The University of South Africa (UNISA) has extended its deadline for the 2024/2025 Postgraduate Bursary applications to February 2024, offering additional time for students to apply.
This program supports postgraduate students pursuing Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, providing financial assistance to reduce tuition costs and promote academic excellence.
Here’s everything you need to know about the bursary, including eligibility, application steps, and key deadlines.
UNISA Postgraduate Bursary
The UNISA Postgraduate Bursary is a financial aid initiative aimed at:
- Supporting South African UNISA alumni pursuing advanced studies.
- Encouraging high-quality research and innovation.
- Reducing the financial burden of tuition fees.
This bursary helps foster an academic environment conducive to personal and professional growth for eligible students.
Bursary Coverage
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Tuition fees only |
| Duration | First two consecutive years of study |
| Exclusions | Failed/repeating modules and historic debt |
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
- Returning Beneficiaries: Students previously awarded the PG Diploma/Honours bursary.
- UNISA Alumni: South African undergraduate alumni with an NQF Level 7 qualification.
- Second-Year Students: Current second-year students in a PG Diploma/Honours program.
- UNISA Staff: Permanent staff members enrolled in eligible programs.
- Business Leadership Students: Applicants enrolled at the Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL).
Who Cannot Apply
- Students in specialized programs such as PGCE certificates or non-degree courses.
- Applicants with an existing postgraduate degree at the same or higher NQF level.
Application Process
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to apply:
Steps to Apply
- Visit the UNISA Website
- Go to the UNISA official website and navigate to the Financial Aid section.
- Access the Postgraduate Bursaries Link
- Click on the Postgraduate Bursaries option to access the application portal.
- Log In or Create an Account
- Use your myUnisa credentials to log in. If you’re a new user, create an account.
- Complete the Application Form
- Fill in the online application form, ensuring all required fields are accurate.
- Upload Required Documents
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of registration.
- Motivation letter explaining your academic and career goals.
- Submit the Application
- Double-check all details and click Submit to finalize the application.
Key Deadlines and Application Period
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Period | Until February 2024 |
| University Closure | December 21, 2023, to January 9, 2024 |
| Outcome Announcement | First week of April 2024 |
Applications will be paused during the university’s closure period and resume after January 9, 2024.
How to Download the Application Form
For offline reference, you can download the bursary application form:
- Visit the UNISA website and go to the Financial Aid section.
- Click on Postgraduate Bursaries.
- Download the application form for the 2024/2025 academic year.
- Save the form or print it if necessary.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Submit Early: Avoid last-minute technical issues by submitting your application well before the deadline.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents in advance to streamline the process.
- Write a Strong Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate your academic goals and how the bursary will help you achieve them.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the criteria to avoid disqualification.
The UNISA Postgraduate Bursary is a valuable opportunity for students seeking financial support for advanced studies.
With the extended deadline, applicants have more time to prepare and submit their applications.
To maximize your chances, follow the outlined steps, meet the eligibility criteria, and complete your application promptly.
For more information, visit the UNISA website, and don’t forget to check your application status after submission.
