UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2025. The University of South Africa (UNISA), the largest and one of the most prestigious academic institutions in South Africa, provides a wide array of opportunities for students pursuing advanced degrees. Recognized globally for its academic excellence.
UNISA has eight renowned colleges offering extensive academic and professional programs across diverse fields, including Accounting Sciences, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Graduate Studies, Human Sciences, Law, Science, Engineering, and Technology, and Business Leadership.
One of the notable offerings at UNISA is the UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary for 2025. This bursary aims to ease the financial burden on students undertaking research and coursework at the master’s and doctoral levels by covering essential costs, such as tuition fees and research-related expenses. This article provides an in-depth look into the bursary program, eligibility requirements, coverage details, and the application process.
Purpose of the UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary
The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary supports both South African and international students enrolled at UNISA by helping them with tuition fees and research essentials. The bursary allows students to focus on their studies and research without being hindered by financial constraints, enabling them to complete their degrees effectively. However, bursary allocation is subject to the availability of funds, eligibility criteria, and academic performance, meaning students must demonstrate academic merit to be considered.
Coverage and Benefits of the UNISA Bursary
The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary provides financial support based on the degree type and specific research or coursework requirements. The funding levels for the different degree types are structured as follows:
| Degree Type | Coverage | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree by Coursework | Tuition fees and research allowance up to R25,000 | 2 consecutive years |
| Master’s Degree by Research/Experimental Research | Tuition fees and research allowance up to R55,000 | 3 consecutive years |
| Doctoral Degree by Experimental Research | Tuition fees and research allowance up to R120,000 | 4 consecutive years |
| Doctoral Degree by Research | Tuition fees and research allowance up to R80,000 | 4 consecutive years |
Important Considerations for Bursary Recipients
- Second-Year Re-Application: To receive continued funding, students must reapply for the bursary for their second and subsequent years.
- One-Time Laptop Allowance: Master’s and doctoral students who have not received ethical clearance will be eligible for a one-time laptop allowance from their research funds. This allowance applies only after submitting a completed research proposal and gaining approval for their application.
- Ethical Clearance Requirement: Students with an ethical clearance certificate by 31 January each year can access the remaining balance of their research allowance.
- Priority for South African Students: The bursary is awarded with an 80/20 preference, prioritizing South African students over international applicants due to funding constraints.
Application Guidelines for the UNISA Bursary
To apply for the UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary, candidates must adhere to the strict guidelines set by UNISA to ensure a smooth application process. Here are the main application instructions:
- Submission Method: Applications are only accepted through the myUnisa portal. Submissions via email or hard copies will not be considered.
- Registration Requirements: Students must complete a temporary registration to confirm their enrollment once they are selected for the bursary.
- Module Registration for Coursework Students: Master’s by Coursework students are advised to register all their planned modules for the academic year during initial enrollment, as there is no provision for additional modules after the award is granted.
Important Notes
- UNISA’s bursary program does not guarantee funding for all eligible students due to limited funds.
- Returning awardees must re-apply each year, adhering to the bursary guidelines.
- Students are required to read all the Master’s and Doctoral Bursary Instructions before applying, especially regarding de-registration, claims, and refunds.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements depending on their previous funding status and academic progress:
New Bursary Applicants
Applicants who have never been funded by UNISA’s Postgraduate (PG) Bursary and are either South African or international students may apply if they meet the following requirements:
- Master’s by Coursework Students: Must have passed two coursework modules and submitted their research proposal by 31 January 2024.
- Master’s by Research/Doctoral Students: Must have successfully submitted and passed their research proposal by the given deadline.
Returning PG Bursary Awardees
Students who previously received UNISA’s bursary for the same NQF level and qualification are eligible to reapply, provided they maintain satisfactory academic performance in line with bursary guidelines.
Ineligible Applicants
Certain students are not eligible for the bursary, including:
- Permanent UNISA Staff: Full-time staff members at UNISA are not eligible for this bursary.
- First-Year Master’s and Doctoral Students: The bursary is not available to first-year students in their respective programs.
- Non-Degree Students: Students enrolled in non-degree programs, including special study programs like the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), cannot apply.
- Previous Degree Holders: Students who already hold a postgraduate degree at the same or higher NQF level for the funded qualification are excluded.
Bursary Exclusions
The bursary will not cover:
- Additional academic years beyond the maximum duration.
- Tuition fees for failed or repeated coursework modules.
- Historic debt from previous study periods.
- Additional or alternative qualifications that differ from the one initially funded.
Application Process for the UNISA Bursary
Applying for the UNISA bursary involves a straightforward online submission process:
- Access the Application Portal: Applicants must log in to the UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary Application Portal through their myUnisa account.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and ensure all required information is provided.
- Submission of the Bursary Contract: Awarded students must sign and return the bursary contract per the email instructions.
- Use of myLife Email Account: All correspondence must be conducted through the official myLife email account. UNISA does not entertain queries sent from personal email accounts, such as Gmail or Yahoo, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act.
Application Deadline and Contact Information
The deadline for submitting the bursary application is 25 January 2024. Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure their applications are processed in time. For any queries regarding the UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary, students should reach out through their myLife email account to the following contact:
- Email: [email protected]
UNISA emphasizes that inquiries from personal email accounts will not be acknowledged, as per the POPI Act.
Additional Resources for Financial Aid
Students interested in other financial support options are advised to explore other available bursaries and scholarships. Current openings are listed on AllBursaries.co.za, where students can find relevant information on bursaries based on their academic discipline or financial needs.
For regular updates and financial aid information, students are encouraged to follow All Bursaries South Africa on social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter (@AllBursariesSA).
Conclusion
The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2025 offers an invaluable opportunity for postgraduate students to receive financial support, allowing them to advance their research without significant financial strain. With the 80/20 allocation preference for South African students, the bursary demonstrates UNISA’s commitment to supporting local talent. Students are advised to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and submit complete applications via the myUnisa portal by the stipulated deadline. By aligning with UNISA’s guidelines and reapplying annually where required, students can maximize the benefits of this bursary and make significant progress in their academic journeys.
