The MacMillan Foundation NPC is a small non-profit set up by SNAPP Architects, a practice based in Centurion, to help previously disadvantaged women finish a postgraduate degree in architecture. The foundation has published its 2026/2027 application form, and the closing date is 1 November 2026. Awards are announced on 3 December 2026, in time for registration for the 2027 academic year.
Who the MacMillan Foundation funds
The foundation looks for students with a strong academic record who do not have the money to complete their studies. Its form sets out these minimum criteria:
- South African citizen
- A Black woman (Black as the B-BBEE Codes define it)
- Able to complete the degree before turning 35
- Currently studying, or planning to study, towards a postgraduate degree in architecture at an accredited South African university
- A strong academic record and no criminal record
- Willing to show the state of your university fee account, whether paid up or in arrears
Undergraduate architecture students do not qualify yet. If you are still in your BArch or BAS years, look at the ABB Education Trust funding for women or the MUTFSCO and BASF bursary for Black women in STEM to see whether your field fits, and keep MacMillan in mind for your master’s year.
Money paid to the university, not to you
MacMillan pays the bursary straight into your student account at the university, and only after you hand in proof of registration and a tax invoice from the institution. The award covers one year of study and is capped at the amount the foundation allocates. The foundation does not publish a rand figure. On the form you indicate what you need help with: current studies, studies you plan to start, fees in arrears from earlier study, or another cost you describe and prove.
Winners must sign an agreement with the foundation, but MacMillan states clearly that there is no work-back obligation. SNAPP also describes the scheme as more than a cheque: the practice offers mentorship and support while you study.
Putting together the MacMillan application
Download the 2026/2027 form in PDF or Word from the MacMillan Foundation page on SNAPP Architects’ website. The form asks for your personal and parent or guardian details, your study plans with the institution’s cost estimate, your academic results, extramural activities, achievements and a short note on why you chose architecture.
Attach clear copies of these documents, keeping the total under 10MB:
- Your ID, as a certified copy
- Your latest academic results
- A letter of recommendation from one of your lecturers
- A declaration of any debt owed for previous studies
- A declaration or affidavit of financial independence from your parents, if that applies to you
- Anything else that supports your case, such as a CV or portfolio
Email the completed form and attachments to both admin@macmillanfoundation.co.za and admin@snapp.org.za before 1 November 2026. That date falls on a Sunday, so send it during the preceding week. For questions, the foundation lists (012) 665 0937.
After 3 December: a conditional offer
An award from MacMillan stays conditional until you supply your final results for the year and a university document confirming your tuition fees. Have your institution’s fee quotation ready early, because the foundation will not pay without it. Other funders that support master’s study are listed on our postgraduate bursaries page.
Can I apply for help with fees I already owe?
Yes. The application form has a separate option for study fees in arrears, as long as you attach a university document confirming the amount.
Do I have to work for SNAPP Architects afterwards?
No. The MacMillan Foundation says there is no work-back obligation in return for the award, although you do sign a bursary agreement.