UNISA Master's and Doctoral Bursary 2027

Applications for UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2027 are open. UNISA offers tuition and qualifying research support for eligible returning postgraduate students. Closing date: 30 November 2026.

Important: This is not a first-year admission bursary. New bursary applicants must already meet the required research or coursework progress conditions. Returning beneficiaries must reapply.

At a glance

Sponsor: University of South Africa
Study year: 2027
Level: Returning master’s and doctoral students
Location: UNISA
Application: Online through myUnisa
Last verified: 30 September 2026

High-value pointers (read this first)

Arrange supervisor support early. Funding remains subject to academic review and available funds.

About the sponsor

UNISA administers this postgraduate funding scheme through its student funding division.

What the bursary covers

Tuition and approved research essentials. Total research-allowance ceilings across the funding period are R55,000 for research master’s, R25,000 for coursework master’s (three years), R80,000 for research doctorates and R120,000 for experimental doctorates (four years). These are maximum totals, not annual guaranteed payments. Final ethical clearance and supervisor support are required for research allowances.

Fields of study

Eligible registered UNISA master’s and doctoral qualifications. MBA, MBL, non-degree programmes and several other categories are excluded; consult the full rules.

Eligibility requirements

Returning master’s students: first registration normally 2024–2026; doctoral students: 2021–2026. Approved deferments may be considered.
New research applicants must pass the proposal by 31 January 2027; coursework applicants normally need two passed modules. Additional chapter-progress requirements apply by registration year.
Permanent UNISA staff, first-year students, holders of the same/higher qualification level, and students whose dissertation/thesis is already submitted for examination are excluded.

Documents to prepare

Check that your academic progress and supervisor activities are recorded correctly.
Follow the online eligibility checklist and declare other funding. Keep research/ethical-clearance records and registration-payment evidence where applicable.

Key dates

Opened 21 September 2026. Record 2026 research activities by 30 November. Temporary registration and supervisor support are due by 31 January 2027.

Selection and continued funding

Approval is not automatic. Read the bursary contract before accepting; withdrawal or breach can create repayment liability.

Common mistakes to avoid

Confusing “new bursary applicant” with a first-year degree student.
Treating research ceilings as annual allowances.
Missing supervisor or registration deadlines.

Closing date

30 November 2026. Submit early and check the official notice for updates.

Official information and enquiries

Official funding FAQs. Enquiries: CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za

How to apply

Read the current scheme rules using the button below.
Follow its application link, sign in with myUnisa details and select the master’s/doctoral fund.
Complete the eligibility check, declaration and other-donor section.
Submit online and retain confirmation.

After you submit

Monitor your myLife email for the outcome. Complete award contracts and any banking/refund instructions only when requested.

Application Link