Now that your undergraduate studies are complete, you dream of pursuing a postgraduate degree. But financing that ambition feels like climbing a steep hill. You’ve applied to bursary after bursary, feeling the pull between exhaustion and fear of coming up empty-handed. You’re definitely not alone in facing that struggle, but thoughtful preparation can tilt the odds in your favour.

 

At NWU, we want to help our students create meaningful opportunities for themselves through postgraduate degrees. Let’s answer some of your burning questions when it comes to bursaries for postgraduate students in South Africa:

 

Why is finding postgraduate bursaries so daunting?

●      You’ve tried multiple applications, yet funds remain elusive.

●      Tuition, research costs, living expenses, and often part‑time work create pressure.

●      The anxiety of ‘what if I don’t get funding?’ keeps you up at night.

You're walking the same path many others have walked, and NWU is equipped to support on‑site and distance learners along the challenging road of finding suitable postgraduate bursaries.

 

What postgrad bursary opportunities should you target?

NWU Postgraduate Bursary (internal scheme)

Every student accepted into a postgraduate degree, whether it be honours, master's or doctoral, is automatically considered (no separate form needed) under the NWU postgraduate bursary scheme.

●      Honours: ~R25 100/year for one year.

●      Master’s: ~R31 400/year for two years + possible extra-year grant.

●      PhD: ~R34 000/year for up to five years, plus a fourth‑year progress award.

NWU will inform students of their success in applying for this bursary opportunity in due course.

 

NWU Postgraduate Merit Bursary

If you graduated cum laude (≥ 75 %), NWU awards an additional R5 000 bursary automatically for your first postgraduate year (such exciting news for top achievers).

 

Postgraduate bursaries South Africa: the NRF / DSI funding scheme

A key external option, offering research bursaries for honours, master’s and PhD students in STEM, social sciences and humanities. Requires ≥ 65 % average and meeting age limits (Honours < 28, Master’s < 30, PhD < 32).

 

 

Sasol Postgraduate Bursary Programme

Aimed at students pursuing MSc, MEng or PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry or data science. This postgraduate bursary covers tuition, registration, research costs, accommodation, living stipend, plus mentorship and development support.

 

Other bursaries for postgraduate students in South Africa

Trusts like Mandela Rhodes, ThermoFisher Phambili Trust, SETA-based schemes and faculty-specific bursaries (e.g. Theology at NWU) offer additional support for deserving postgraduate degree candidates. 

 

Check out this quick video to discover the opportunities for postgraduate bursaries at NWU

 

 

How to craft an application that stands out for postgraduate bursaries:

1. Start well before deadlines: Get certified transcripts, SA ID, income affidavits, motivation letter, CV, and reference letters ready early
2. Write a compelling motivation letter: Map your academic journey, research interests, and career plan. Explain how funding bridges gaps toward your goals, especially for research-focused bursaries.
3. Demonstrate financial need: Include household income statements or affidavits. Explain relevant circumstances (e.g. supporting family, part-time work).
4. Showcase academic merit: Cum laude? You automatically get the NWU postgraduate merit bursary. Ensure your academic record is logged and updated in the NWU system. Ensure you meet NWU’s average thresholds: minimum ~60 % for master’s or PhD, 65–70 % for honours, depending on programme scarcity.
5. Track and follow up: Submit on time. Use reminders and monitor emails or the NWU portal. Respond quickly if the bursary office requests more info.
6. Seek feedback: Ask a lecturer, bursary advisor, or peer mentor to critique your application, especially your motivation and CV.

 

FAQs: Common Questions About Postgraduate Bursaries South Africa

Q: Do I need to apply separately for the NWU postgraduate bursary?
A: No, once you're accepted into a postgrad degree at NWU (honours, master’s or PhD), you're automatically considered. No separate bursary form is required.

Q: What about part-time or employed students?
A: NWU provides only 50% of the bursary value to part-time or working students (whose primary activity is employment).

Q: Can I combine multiple bursaries?
A: Yes, as long as combined funds don’t exceed NWU’s annual cap (e.g., R261,900 for master’s, R327,400 for PhD).

Q: Are there options beyond NWU for postgraduate bursaries?
A: Yes, external schemes like NRF, Mandela Rhodes, Sasol postgraduate bursary, SETAs, and faculty bursaries provide additional support across South Africa.

 

What makes NWU stand out for postgrad degrees and funding?

• It supports both on‑site students at campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vaal and distance‑learning students, offering flexibility in how you study.
• NWU embraces transparency, academic excellence, responsibility and social responsiveness, making it ideal for local and global‑minded postgraduate applicants.
• The institution offers robust funding via its NWU postgraduate bursary, academic merit top‑ups, and access to external bursary partners, all of which help you launch your career with confidence.

 

 

Quick Application Checklist for Postgrad Degrees & Postgraduate Bursaries

1.	Secure admission into your postgrad degree at NWU or another accredited SA university
2.	Collect documents: ID, certified transcripts, income proof, motivation letter, CV
3.	Emphasise both academic merit (e.g., cum laude) and financial need
4.	Let NWU’s internal postgraduate bursary system consider you, plus apply for NRF, Sasol postgraduate bursary, Mandela Rhodes
5.	Submit on time, follow up and be responsive

 

Apply for postgraduate bursaries with confidence

You’ve laid the groundwork by completing your undergrad. With strategic preparation like starting early, telling your story, and showing merit and need, you can transform multiple postgraduate bursaries into real financial relief.

Choosing NWU for your postgrad degrees means access to automatic internal funding, a vibrant research and academic environment, and flexible delivery options. You're assembling a robust support framework with external grants like the Sasol postgraduate bursary and NRF/DSI.

This is your next chapter. Don’t let funding fears hold you back. Approach each application with clarity and confidence. NWU stands ready to help you thrive academically and achieve your postgraduate goals.

Uncover postgraduate degrees and bursary opportunities at NWU today.