Postgraduate (Honours, Masters, PhD) Bursaries in South Africa 2026
All postgraduate study levels — honours through doctoral. 5 funding opportunities available — updated May 2026.
Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a government-funded full bursary for education students who commit to teaching in public schools after graduation.
NRF Postgraduate Funding (Honours, Masters & PhD)
National Research Foundation (NRF)
The NRF funds postgraduate research students (Honours through PhD) across science, engineering, humanities, and social science fields. No workback, no financial need requirement.
National Skills Fund (NSF) Bursary
National Skills Fund (NSF) — DHET
The NSF funds students in scarce and critical skills fields — including medicine, engineering, social work, and agriculture — at university and TVET level.
Provincial Health Department Bursary (Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health)
Department of Health (Provincial)
Provincial health departments fund medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students who commit to working in public healthcare after graduation.
NIHSS Postgraduate Bursary (Humanities & Social Sciences)
National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)
NIHSS funds postgraduate research in humanities, social sciences, law, and education. One of the few dedicated postgraduate bursaries for humanities students in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there bursaries for postgraduate (honours, masters, phd) students in South Africa?
Yes — we currently list 5 bursaries available to postgraduate (honours, masters, phd) students. All postgraduate study levels — honours through doctoral.
Can Postgraduate students apply for NSFAS?
NSFAS is primarily for undergraduate and TVET students. Postgraduate students should explore NRF bursaries, departmental bursaries, and corporate postgraduate awards.