The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) has opened applications for its 2027 South Africa Bursary Programme, providing financial assistance to women who are pursuing higher education at accredited South African universities.
The bursary is designed to support women from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children through education and community development. Unlike many bursary programmes that focus on specific disciplines, the MMEG bursary is available across all fields of study, making it one of the most inclusive funding opportunities available.
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to US$7,500 (approximately R120,000), depending on available funding and exchange rates.
Bursary Overview
| Bursary Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary | Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Sponsor | Margaret McNamara Education Grants |
| Funding Value | Up to US$7,500 (approximately R120,000) |
| Study Level | Certificate, Undergraduate, Graduate and Postdoctoral |
| Gender | Female Students |
| Study Location | Accredited South African Universities |
| Closing Date | See Official MMEG Application Portal |
About MMEG
The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) is an international organisation that supports women from developing countries through educational grants.
Its mission is to empower women by helping them complete their education so they can become leaders in their communities and contribute to improving the lives of women, children, and families.
Each year, MMEG awards grants to eligible women studying at selected universities around the world, including South Africa.
Fields of Study Covered
The MMEG Bursary is open to all fields of study.
Eligible applicants may be enrolled in:
- Certificate programmes
- Undergraduate degrees
- Honours degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
- Postdoctoral programmes
Applicants must be studying at an approved South African university.
Bursary Value
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to US$7,500, which is approximately R120,000, depending on the exchange rate and available funding.
The grant is intended to assist with educational expenses while recipients continue their studies.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed through a competitive selection process.
The process generally includes:
Application Review
Eligible applications are assessed against the programme requirements.
Shortlisting
Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a telephonic interview.
Final Selection
Successful candidates are notified directly before the official results are published on the MMEG website.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens or nationals of another country listed on the official MMEG Country Eligibility List.
- Hold a valid South African study permit if applying from another eligible country.
- Identify as female.
- Be 25 years of age or older by the application closing date.
- Be officially registered for:
- Certificate studies,
- Undergraduate studies,
- Graduate studies, or
- Postdoctoral studies.
- Study at an approved South African university.
- Study either:
- Full-time, or
- Part-time (minimum of two courses per semester or term).
- Plan to remain enrolled for at least one academic term after receiving the grant.
- Expect to complete their qualification within three years after receiving the award.
- Not be related to current or former staff members of:
- International Monetary Fund (IMF),
- World Bank Group,
- Inter-American Development Bank,
- MMEG Board members.
Eligible Universities
Applicants must be studying at one of the following institutions:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- University of Fort Hare
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
- North-West University
- Rhodes University
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Sol Plaatje University
- Stellenbosch University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- 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
Benefits of the MMEG Bursary
Successful applicants may benefit from:
- Financial assistance of up to R120,000.
- Reduced financial pressure during studies.
- Recognition through an internationally respected education grant.
- Support for academic and personal development.
- Opportunity to focus on completing their qualification.
- Membership in a global community of MMEG scholars.
Career Opportunities
The bursary supports women pursuing careers across a wide range of professions, including:
- Engineering
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Law
- Business
- Finance
- Agriculture
- Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Public Administration
- Research
- Community Development
Application Tips
To strengthen your application:
- Complete every section of the online application carefully.
- Ensure all supporting documents are accurate and up to date.
- Explain clearly how your studies will contribute to improving the lives of women and children.
- Demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and academic commitment.
- Submit your application well before the deadline.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official MMEG Application Portal.
When completing the application:
- Select “South Africa Program” when prompted to choose the programme.
Ensure all required supporting documents are uploaded before submitting your application.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents requested in the official application portal, which may include:
- Identification document or passport.
- Proof of registration.
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of study permit (where applicable).
- Curriculum Vitae (if requested).
- Motivation statement.
- Any additional documents specified during the online application process.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Closing Date
Applications for the MMEG South Africa Bursary 2027 close according to the deadline published on the official MMEG application portal.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply?
Women aged 25 years or older who are studying at eligible South African universities.
2. Which qualifications are funded?
Certificate, Undergraduate, Graduate, and Postdoctoral qualifications.
3. Which fields of study qualify?
The bursary is open to all fields of study.
4. How much is the bursary worth?
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to US$7,500 (approximately R120,000).
5. Can international students apply?
Yes. Applicants from countries listed on the official MMEG Country Eligibility List may apply if they hold a valid South African study permit.
6. Is there an interview?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for a telephonic interview.
7. Can part-time students apply?
Yes. Part-time students may apply if they are enrolled for at least two courses per semester or term.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently prepared using publicly available information about the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) South Africa Programme. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by MMEG. Applicants should consult the official MMEG application portal for the latest eligibility requirements, supporting documents, funding conditions, and submission deadlines before applying.
Sources and References
- Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)
- MMEG South Africa Programme Guidelines
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Council on Higher Education (CHE)
- National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
