Bheki Mlangeni Memorial has opened its September 2026 academic year Scholarship program and is inviting all applicants from South African and Lesothan students to apply now. All interested applicants should apply using the details below.
CLOSING DATE:
- 21 September 2026: scholarship applications close.
- October 2026: eligible candidates will be interviewed.
- November to December 2026: final candidates will be selected and results will be made available.
- January to July 2026: specific programme will commence in South Africa (online french courses and possibly internship).
- Early September 2026: departure to France
BURSARY REQUIREMENTS
Before applying, applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria (please note that if you do not meet all of the requirements, your application will be rejected):
- You must be a South African citizen or Lesothan citizen
- You must be under the age of 33 years old on 1 January 2026
- You must intend on studying towards a Master’s degree or PhD, in any field
- You must intend on studying at a University or higher education institution in France
- You must intend on starting your studies in September 2026
- Preference may be given to students intending on studying within Science, Engineering and Technology fields, as well as niche courses not available in South Africa
BURSARY COVERAGE
The scholarship will cover studies in France towards a Master’s degree or PhD qualification, in ANY field of study.
The Embassy of France offers two types of scholarships:
1) A full scholarship from the French government, which includes tuition fees (up to a maximum of 5000 euros per year), a return flight to France, a monthly allowance (approximately 700 euros for master’s students and 1400 euros for PhD students), and individualized housing assistance (approximately 150 euros per month). Scholars will also receive social security, priority access to student housing, a waiver of visa fees, and Campus France Paris assistance.
2) A cost-sharing scholarship, which includes a monthly stipend paid in full or in part by a partner, as well as all of the other benefits of a full scholarship.
Candidates are encouraged to seek alternative sources of funding, and students with confirmed sources of funding will be given special consideration.
Scholarships will be given for a specific period of time in France, in accordance with the time required to complete the degree:
Scholarships will be awarded to master’s degree students for a period of 10 to 22 months. Master’s degrees typically last two years, and students may be required to apply to M2 programs in some cases (2nd year of the Master Programme). Depending on academic performance after the first year of study, the Embassy of France may award a scholarship for the second year.
Scholarships will be awarded to PhD students for a maximum of three years. Students will be required to justify the progress of their research work after the first year of study in order to qualify for funding for the second and third years. Co-supervision/cotutelle for PhD students: scholarships will be awarded for periods spent in France and these periods of stay should be specified by the candidate.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Applications must be done online at: Embassy of France Scholarship Application
Before candidates can apply, they will be required to Register an Account, thereafter they may Login and apply.
Application notes:
- You will be able to save and continue your application at any time, however no changes will be allowed to be made after final submission, so ensure that all the information on your application is correct before submitting.
- Applications can be done on any platform, but it is recommended that a desktop computer be used.
- The application does not recognise special characters (such as apostrophes), so ensure that you do not use them.
Upload clear copies of the following supporting documentation to your profile (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
ALL applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Passport (certified copy)
- Updated resume/ curriculum vitae, including entire academic record
- Covering letter, including motivations and interests in the selected academic project
- Degree certificates (Bachelor or Master degrees)
- University transcripts for the last 2 years of study
Master students must ALSO submit the following:
- List of study programmes the student intends on applying for (as well as application dates and tuition fees)
- Proof of acceptance for the study programme stating in the application (between February and May 2026)
- Email correspondence with the institution in France (to be submitted during the application process)
PhD students must ALSO submit the following:
- Attestation, signed by your supervisor and stating their commitment to supervise your thesis OR
- Attestation signed by the 2 supervisors (South African and French) stating their commitment to supervise in France and in South Africa (must indicate that a cotutelle agreement will be formed), if under co-supervision
- Detailed description of the research project and detailed work plan (2 to 3 pages long)
Optional documents students may submit:
- Academic or professional recommendation
- Language proficiency certificates
- Cost-sharing commitment letter from the corresponding organisation
DOCUMENTS TO READ BEFORE APPLYING FOR THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
Embassy of France Scholarship Rulebook
Embassy of France Scholarship FAQ’s
Why to study in France
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionRelated Resources
Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.