MMEG Bursary

Who can apply

• Be a South African national (nationals from the following countries may also apply: MMEG Country Eligibility List)
• Have a study permit for South Africa, if applying from an eligible country other than South Africa
• Identify as a woman/ female
• Be 25 years old or older at the time of the application deadline
• Officially enrolled to study towards a Certificate, Undergraduate qualification, Graduate qualification or Post Doctorate studies
• Be registered for in-person studies, at one of the following accredited Universities in South Africa
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Central University of Technology
  • Durban University of Technology
  • Fort Hare University
  • Mangosuthu University of Technology
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • North-West University
  • Rhodes University
  • Sefako Makgatho Health Science
  • University Sol Plaatje University
  • Stellenbosch University
  • Tshwane University
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • University of Limpopo
  • University of Mpumalanga
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of the Free State
  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of the Witwatersrand
  • University of Venda
  • University of Zululand
  • Vaal University of Technology
  • Walter Sisulu University
• Be enrolled full time or part time (with at least 2 courses per semester or term)
• Aim to be fully enrolled for a complete academic term after receiving the bursary
• Be enrolled for at least 1 more academic term after the award of the MMEG grant in December (between January and July 2026)
• Plan to graduate not more than 3 years after receiving the bursary
• Not be related to any International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, or Inter-American Development Bank staff member, spouse, retiree, or MMEG Board member

What the bursary covers

Value mentioned: R120 000

Documents you will need

• ID document with photo (if a South African citizen)
• Passport with photo (if studying outside your home country)
• Study permit page or visa page with current passport (applicable to foreign candidates)
• Second passport page with photo (if in possession of dual citizenship)
• Proof of official registration at a university (not an acceptance letter) (on institutes letterhead)
• Latest academic reports and transcripts (on institutes letterhead)
• Brief details on your personal story, brief details about your studies, as well as how your experiences and future plans are connected to your commitment to helping women and children in developing countries
• Brief paragraph explaining an estimate of your financial situation for the academic year and how you plan to fund your financial needs (estimated expenses must be calculated and expressed in Rand)
• Brief summary of your thesis, including objective, methodology and findings, and how to relates to your career goals (if applicable) (if not applicable: a description of how your current academic studies tie in with your future professional/ volunteer service goals)
• 2 reference letters:

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
   • MMEG Bursary Application 2027
   • Register an Account
   • Login

   Applicants will be required to Register an Account before they can Login and apply.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around September. 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]

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

About MMEG

Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) is a US charity founded in 1981 that funds women's education in developing countries.