The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is offering a specialised Health Sciences Bursary Programme for 2026, aimed at students who want to build a career in blood transfusion and immunohematology. Applications close on 19 December 2025, and only a limited number of bursaries are available.
At a glance
- Who it is for: 3rd year Bachelor of Health Sciences students with Immunohematology as an elective, who are South African citizens and preferably under 30 years old.
- Study level: Undergraduate (3rd year), Bachelor of Health Sciences.
- Fields of study: Health Sciences with a focus on Immunohematology and blood transfusion science.
- What it covers: Contribution towards tuition fees, study materials, accommodation support and a monthly stipend (see details below).
- Closing date: 19 December 2025.
- Institutions: Public universities in South Africa offering a Bachelor of Health Sciences with Immunohematology as an elective.
Who is offering this bursary?
The bursary is offered by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), the organisation responsible for collecting, testing and supplying safe blood and blood products across eight of South Africa’s nine provinces. SANBS plays a critical role in the health system by ensuring that hospitals have a reliable supply of safe blood for emergencies, surgery, chronic conditions and specialised treatments.
Through this bursary programme, SANBS is investing in a new generation of health science professionals with specialist skills in immunohematology and blood transfusion, supporting both the national skills pipeline and the organisation’s own future workforce.
What the bursary covers
- Tuition fees: Up to a fixed annual amount towards your Bachelor of Health Sciences tuition (as set out in the current SANBS bursary guidelines).
- Study materials: A contribution towards prescribed textbooks, lab materials and other academic resources.
- Accommodation support: A monthly contribution towards accommodation costs for a set number of months in the academic year.
- Monthly stipend: A monthly allowance to help with general living and study expenses.
- Work integrated learning: Practical exposure in SANBS laboratories and facilities may be included, depending on programme arrangements.
The exact amounts and limits are detailed in the latest SANBS bursary documentation and may be updated from year to year. Applicants should always confirm the current values in the official application form and related information.
Fields of study
This bursary is focused on students who are specialising in the science behind safe blood transfusion. The primary field supported is:
- Bachelor of Health Sciences with Immunohematology (Blood transfusion) as one of the elective subjects.
Only students who meet this specific academic focus will be considered, as the bursary is aligned to scarce and critical skills needed in blood transfusion laboratories and services.
Who can apply? (Eligibility checklist)
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You should preferably be under 30 years old at the start of the 2026 academic year.
- You must be registered (or intending to register) as a 3rd year Bachelor of Health Sciences student in 2026.
- You must have Immunohematology as one of your elective subjects.
- You must have achieved at least a 65 percent overall average in your most recent year of study.
- You must not be receiving funding from another bursary that covers the same costs.
- You must meet the academic admission requirements of your university and the programme.
- You should be serious about pursuing a long term career in health sciences, laboratory work or blood transfusion services.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. SANBS will apply its own screening and selection criteria, which may include academic performance, financial need, motivation and organisational fit.
Documents you will need
- Completed SANBS bursary application form (latest version).
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of your matric certificate or final school results.
- Your most recent academic transcript from your university.
- Proof of registration or provisional acceptance for the 2026 academic year in a Bachelor of Health Sciences programme.
- Proof of household income for parents or guardians, such as recent payslips or bank statements.
- Any motivation or short essay required in the application form explaining why you want to specialise in immunohematology and why you should be considered.
- Any additional documents listed in the official SANBS bursary application form.
Key dates
- Closing date: 19 December 2025 – applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
- Outcome timeframe: In general, shortlisted candidates are contacted within a few weeks of the closing date. If you do not hear back within the indicated timeframe, you can assume your application was not successful.
Always confirm dates on the official SANBS communication, as timelines may change or be extended at SANBS discretion.
Selection process
After the closing date, SANBS will review all complete and eligible applications. Shortlisting is usually based on academic results, alignment with the required field of study, and the quality of your motivation.
- Applications are screened for completeness and basic eligibility.
- Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews, assessments or further information.
- Final decisions are made by the SANBS selection committee.
- Successful candidates may be expected to sign a bursary agreement, which can include work back obligations or conditions related to performance and conduct.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting the application after the closing date.
- Leaving out key supporting documents such as your ID, academic transcripts or proof of registration.
- Not clearly showing that you are a 3rd year Bachelor of Health Sciences student with Immunohematology as an elective.
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate information on the application form.
- Not checking your email regularly for follow up requests from SANBS.
How to apply
- Step 1: Obtain the latest SANBS bursary application form from the official SANBS site (see Application Link button below) or official SANBS communications.
- Step 2: Read the instructions on the form carefully before you start completing it.
- Step 3: Complete all sections of the form in full. Make sure your personal information, academic details and contact details are correct and easy to read.
- Step 4: Prepare and attach all the required supporting documents, including certified copies where requested.
- Step 5: Write any required motivation or short essay, explaining your interest in health sciences and immunohematology, and how the bursary will support your goals.
- Step 6: Submit your completed application and supporting documents by email to the official SANBS bursary email address as stated on the form (currently bursaries@sanbs.org.za). Use a clear subject line that includes your name and the words SANBS Bursary 2026.
- Step 7: Keep copies of your completed form and all documents for your own records.
After you submit
Once you have submitted your application, SANBS will only contact shortlisted candidates. If you have not heard back within about a month after the closing date, you can assume that your application was not successful this time.
Even if you are not selected, use the process as practice in preparing professional applications and keep an eye on future SANBS and other health science bursary opportunities.