The MacMillan Foundation Bursary 2026/2027 is open for postgraduate Architecture students. The bursary supports previously disadvantaged women under 35 who are currently studying, or intend to study, towards a postgraduate degree in Architecture at an accredited South African university.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: MacMillan Foundation NPC
Opportunity type: Postgraduate Architecture bursary
Who it’s for: Previously disadvantaged Black South African women pursuing postgraduate Architecture studies
Study level: Postgraduate
Field: Architecture
Institution type: Accredited university in South Africa
Closing date: 1 November 2026
Award date: 3 December 2026
Last verified: 29 July 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This bursary is narrowly targeted. Applicants must be South African citizens, Black as defined in the RSA B-BBEE Codes, female, and must complete the postgraduate Architecture degree before turning 35.
The bursary is limited to one year of study and is restricted to the allocated amount. It is paid directly into the recipient’s account at the relevant academic institution after proof of registration and a tax invoice are provided.
About the sponsor
The MacMillan Foundation NPC was founded by SNAPP Architects to support training and empowerment in Architecture. The Foundation focuses on supporting future designers and critical thinkers through postgraduate Architecture funding and a broader support framework.
What it covers
The bursary amount is paid directly to the recipient’s academic institution. Payment is made only on presentation of proof of registration and a tax invoice from the institution. The bursary is limited to one year of study and restricted to the allocated amount.
The application form confirms that there is no work-back obligation in return for the award.
Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be Black as defined in the RSA B-BBEE Codes
- Must be female
- Must complete the degree before turning 35
- Must be currently studying, or intending to study, towards a postgraduate degree in Architecture
- Must enrol at an accredited university in South Africa
- Must provide proof of current accounts with the relevant university, indicating whether the account is paid up or outstanding
- Must have a strong academic record
- Must have no previous criminal record
Documents to prepare
- Fully completed and signed bursary application form
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest academic results
- Letter of recommendation from one lecturer
- Declaration of outstanding debt towards previous studies
- Declaration or affidavit indicating financial independence from parents, if applicable
- Additional supporting documents, such as CV or portfolio
- University document confirming tuition fees, course name and institution
Closing date
1 November 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for undergraduate Architecture studies instead of postgraduate Architecture study
- Leaving out the lecturer recommendation letter
- Not providing the university fee/account document
- Submitting without a signed application form
- Assuming there is a work-back obligation; the current form states there is no work-back obligation
- Missing the electronic submission email addresses listed on the form
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the MacMillan Foundation NPC page and the current 2026/2027 bursary application form. These sources confirm the postgraduate Architecture focus, eligibility requirements, supporting documents, 1 November 2026 closing date, 3 December 2026 award date and no work-back obligation.
How to apply
- Open the MacMillan Foundation page and download the 2026/2027 bursary application form.
- Complete and sign the form.
- Prepare your ID, academic results, lecturer recommendation, university-fee document, debt declaration and any CV or portfolio documents.
- Email the complete application to the addresses listed on the form.
- Submit before the closing date.