MMEG Bursary

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Closes

14 September 2026

Value

Up to US$7,500 (~R120,000)

Level

Certificate to Postdoc

For

Women aged 25 and older

Sector

All Fields of Study

Type

Partial grant

About this bursary

The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) program offers financial grants to female tertiary students studying in South Africa. The grant provides up to US$7,500, which equals roughly R120,000 depending on exchange rates and fund availability.

Funding supports women from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children. Applicants across all academic disciplines can apply, provided they attend a recognized public university in South Africa.

The program accepts applications from undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, and post-doctoral candidates who are at least 25 years old.

Courses of study covered

All Fields of Study

Certificate Courses

Undergraduate Degrees

Postgraduate Diplomas

Master's Degrees

Doctoral Degrees (PhD)

Post-Doctorate Studies

What the bursary covers

Educational grant of up to US$7,500 (approximately R120,000)

Funding applicable towards tuition fees, living costs, and academic materials

Support available for both full-time and part-time tertiary studies

Who can apply

You qualify if

You must identify as female and be 25 years or older at the application deadline.
You must be a South African national or a citizen of an eligible country on the MMEG list with a valid South African study permit.
You must be registered at an accredited South African public university for full-time or part-time studies with at least two modules per term.
You must remain registered for at least one full academic term after December 2025.
You must plan to complete your qualification within three years of receiving the award.
You cannot be related to staff members or board directors of MMEG, the World Bank Group, the IMF, or the Inter-American Development Bank.

You do not qualify if

Applicants under 25 years of age.
Male applicants.
Students registered at private higher education institutions.
Students taking fewer than two courses per term.
Direct relatives of staff or retirees at MMEG, World Bank Group, IMF, or Inter-American Development Bank.

Documents you need to submit

Certified copy of identity document with photo (or passport for international applicants)
South African study permit or visa page (for non-South African citizens)
Proof of official university registration on university letterhead
Latest official academic transcript and academic record
Personal story essay detailing your background, studies, and commitment to helping women and children
Financial statement outlining your estimated academic expenses in Rand and funding plans
Thesis summary including objective and findings (or career goals description if not doing a thesis)
Two reference letters (one academic reference and one character reference)

Upload all supporting documents in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format.

How to apply

1
Access the MMEG Embark online application portal.
2
Create a new user account or log into an existing account.
3
Select the South Africa program option on the application start screen.
4
Fill out your personal information, financial budget, and required essay statements.
5
Provide contact details for your two referees so they receive automated recommendation links.
6
Upload clear copies of all required supporting documents.
7
Submit your application before 14 September 2026 at 23:59 EST.