UNISA Bursaries 2026 | Postgraduate Diploma and Honours Funding

Apply for the UNISA Bursaries 2026 Postgraduate Diploma and Honours Funding from 15 October 2025 to 19 December 2025. This bursary supports South African UNISA alumni with tuition fees for postgraduate studies. Learn about eligibility, application steps, deadlines, and appeal procedures.

Overview

The University of South Africa (UNISA) invites applications for the 2026 UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honours Bursary. This bursary aims to provide financial assistance to South African UNISA alumni pursuing postgraduate diploma (PGD) and honours qualifications (NQF Level 8).

The bursary covers tuition fees only and helps eligible students register, continue, and complete their qualifications.

Applications Open: 15 October 2025
Applications Close: 19 December 2025
Mode of Application: Online via myUnisa
Eligible Study Levels: Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and Honours (NQF Level 8)
Funding Type: Tuition Fee Bursary Only
Nationality: South African Citizens Only

Important Notices

Application Process:
- Only online applications submitted via the myUnisa link app will be considered.
- No hard copies, emails, or late submissions will be accepted.
Registration Requirements:
- Students must be temporarily registered by 31 January 2026.
- Registration will only be activated once the bursary is successfully awarded.
Funding Limitations:
- Due to limited funds, only students registered at the time of awarding will be considered.
- No additional modules will be funded after allocation.
Returning Beneficiaries:
- Students previously funded by the UNISA PG bursary must reapply each academic year for continued funding.

About the UNISA Postgraduate Bursary

The UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honours Bursary supports academically deserving South African students by covering their UNISA tuition fees. The funding helps students who would otherwise be unable to continue their studies due to financial constraints.

This bursary aligns with UNISA’s mission to promote access, equity, and academic excellence, ensuring that capable students can advance their education and careers.

Key Dates and Events

2026 Honours Bursaries Q&A Session

Learn about the bursary application, awarding, and refund process.

Date: Monday, 16 October 2025
Time: 10:00 AM (CAT)
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Event: 2026 Honours Bursaries Q&A Session

Eligibility Criteria for UNISA Bursaries 2026

Who Can Apply

Returning Bursary Beneficiaries:
- Previously funded by the UNISA Postgraduate Bursary.
- Must have passed previously funded modules with an average of 50% or higher.
New Applicants:
- South African citizens with a completed UNISA NQF Level 7 qualification (degree or advanced diploma) by 31 January 2026.
- Must have achieved a minimum average of 60% across their undergraduate qualification (including failed/supplementary modules).
- Second-year NQF Level 8 students must have passed at least three modules with an average of 60%.
- UNISA temporary or fixed-term contract employees who meet the criteria.

Who Cannot Apply

Permanent UNISA staff members.
International students (non-South African citizens).
Students enrolled in the following UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) programs:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management
Students registered for non-degree programs, certificates (PGCE), Bachelor of Technology (BTech), or other special study programs.
Students who have already completed a postgraduate degree (NQF Level 8–10).

What the Bursary Covers

Covers: Tuition Fees Only
Does Not Cover:
- Accommodation
- Laptops
- Textbooks or study materials
- Historic debt
- Failed or repeated modules
Duration: Up to two consecutive years, subject to successful reapplication.
Priority: Students with higher academic averages (from 100% down to 60%) will receive preference depending on available funds.

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Ensure you have:

A valid South African ID.
Proof of academic record and latest results.
Proof of completed undergraduate qualification (if applicable).

Step 2: Apply Online

Apply via the myUnisa link app only.
Ensure your application is complete before submission.
Late, incomplete, or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Step 3: Await Outcome

Results will be sent to your myLife email account.
If successful, follow instructions to sign and return your bursary contract.
If unsuccessful, you may appeal under certain conditions.

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Appeal Process

Appeal Period:

1 April – 7 April 2026

How to Appeal:

Send a formal email to CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za with supporting documents proving that the rejection reason does not apply to your case.

You Cannot Appeal If:

You have already received full bursary funding.
Funds were insufficient for new awards.
You have external funding (double-dipping).
You were rejected for poor academic performance.
You do not meet the bursary’s eligibility criteria.

Refund and Payment Process

If You Paid Registration Fees Yourself:

Submit banking details via the provided secure link.
Only personal bank accounts are accepted.
Attach:
- Certified ID copy (not older than 6 months).
- Proof of payment showing your name and exact payment details.

If Fees Were Paid by a 3rd Party (e.g., Company):

Refunds may be made to the company/organization if proof of payment and a signed loan agreement are provided.
Required documents include:
- Student’s certified ID
- Proof of payment showing the 3rd party’s name
- 3rd party’s bank confirmation letter
- 3rd party’s certified ID copy

Processing Time: 15–21 working days after submission of correct documents.

Important Reminders

Funding is subject to availability — not all eligible students will receive a bursary.
Failure to comply with terms and conditions or withdrawal from studies may result in cancellation and repayment of the bursary.
Deregistration must be completed before official cancellation dates through myUnisa or your regional office.

For Postgraduate Diploma and Honours cancellation deadlines, visit:
UNISA’s Cancellation Dates Page

Downloadable Resources

2026 PG Bursary Application App Guide for PGD/Honours Students – [Click Here to Download]
Application Link: [Apply for the UNISA Bursary 2026 via myUnisa]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who qualifies for the UNISA 2026 Bursary?

South African citizens who completed a UNISA NQF Level 7 qualification with a 60% average or are continuing NQF Level 8 students with a 60% postgraduate average.

2. When is the application period?

Applications are open from 15 October 2025 to 19 December 2025.

3. How do I apply for the bursary?

All applications must be submitted online via myUnisa. No email or physical submissions will be accepted.

4. What costs does the bursary cover?

The bursary covers UNISA tuition fees only. It does not cover laptops, accommodation, textbooks, or historic debt.

5. Do I need to reapply if I am already a bursary recipient?

Yes. Returning beneficiaries must reapply every year to maintain funding.

6. Can international students apply?

No. The bursary is available only to South African citizens.

7. Can I appeal if my application is rejected?

Yes, between 1 April and 7 April, provided your rejection reason is appealable.

8. How will I know if I am awarded?

Results will be communicated through your myLife email account only.

9. What happens if I deregister?

If you cancel your registration, notify DSF PG Bursary Award Section immediately at DSF-POSTGRD@unisa.ac.za. Late deregistration may result in losing funds or owing fees.

10. Is funding guaranteed for all eligible students?

No. Funding depends on availability of bursary funds and academic merit.

Conclusion

The UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honours Bursary 2026 is a valuable opportunity for South African alumni pursuing further education at UNISA. With applications open from 15 October to 19 December 2025, students are encouraged to apply early and ensure their academic documents are complete.

This bursary not only promotes educational advancement but also contributes to building a more equitable and knowledgeable South Africa.

Apply via myUnisa before 19 December 2025 and take the next step toward your postgraduate success.

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