Here's how to Fund Your Postgraduate Studies in South Africa

So, you’ve crossed the graduation stage, tossed your cap in the air, and now you're looking to climb the next academic mountain—postgraduate studies. Whether you’re planning to pursue an honours, master’s, or PhD, one thing becomes very clear early on: postgraduate education in South Africa isn’t cheap. 

Between tuition fees, research costs, accommodation, and everyday living expenses, it can all feel overwhelming. But don’t stress—there are ways to fund your studies and keep your academic journey moving forward.

Here's how to Fund Your Postgraduate Studies in South Africa

Let’s dive into some of the most practical and effective ways you can fund your postgraduate studies in South Africa:

1. Apply for Government Funding: NRF Scholarships

One of the most well-known options is the National Research Foundation (NRF). The NRF, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation, offers scholarships for honours, master’s, and doctoral students across various disciplines. They focus particularly on research fields that contribute to national development, but there’s something for nearly everyone.

What you need to know:

• Applications usually open mid-year (around June/July).
• You need a strong academic record.
• The funding often covers tuition, a monthly stipend, and limited research costs.
• Apply through your university’s postgraduate office or directly via the NRF Connect portal.

Tip: Keep your academic performance strong. NRF prioritizes academic excellence and research potential.

2. University-Based Scholarships and Bursaries

Almost every university in South Africa offers internal funding options. These include merit-based scholarships, faculty bursaries, departmental assistantships, and postgraduate funding offices that offer help in securing grants.

Examples:

• University of Cape Town (UCT): Offers merit scholarships and financial assistance for postgraduate students.
• University of Pretoria: Offers funding through the UP Postgraduate Support Office.
• Stellenbosch University: Provides a Postgraduate Funding Office that shares regular updates about available scholarships and bursaries.

Make a point of visiting your university’s website or funding office to stay up-to-date with internal opportunities.

3. Work While You Study: Part-Time Jobs & Assistantships

It’s not easy, but many postgraduate students choose to work part-time to support their studies. Universities often offer opportunities for graduate students to work as tutors, lab assistants, or research assistants—roles that can help build your CV and bring in a steady income.

Pros:

• You stay in the academic loop.
• Flexible hours 
• Income helps cover basic expenses.

Note: Always balance your workload—your research or coursework needs your full attention too.

4. Fund Your Studies Through Fellowships and External Scholarships

There are several external fellowships and scholarships that support South African postgraduate students, often funded by NGOs, international donors, or corporate sponsors.

Some examples include:

• Canon Collins Trust Scholarships: Supports postgraduate study in fields like education, law, and social sciences.
• Mandela Rhodes Foundation: Offers funding for honours or master’s degrees with a focus on leadership and community involvement.
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany): For students looking to study or do research in Germany.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: For South Africans looking to study in other Commonwealth countries.

NB: These are competitive, but incredibly valuable if you qualify.

5. Student Loans from Banks and Financial Institutions

If you can’t secure a bursary or scholarship, student loans are another route. Most major banks in South Africa—like Standard Bank, FNB, ABSA, and Nedbank—offer loans for postgraduate students.

What to expect:

• You'll need a surety (someone to co-sign the loan, usually a working adult).
• Interest rates vary.
• You might only start repaying once you finish studying (depending on the bank and loan type).

While loans mean debt, they can provide the upfront funding you need to complete your studies—especially if your qualification will help you earn more in the future.

6. Online Freelancing and Remote Work

Thanks to the internet, postgraduate students now have more flexible income options than ever before. If you have skills in writing, editing, design, coding, data entry, or tutoring, you can earn extra money through platforms like:

1. Upwork
2. Fiverr
3. Freelancer
4. Teach Me 2 (for tutoring)

This route is especially helpful if you need to work around your research schedule. Even a few hundred rands a week can make a difference.

7. Corporate Sponsorships or Learnerships

Some companies in South Africa are willing to invest in students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in fields relevant to their business. This is particularly true in areas like:

• Engineering
• Accounting
• Information Technology
• Health Sciences

How it works:

In return for funding, you may need to work for the company after graduation for a certain period.

You can often find these opportunities advertised on company websites or career portals like CareerJunction, PNet, or LinkedIn.

8. Crowdfunding and Community Support

This might sound unconventional, but crowdfunding your studies through platforms like BackaBuddy or GoFundMe has worked for many South African students. If you can share your academic journey with a compelling story, people are often willing to help.

Tips for success:

• Be transparent and honest.
• Provide regular updates on your progress.
• Share your campaign on social media and within your community.
• Your church, local businesses, or alumni organisations may also be willing to support your goals.

9. Government Departments and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)

Some South African government departments, such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), offer bursaries for postgraduate studies in priority areas.

Additionally, SETA bursaries—such as ETDP SETA (Education, Training and Development Practices) or Health and Welfare SETA—sometimes fund postgraduate qualifications for skills-shortage areas.

NOTE: These bursaries are often not widely advertised, so regularly check the official websites and sign up for email alerts.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Don’t Give Up

Funding postgraduate studies in South Africa takes research, planning, and persistence. But don’t be discouraged. Thousands of students have done it before you, and so can you. Here’s a quick checklist to guide your journey:

• Start searching for funding early—ideally 6 to 12 months before you start your studies.
• Keep your grades up—most scholarships and bursaries require solid academic performance.
• Talk to your university’s postgraduate or funding office.
• Apply to multiple opportunities—you never know which one will work out.
• Be prepared to hustle—whether that’s tutoring, freelancing, or part-time work.

Your postgraduate dreams are valid—and with the right information and persistence, they’re absolutely achievable.