The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) programme invites South African women aged 25 and older to apply for the 2026 bursary. This grant provides up to USD 7,000 (~R126,000) to support full-time or part-time study at accredited South African universities—empowering women committed to improving the lives of women and children in their communities.

About the Bursary Provider

MMEG is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981 to honour Margaret McNamara’s legacy in advancing education and gender equality. The Trust has awarded over 590 grants totalling around USD 5.2 million to exceptional women from developing countries studying in several nations, including South Africa.

Fields Covered

The grant supports coursework or research towards:

  • Certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees
  • Postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters, Doctorate)
  • Postdoctoral studies
  • Any field of study at eligible South African universities

Expenses Covered

Each award provides up to USD 7,000 (or equivalent in Rands), disbursed in February 2026. Funds may contribute toward tuition, academic materials, equipment, and research costs.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Self‑identifying female, age 25+ by deadline
  • South African citizen (or from eligible developing country with a study permit for SA)
  • Registered at an eligible South African university for in‑person study (minimum two courses per term)
  • Must be enrolled for at least one full academic term after award, and plan to graduate within 3 years
  • Cannot be related to staff or board members of World Bank Group, IMF, IDB, or MMEG.

How to Apply

Apply online via the MMEG portal. Select “South Africa program.” Register an account, complete the application, and upload:

  • ID or passport
  • Proof of university registration (not acceptance letter)
  • Recent academic transcripts
  • Personal story & motivation
  • Estimated financial needs
  • Thesis summary (if applicable)
  • Two reference letters (academic and character)—submitted via the Embark platform 

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about the bursary.

Closing Date

14 September 2025 (11:59 pm EST). Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a telephone interview 2–3 months after the deadline. Awardees will be announced on the MMEG website in December 2025, and funds disbursed in February 2026.

Contact the Bursary Provider

MMEG South Africa Program
Email: southafrica@mmeg.org
Website: MMEG.org

1. Who is eligible?
Self-identifying women aged 25+ who are South African citizens (or eligible developing-nation students with a SA study permit), registered for in‑person study at a listed SA university, and not related to relevant international financial institution staff or MMEG board.
2. What awards are available?
Grants of up to USD 7,000 (~R126,000), awarded in February 2026 for study in South Africa.
3. What study levels qualify?
All levels: certificates, undergraduate, postgraduate (Hons, MSc, PhD), and postdoctoral, across any field of study.
4. Which universities are eligible?
Includes public universities and select universities of technology such as UCT, Wits, UJ, UP, UWC, SU, UFS, NWU, Rhodes, NMU, DUT, CPUT, and more.
5. What is required in the application?
Online form with ID/passport, proof of registration, transcripts, personal story, financial plan, thesis summary (if applicable), and two referees via Embark.
6. When is the deadline?
14 September 2025 (11:59 pm EST). Late or incomplete submissions will be disqualified.
7. What is the selection process?
Shortlisted applicants receive a phone interview 2–3 months post-deadline. Winners announced in December 2025.
8. When are funds paid?
Grants are disbursed in February 2026 directly to recipients or institutions.
9. Can part-time students apply?
Yes—part-time students taking at least 2 courses per term are eligible, provided they meet other criteria.
10. Who can I contact?
Email the South Africa Program at southafrica@mmeg.org for enquiries about eligibility or applications.