review the university’s registration and academic-progress rules before applying.
Requirements
Returning master’s students must have first registered between 2024 and 2026; returning doctoral students between 2021 and 2026, subject to approved deferments. New bursary applicants must have passed their research proposal by 31 January 2027. Master’s coursework applicants may qualify after passing two modules in the same registered qualification. Supervisor support is required. UNISA lists further exclusions, including permanent staff, first-year students, and students who already hold a qualification at the same or higher NQF level.
Documents required
Language/test requirements
How to submit applications
Official UNISA bursary page checked on 12 October 2026 (Africa/Lusaka). Apply via the UNISA student bursaries portal using myUnisa credentials; choose “Masters and Doctoral Bursary Fund”, check eligibility and submit the declaration. Deadline is 30 November 2026; no closing time is stated by UNISA. The bursary is for returning students only and awards depend on funds and eligibility.
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