SAIIPL Bursary

Fields of study

• Patent Law
• Trade Mark and/or Copyright Law

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident in South Africa
• Be between 18 and 30 years old
• Be studying towards an LLB or LLM degree, at a recognised university in South Africa
• Have strong academic potential
• Be eligible to be admitted as an attorney in South Africa, as defined under Section 24(1)(b) of the Legal Practice Act, No. 28 of 2014
• Have completed at least one course offered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (such as the DL001 free course) and provide proof of completion of the course (see WIPO Academy here)
• Have a strong interest in Intellectual Property Law, including but not limited to Trade Marks, Copyright, Designs, Patents, Indigenous Knowledge, Plant Breeders Rights, Geographical Indicators, and Trade Secrets
• Have proven financial need

What the bursary covers

Value mentioned: R70 000

Documents you will need

• ID document or passport (certified copy)
• Academic transcripts for all years of study (certified copy)
• Proof of registration for the current/upcoming academic year
• Proof of residence
• Proof of financial need (household income)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Motivational letter, indicating the following: 1) your interest in IP Law, 2) whether you are applying for the Trade Mark or Patent bursary, 3) your career aspirations in the IP field (maximum 500 words)
• Letter of recommendation (optional)
• Patent bursary application: copy of your relevant qualification that qualifies you to enrol for the examinations prescribed by the Patent Examination Regulations, 2003

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   Email [email protected]Email [email protected]

   Students who meet the above criteria, may apply via email to: [email protected] (Insert the words “SAIIPL Bursary 2026” in the email subject line. Applications must be marked for the attention of: Ms Michelle Macguire).

   Note: there is no application form to be completed for this bursary application – students need only submit the list of documents below to apply.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around March. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]
• Phone 073 625 0468

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About SAIIPL

The South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) represents IP law practitioners in South Africa.