Cipla South Africa is inviting eligible students to apply for its Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. The programme is positioned as a talent pipeline into Cipla’s Graduate Skills Program and is open to students at accredited public tertiary institutions.
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Cipla South Africa
- Study level: Undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours/Master’s considered)
- Fields supported: Multiple scarce-skills disciplines (see list below)
- Who it’s for: High-performing students (Cipla indicates a 70% average requirement) studying at accredited public tertiary institutions
- What it covers: Cipla indicates funding may cover tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a laptop allowance (up to R8 000) (subject to Cipla’s approval and annual review)
About the sponsor
The Cipla Bursary Program (initiated in 2017) is a strategic talent initiative to identify and develop young talent for the Cipla Graduate Skills Program.
Fields of study
Cipla lists the following broad fields of study as considered for funding (subject to business needs and scarce skills planning):
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Engineering
- Economic Management Sciences
- Graphic Design
- Health Sciences
- Human Sciences (including Industrial Psychology and Human Resources)
- Manufacturing (logistics, demand planning, production, warehousing)
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy (pharmacists)
- Social Sciences (Digital Marketing and Communications)
- Supply Chain
What it covers
- Cipla states funding is credited to your institution (not paid into a student’s personal bank account).
- Cipla notes funding is “once off” per year and is reviewed annually, with continuation linked to maintaining the required academic average.
- Cipla may require supporting invoices/statements/quotations for requested costs, and lease/affidavit support for private accommodation.
Documents to prepare
- Single-page CV with photo
- Contact details (phone and email)
- South African identity number (and supporting ID document where required)
- Supporting invoices/statements/quotations for funding requests (and private accommodation proof where applicable)
- Academic records/transcripts (as required in the online application)
Closing date
17 February 2026 (per Cipla’s bursary programme page).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting an incomplete online application (Cipla states incomplete applications are automatically disqualified).
- Uploading documents in the wrong format (Cipla requests PDF uploads).
- Requesting funding without supporting invoices/quotes where required.
- Applying if you are not studying at an accredited public tertiary institution (as stated by Cipla).
How to apply
- Open Cipla’s bursary application page and click Apply Now.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required documents in PDF format.
- Submit your application before the closing date.