MMEG Bursary

Who can apply

• Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
• You must be a South African national (nationals from the following countries may also apply: MMEG Country Eligibility List)
• You must have a study permit for South Africa, if applying from an eligible country other than South Africa
• You must identify as a woman/ female
• You must be 25 years old or older at the time of the application deadline
• You must officially enrolled to study towards a Certificate, Undergraduate qualification, Graduate qualification or Post Doctorate studies
• You must 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
• You must be enrolled full time or part time (with at least 2 courses per semester or term)
• You must aim to be fully enrolled for a complete academic term after receiving the bursary
• You must be enrolled for at least 1 more academic term after the award of the MMEG grant in December (between January and July 2026)
• You must plan to graduate not more than 3 years after receiving the bursary
• You must NOT be related to any International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, or Inter-American Development Bank staff member, spouse, retiree, or MMEG Board member
• 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

Documents you will need

• Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
• 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: 1 reference letter from a faculty member at your university and 1 from someone who can vouch for your character (this can NOT be a family member) At least 1 of the referees must have known you for 2 semesters/ equivalent, or more The reference letters must include the referees’ email addresses so that they can be contacted and provided with an email link from Embark Online where they can submit their recommendations (you must get the consent of both references before putting forward their details) If the candidate is successful, they will then be contacted by Embark. (If your referee has NOT received an email from Embark, ask them to verify that the pop-up blocker is off; check their spam folder, and/or write an email to MMEG to request an individual link.)
• 1 reference letter from a faculty member at your university and 1 from someone who can vouch for your character (this can NOT be a family member)
• At least 1 of the referees must have known you for 2 semesters/ equivalent, or more
• The reference letters must include the referees’ email addresses so that they can be contacted and provided with an email link from Embark Online where they can submit their recommendations (you must get the consent of both references before putting forward their details)
• If the candidate is successful, they will then be contacted by Embark. (If your referee has NOT received an email from Embark, ask them to verify that the pop-up blocker is off; check their spam folder, and/or write an email to MMEG to request an individual link.)
• Note: documents must preferably be submitted in pdf format, jpeg or png.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to MMEG - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

MMEG (Margaret McNamara Education Grants) Bursary South Africa 2027

WHICH FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE MMEG BURSARY COVER?

MMEG is inviting female students from South Africa, to apply for their bursary award for the 2027 academic year.

The award covers ALL fields of study, towards a Certificate, Undergraduate, Graduate or Post Doctorate qualification, at selected Universities. (female students from other countries may also apply if their country is on the MMEG Country Eligibility List).

The goal of the MMEG grant is to help women from developing countries, in order that they may further their studies and thereby improve the lives of women and children in these countries. MMEG is one of the few organizations that provides financial assistance and bursaries, specifically to women.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE MMEG BURSARY?

MMEG provides a grant of up to US$7 500 (approximately R120 000), however grants may vary depending on the availability of funds and exchange rates. The grant funds will be awarded in February 2026.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE MMEG BURSARY?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a telephonic interview.

Successful candidates will be personally notified in December 2025 and results will be announced on the MMEG web page in January 2026.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE MMEG BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African national (nationals from the following countries may also apply: MMEG Country Eligibility List)
• You must have a study permit for South Africa, if applying from an eligible country other than South Africa
• You must identify as a woman/ female
• You must be 25 years old or older at the time of the application deadline
• You must officially enrolled to study towards a Certificate, Undergraduate qualification, Graduate qualification or Post Doctorate studies
• You must 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
• You must be enrolled full time or part time (with at least 2 courses per semester or term)
• You must aim to be fully enrolled for a complete academic term after receiving the bursary
• You must be enrolled for at least 1 more academic term after the award of the MMEG grant in December (between January and July 2026)
• You must plan to graduate not more than 3 years after receiving the bursary
• You must NOT be related to any International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, or Inter-American Development Bank staff member, spouse, retiree, or MMEG Board member

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE MMEG BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at: MMEG Bursary Application 2027(select “South Africa program” in the first question of the application).

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

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the MMEG bursary.

WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE MMEG BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• 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: 1 reference letter from a faculty member at your university and 1 from someone who can vouch for your character (this can NOT be a family member) At least 1 of the referees must have known you for 2 semesters/ equivalent, or more The reference letters must include the referees’ email addresses so that they can be contacted and provided with an email link from Embark Online where they can submit their recommendations (you must get the consent of both references before putting forward their details) If the candidate is successful, they will then be contacted by Embark. (If your referee has NOT received an email from Embark, ask them to verify that the pop-up blocker is off; check their spam folder, and/or write an email to MMEG to request an individual link.)

Note: documents must preferably be submitted in pdf format, jpeg or png.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE MMEG BURSARY?

14 September 2026 (at 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time).(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact MMEG directly:South Africa ProgramEmail: southafrica@mmeg.orgCandidates should read the MMEG Bursary FAQ’s before submitting any queries.

WHAT DOES MMEG DO?

Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) is a non-profit, public charity that has been established since 1981. MMEG supports and empowers women from developing countries by providing them with education grants, aiding them in establishing their personal future and the future of their country.

The organization draws its inspiration from Margaret McNamara, who had a goal of promoting education and gender equality. Margaret was the wife of the World Bank’s 5th President and used her influence to be an advocate for these elements of development programs. Before her death, Margaret received the highest civilian distinction in the United States, the Medal of Honour, in recognition of her important contributions.

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