The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the biggest tertiary institutions on the continent. The school has six major campuses around the country, as well as an established branch in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its alumni comprise of notable figures such as Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

One of the forefront objectives of UNISA is to provide quality education to underprivileged students. The institute strives to find solutions to the developmental and educational obstacles facing Africa today. A major part of this objective revolves around the financial aid offered by the university. Students who looking to further their education can apply for a master’s and doctoral bursary for the coming year.

The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2026

The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2026 targets candidates seeking a higher level degree. Students who already have a postgraduate degree at a similar or higher level will not qualify for the bursary. The Master’s bursaries are awarded according to degree by research and experimental research and degree by coursework. Doctoral bursaries are awarded according to degree by research and degree by experimental research.

These bursaries cover the basic tuition and research essentials up to a limited amount. The values of these bursaries as awarded in 2026 areas follows:

• Master’s degree by research and experimental research: The bursary covers tuition fees and research essentials limited to R55000 divided over the first two consecutive years of study towards the qualification;
• Master’s degree by coursework: The bursary covers tuition fees and research essentials limited to R25000 divided over the first two consecutive years of study towards the qualification;
• Doctoral degree by research: The bursary covers tuition fees and research essentials limited to R80000 divided over the first three consecutive years of study towards the qualification and
• Doctoral degree by experimental research: The bursary covers tuition fees and research essentials limited to R120000 divided over the first three consecutive years of study towards the qualification.

The financial cap and time period involved will depend on the particular bursary awarded. Candidates will be chosen based on their academic merit, current priorities in the research field, innovative specialization and the availability of funds. The bursary is open to both South African and international students.

UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2026 Application Requirements

Candidates who wish to apply for this bursary will need to be a registered student of the University of South Africa. The applicant must also meet the minimum requirements related to their bursary of choice. Students applying for a degree by research or experimental research bursary will need:

• A Master’s and doctoral motivation form
• UNISA proposal module results
• Proof of registration
• An approval from the MDRBC (Master’s and Doctoral Research Bursary Committee)

This approval will be based on academic progress, appropriate methodology, the standard of work, current priorities in the research field and innovative specializations.

Students applying for a degree by coursework bursary will need to include the following with their application:

• A Master’s and doctoral motivation form
• Your academic record (you must have passed at least two modules in a Master’s degree by coursework)
• Proof of registration
• An approval from the MDRBC (Master’s and Doctoral Research Bursary Committee)

This approval will be based on a supervisor’s report from the motivation form and the coursework modules that have already been completed by the student.

Application Process

Candidates who are interested in applying for this bursary should log on to the UNISA website to download the Master’s and doctoral Motivation Form. Or you can also download the Motivation Form from below:

• Returning Applicant Master’s and Doctoral Motivation Form.^[DOC]
• New Applicant Master’s and Doctoral Motivation Form. ^[DOC]

This form must need to be completed by both the candidate and their supervisor. It is crucial to note the different motivation forms for the New and Returning applicants, to ensure the best selection.

Once the form has been filled, the candidate should submit the document online via the myUnisa student portal. This will require a username and password to log into an account. Only applications submitted via the myUnisa platform will be taken into consideration. Hard copies and email applications will be disregarded. Candidates should be a student of a UNISA campus or affiliate to qualify for this bursary.

Bursary Opening & Closing Date

• For Returning UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Research bursary applicants: 23 November 2026 to 29 January 2026.
• For New UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Research bursary applicants: 4 January 2026 to 31 March 2026.

Contact Details

For further queries regarding this bursary program, please email UNISA directly at CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za

Or Contact,

Mr Muzi Mamba
Telephone Number: 012 429 3462
E-mail Address: mambama@unisa.ac.za
Address:  Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Building, 9-127 Sunnyside campus