“The reality is that jobs are scarce. Rather than completing your honours degree and spending another 24 months looking for work, you could have completed your master’s degree and started your PhD. We are increasing financial assistance for master’s and PhD students to cover all costs, so those without immediate job prospects can continue their studies with us.” – Professor Bismark Tyobeka, Vice-Chancellor, North-West University

North-West University (NWU) is proud to introduce the Fully Funded Master’s and Doctoral Bursary, a flagship initiative designed to remove financial barriers and empower exceptional postgraduate students.

At NWU, we believe that financial limitations should never stand in the way of academic excellence. This bursary supports high-performing South African and SADC students who are ready to take the next step in their research journey — investing not only in your education but also in your potential to make a lasting impact through innovation and discovery.

What does the bursary cover?

• Master’s degree: Full tuition + R95 000 per year (for up to two years)
• Doctoral degree: Full tuition + R95 000 per year (for up to three years)

This allowance assists with living, research, and study-related expenses, allowing you to focus fully on your academic goals.

Who can apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a household income less than R600 000 per annum.
• Candidates with a result ≥ 70% for their most recent degree may apply for the bursary. For applicants who do not meet this requirement, a faculty motivation must be submitted along with the other supporting documents.
• Applicants must qualify for faculty and programme-specific admission requirements.
• Preference will be given to students studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, with 65% of allocations to STEM and 35% to non-STEM study fields.
• Applicants must undertake to register for full-time study - bursaries will not be awarded to part-time students.
• Programmes presented in the Business School are excluded (e.g. MBA, PhD).
• Other NWU bursaries will be deducted from the NWU allocation (no double-funding).
• Applicants may not hold other full-cost bursaries.
• SADC and permanent RSA residents (subject to submission of SAQA certificate).

What will be expected of you?

Recipients of this prestigious bursary are expected to:

• Maintain academic progress - Continued funding is subject to adherence to milestones set by the faculty and evaluated every six months.
• Contribute to the NWU academic community through 20 hours per month of teaching, research, or graduate assistance, gaining valuable professional experience.
• Engage in scholarly publication – producing or preparing at least one article for submission to a peer-reviewed journal or academic publication.
• Complete their qualification on time, upholding the excellence that defines NWU.

Monthly living allowances will be paid throughout the study period, subject to satisfactory progress.

Application Process

Interested students can apply by sending an email to: finance@nwu.ac.za with the subject line: FULL COST M&D BURSARY 2026

Please attach the following documents:

• Academic transcripts of your most recent degree
• Proof of household income

Closing date for Postgraduate study applications: 31 October 2025

Closing date for bursary applications: 31 January 2026

This bursary represents more than financial support – it’s an opportunity to shape your future, contribute to meaningful research, and become part of a generation of thinkers who will lead South Africa and the SADC region forward. For more information, please visit the Financial Support Services here. 

Opportunities show up when you do – and with the right support, you can soar.