Cipla South Africa, the local arm of the Indian pharmaceutical group Cipla, started the Cipla Bursary Program in 2017 to find and pre-select students for the Cipla Graduate Skills Program. Cipla funds on average 20 to 30 students a year. On 1 October 2026 Cipla’s bursary page stated that applications are closed, and Cipla had not published dates for its next round.
Qualifications Cipla funds, and why
Cipla’s bursary committee picks fields according to the company’s succession plans and the scarce skills it needs to grow. Cipla funds students at accredited public universities and colleges only, in these areas:
- Computer and information sciences
- Engineering
- Economic and management sciences
- Graphic design
- Health sciences and pharmacy
- Human sciences, industrial psychology and human resources
- Manufacturing: logistics, demand planning, production and warehousing
- Natural sciences
- Social sciences, specifically digital marketing and communications
- Supply chain
You do not need to be a health sciences student: Cipla says any student in a listed field who meets the criteria may apply. Cipla also considers honours and master’s students whose qualification matches the list, and reviews PhD funding case by case.
Cipla’s 70% rule
Cipla looks for students who keep a 70% average in every year of study. Cipla reviews funding each year and continues it only while the bursar holds that 70% average. If your first year fell short, Cipla’s FAQ says a 70% average in your final year of studies is what counts, and earlier years are not reviewed. Bursars must also take part in Cipla’s vacation work programme and apply to the Cipla Graduate Skills Program after qualifying.
How Cipla pays: once a year, straight to your institution
Cipla covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a laptop of up to R8 000. The laptop is a one-off benefit: your institution buys it on your behalf, it becomes yours, and you carry the cost of repairs, insurance and software. Cipla’s payment rules are strict:
- Every funding request needs supporting invoices, statements or quotes; without them Cipla pays nothing. For private accommodation, supply a copy of the lease or an affidavit from the landlord.
- Cipla credits your student account at the institution and never pays into a personal bank account.
- Cipla pays once per year, in full, and accepts no further funding requests that year.
- Cipla finalises funding by 30 March, and successful students hear by email, with a confirmation letter to the institution.
Applying through Cipla’s online system
Cipla considers only applications made through its online careers application system, and it automatically disqualifies incomplete ones. Prepare these documents in PDF format:
- a one-page CV with a photo, your contact numbers and email address, and your South African ID number;
- your latest academic transcript (mid-year results are acceptable until the final ones arrive); and
- quotes or invoices for each cost you want Cipla to fund.
If your institution withholds results because of fees owed, Cipla accepts a letter on the institution’s letterhead confirming your qualification, name and student number. When the upload fails, Cipla suggests combining your documents into one PDF with your CV. Watch the Cipla South Africa bursary page for the next opening; it will show when the application system accepts bursary applications again.
Because Cipla funds so few students, apply to other funders in your field as well. Pharmacy students can look at the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa bursaries, and engineering and supply chain students can compare the Nestlé Future Talent Bursary. More health funders sit on our medical bursaries page.
Does Cipla fund postgraduate students?
Yes. Cipla considers honours and master’s students in its listed fields, and decides on PhD funding case by case.
Will Cipla employ me after my bursary?
Cipla offers high-performing bursars opportunities after their studies, and every bursar must apply to the Cipla Graduate Skills Program. Cipla also encourages bursars to do their internship with the company.