Unisa Master's and Doctoral Bursary

• Master's by research or experimental research: up to R55 000 over the first 3 years.
• Master's by coursework: up to R25 000 over the first 3 years.
• Doctoral by research: up to R80 000 over the first 4 years.
• Doctoral by experimental research: up to R120 000 over the first 4 years.
• Amounts cover tuition and research essentials; they are maximums and not guaranteed.
• Not funded: years beyond the funded period, failed or repeated modules (including the proposal module for coursework students), a different qualification from the one previously funded, and historic debt.
• The research allowance requires a final (not conditional) ethical clearance certificate by 31 January each year and an approved re-application.
• Refunds take 15 to 21 working days (South African) or 21 to 30 working days (international) after correct documents are received.

• 2027 cycle: online applications 21 September 2026 to 30 November 2026.
• 30 November 2026: deadline for supervisors to record M&D activities (e.g. submitted chapter drafts) for 2026.
• Q&A session: 9 October 2026, 11:00 to 12:00 (YouTube and MS Teams).
• 31 January 2027: temporary registration, supervisor support on the M&D platform, and new applicants' proposal or two-module requirement; unsupported applications are not considered.
• Appeals for rejected self-registered applicants: 3 to 7 May 2027 (link provided on 3 May 2027).

1. Apply online through the myUnisa bursary app; only online applications are considered.
2. Make sure your supervisor supports your application on the M&D platform or M&D Students' Dashboard by 31 January 2027.
3. Await the outcome, sent to your myLife email account.
4. If awarded, submit your signed bursary contract to the Postgraduate Bursary officer before the closing date in the email.
5. Submit banking or refund documents as instructed.
6. Unsuccessful self-registered students without other funding should deregister before the cancellation closing date through their college or myUnisa, then email [email protected]. Failing the terms or ending studies leads to the year's award being charged to your account.

South African students

• Certified ID copy (not older than 6 months).
• Proof of payment showing the exact amount and your name.
• Banking details submitted through the link provided, in your own name.

International students

• Certified passport copy (not older than 6 months).
• Bank account confirmation letter in your name (South African or international) with the claim/refund form.
• Proof of payment.

Fees paid by a third party

• Certified student ID.
• Proof of payment showing the third party's name.
• Third party's bank confirmation letter and certified ID (not older than 6 months).
• Loan agreement, if a company loaned the fees.

Awards depend on eligibility, academic performance, supervisor support and available funds. A vetting committee reviews the M&D activities recorded by supervisors. There is no appeal for students fully funded for the full period, rejected for insufficient funds or unsatisfactory academic performance, with adequate other funding, ineligible, or without supervisor support.