The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA), through its Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE), invites South African BPharm undergraduates and postgraduate pharmacy students to apply for its 2026 bursaries—supporting academic excellence and financial need within the pharmaceutical profession.

About the Bursary Provider

The PSSA is South Africa’s voluntary professional body for pharmacists, established in 1946. Its FPE arm offers bursaries to promote the development of skilled pharmacists in the country, aiding both undergraduates and postgraduate students in pharmacy-related studies.

Fields Covered

The bursaries support studies in the following field(s):

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), Years 2–4
  • Postgraduate: Master’s and Doctoral studies in pharmacy-related disciplines

Expenses Covered

The bursary provides annual support including:

  • Tuition fees paid to the institution
  • Renewal possible each academic year

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:

  • South African citizen
  • PSSA student membership
  • Undergraduate: BPharm full-time, entering 2nd–4th year, ≥60% mid-year average, proven financial need (household income < R130 000/year)
  • Postgraduate: Enrolled full-time in Master’s or Doctoral pharmacy studies, submit research proposal and budget; selection based on 60% academic potential/project viability and 40% financial need

How to Apply

Download the 2026 application form from the PSSA/FPE website:

  • Undergraduate: Available now
  • Postgraduate: Expected in March 2026

Submit completed form with certified copies of:

  • ID document
  • Academic transcript
  • Financial declaration/income proof
  • Motivational letter (and for postgrads – research proposal & budget)

Submit via email (nitsa@pssa.org.za) or fax (0866 159 835). Post-delivery also accepted for postgrads

Closing Date

11 October 2025 for undergraduate bursaries. Postgraduate applications open March–May 2026; closing typically early May

Contact the Bursary Provider

Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (PSSA)
Contact: Ms Nitsa Manolis
Tel: 012 470 9550 / 012 470 9562
Email: nitsa@pssa.org.za
Website: pssa.org.za/fpe-bursaries.html

1. Who qualifies for the PSSA undergraduate bursary?
Full-time BPharm students entering their 2nd–4th year at accredited SA institutions, with ≥60% mid-year average and household income < R130 000/year.
2. What is the value of the bursary?
Tuition fees are covered per academic year; recipients must re-apply annually.
3. Who is eligible for the postgraduate bursary?
Full-time Master’s or Doctoral students in pharmacy-related fields; selection based on academic potential (60%) and financial need (40%).
4. How often can I apply?
Annually—you must submit a new application each year regardless of level.
5. What documents do I need?
Certified ID, transcripts, motivational letter, financial proof (and research proposal & budget for postgrads).
6. How do I apply?
Download the form from the PSSA website; send via email (nitsa@pssa.org.za), fax (0866 159 835), or post (for postgrads).
7. When is the closing date?
Undergraduate closes on 11 October 2025. Postgraduate applications open March 2026 and close around early May.
8. How important is PSSA membership?
It’s mandatory and free for students; contact nitsa@pssa.org.za to register before applying.
9. Are there service obligations?
No service contract is required, but bursars must abide by terms and conditions; early study termination may require repayment.
10. How will I know if I’m successful?
You’ll receive email confirmation of receipt and be contacted if shortlisted; final decisions are communicated after committee review.