September 2026: Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) Bursary Opened

By | September 1, 2024

The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) has opened its September 2026 Bursary program and is inviting all applicants to apply ASAP. All interested applicants should apply using the details below.

CLOSING DATE: 14 September 2026

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MMEG BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must be a South African national (nationals from the following countries may also apply: MMEG Country Eligibility List)
  • You must have a study permit for South Africa, if applying from one of the eligible countries linked above
  • You must identify as a woman
  • You must be 25 years old or older at the time of the application deadline
  • You must enrolled to study towards a Certificate, Undergraduate qualification, Graduate qualification or PostDoctorate studies
  • You must be enrolled at one of the following accredited Universities in South Africa: University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria or University of the Free State
  • You must be enrolled full time or part time (with at least 2 courses per semester or term)
  • You must aim to be fully enrolled for a complete academic term after receiving the bursary
  • You must be enrolled for at least 1 more academic term (from January to July 2026)
  • You must NOT be related to an International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, or Inter-American Development Bank spouse or staff member
  • You must be born before 15 September 1996

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MMEG BURSARY

Applications must be done online at: Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) Bursary Application

You will be required to Register an Account before you can Login and apply.
 

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
Please ensure that these documents are readily available when applying – preferably in pdf, jpeg or png format.

  • ID document with photo (if a South African citizen)
  • Passport with photo (if studying outside your home country)
  • Study permit page or visa page with current passport (applicable to foreign candidates)
  • Second passport page with photo (if in possession of dual citizenship)
  • Proof of official registration at a university (on institutes letterhead)
  • Latest academic reports and transcripts (on institutes letterhead)
  • Brief details on your personal story, brief details about your studies, as well as how your experiences and future plans are connected to your commitment to helping women and children in developing countries
  • Brief paragraph explaining an estimate of your financial situation for the academic year and how you plan to fund your financial needs
  • Brief summary of your thesis, including objective, methodology and findings, and how to relates to your career goals (if applicable)
  • 2 reference letters:
    • 1 reference letter from a faculty member at your university and 1 from someone who can vouch for your character (this can NOT be a family member)
    • At least 1 of the referees must have known you for 2 semesters/ equivalent, or more
    • The reference letters must include the referees’ email addresses so that they can be contacted and provided with an email link from Embark Online where they can submit their recommendations
    • If the candidate is successful, they will then be contacted by Embark. (If your referee has NOT received an email from Embark, ask them to verify that the pop-up blocker is off; check their spam folder, and/or write an email to MMEG to request an individual link.)
See also  Santam: Bursaries 2026

THE MMEG BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE & SELECTION

MMEG provides a grant of up to US$7000 (about R99 000), however, grants may vary depending on the availability of funds and exchange rates. The grant funds will be awarded annually in January and February.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a telephonic interview within 2 to 3 months after the application deadline. The successful candidate will be announced in early April on MMEG’s website. Results will be announced in mid-December 2026.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


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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.

See also  List of Bursaries Closing In September 2026

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:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. 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.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. 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.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. 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:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 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.