Applications are open for the NDMC External Bursary Programme 2027. The programme supports South African students pursuing approved qualifications in disaster management, fire technology or fire engineering at recognised public higher-education institutions.
At a glance
Sponsor: Department of Cooperative Governance through the National Disaster Management Centre
Study levels: Undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, advanced diploma and Master’s
Fields: Disaster Management, Fire Technology and Fire Engineering
Institution type: Recognised public higher-education institution in South Africa
Closing date: 30 September 2026 at 23:59
High-value notes
- The application portal is designed for a computer. Mobile phones and tablets are not supported.
- Undergraduate, postgraduate diploma and advanced-diploma applicants need an academic average of at least 60%.
- Master’s applicants need an academic average of at least 65%, a concise CV and a research proposal aligned with one of the NDMC’s 16 priority research themes.
- Certificate programmes and PhD studies are not funded through this intake.
About the bursary
The National Disaster Management Centre is part of the Department of Cooperative Governance. Its external bursary programme builds specialist capacity in disaster-risk management and fire services by supporting eligible students at South African public institutions.
What the bursary covers
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- A research allowance of up to R11,000 for qualifying Master’s students
Accommodation, meals, books and travel are not included. Successful applicants should read the bursary agreement carefully before accepting the award.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Plan to study, or already be studying, an eligible qualification in Disaster Management, Fire Technology or Fire Engineering.
- Study at a recognised public higher-education institution in South Africa.
- Meet the minimum academic average for the selected study level.
- Provide proof of application, acceptance or registration for the 2027 academic year.
- For a Master’s application, submit a research proposal that addresses an NDMC priority research theme.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Documents to prepare
- Certified copy of a South African identity document
- Certified copy of the Matric certificate
- Latest academic transcript showing the required average
- Proof of application, acceptance or registration from the institution
- Master’s applicants: CV of no more than two pages
- Master’s applicants: research proposal aligned with the NDMC research agenda
Closing date
Online applications close on 30 September 2026 at 23:59. Complete the process early enough to resolve registration, upload or document-format problems before the portal closes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to complete the application on a phone or tablet
- Selecting a certificate or PhD programme, which is outside this intake
- Uploading uncertified, corrupt or password-protected documents
- Submitting a transcript that does not show the required academic average
- Forgetting the research proposal or two-page CV for a Master’s application
- Leaving required portal fields incomplete or failing to submit the final application
How this opportunity was verified
Last checked on 2 September 2026 using the current 2027 NDMC application system and the Department of Cooperative Governance announcement. The portal confirms the study levels, fields, supporting documents and 30 September 2026 deadline.
How to apply
- Use a desktop or laptop computer to open the NDMC bursary portal.
- Register an applicant account and confirm the email address if prompted.
- Complete every section of the online application.
- Upload clear, readable copies of all supporting documents.
- Review the information and submit the application before the deadline.