About the opportunity
The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), is inviting applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme. The bursary supports qualifying South African students pursuing full-time Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma, Advance Diploma, or Master’s qualifications in Disaster Management or Fire Technology / Fire Engineering at recognized South African Public Higher Education Institutions.
Funding and benefits
- Bursary funding for qualifying 2027 academic year studies in Disaster Management or Fire Technology / Fire Engineering.
Who can apply?
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must intend to pursue or be pursuing an Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma, Advance Diploma, or Master's qualification in Disaster Management or Fire Technology / Fire Engineering (excluding certificates and PhDs).
- Must be enrolled or applying to study at a recognized Public Higher Institution of South Africa.
- Minimum average of 60% required for Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma, and Advance Diploma applicants.
- Minimum average of 65% required for Master's applicants.
Required documents
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document.
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate.
- Most recent academic results/statement/transcript (minimum average 60% for Undergraduate/PG Dip/Adv Dip; minimum average 65% for Master's).
- Proof of application, acceptance, or registration at a public university.
- Brief Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages, required for Master's applicants only).
- Master's Research Proposal covering one of the 16 Priority Thematic Areas (required for Master's applicants only).
When to apply
- Application deadline is September 30, 2026 at 23:59 SAST.
How to apply
- Access the official NDMC Bursary Management System online (desktop/laptop recommended; mobile devices are not supported).
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents in the specified order before submitting.
Additional information
- The online bursary system does not support Android or Apple mobile devices; applicants must apply using a desktop or laptop computer.
- Master's degree research proposals must focus on one of the 16 Priority Thematic Areas identified in the NDMC research agenda.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- South African students currently pursuing or intending to pursue Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Engineering.
- Applicants meeting the minimum academic average of 60% for undergraduate/diploma levels or 65% for Master's studies.
- Individuals seeking financial support for full-time studies at recognized South African public higher education institutions.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application system is strictly limited to desktop or laptop computers and does not support mobile devices.
- Master's applicants must align their research proposals with one of the 16 specific Priority Thematic Areas.
- Applicants must ensure they are not pursuing certificates or PhDs, as these are explicitly excluded from eligibility.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This bursary is designed to alleviate the financial burden of higher education for students specializing in critical disaster and fire safety fields. It is an excellent opportunity for those aiming to secure funding for the 2027 academic year while contributing to the national research agenda in South Africa.
Our take
South African students meeting the academic and enrollment criteria should apply, provided they have access to a desktop computer to complete the online submission before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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