Professional Provident Society (PPS) Bursary South Africa For 2026. Are you a South African student pursuing your fourth year or postgraduate studies in a professional field? If so, the PPS Bursary South Africa 2026 could be your gateway to a fully funded academic journey. Offered by the Professional Provident Society (PPS), this bursary is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities available for graduate professionals in South Africa.
This article provides an in-depth overview of the PPS Bursary Programme, including eligible fields of study, bursary benefits, application procedures, eligibility requirements, and official contact details.
What is PPS and Why Does It Matter?
The Professional Provident Society (PPS) was established in 1941 by eight visionary dentists in South Africa. Their objective was to create a structured financial safety net for professionals who might face challenges like injury or illness, preventing them from practicing their profession.
Today, PPS is a unique, authorised financial services provider, offering exclusive investment, healthcare, and insurance solutions tailored specifically for graduate professionals. It is the only mutual financial services organisation in South Africa that caters solely to individuals who have qualified with a four-year degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
One of PPS standout features is that it is not listed on the stock exchange and has no external shareholders. All the profits generated are allocated annually to its members through PPS Profit-Share Accounts, making the organisation truly member-driven.
PPS Bursary South Africa 2026: Fields Covered
The PPS Bursary South Africa 2026 is open to full-time students pursuing their fourth year or postgraduate studies in selected professional fields. The bursary is aimed at those who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Eligible Fields of Study
Below is a detailed breakdown of the academic disciplines supported by the bursary:
| Faculty | Eligible Courses |
|---|---|
| Commerce | Accountant, Auditor, Economist, HR Practitioner, Political Analyst |
| Engineering | Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (4-year degrees only) |
| Law | Attorney, Advocate |
| Medical | Doctor (HPCSA), Dentist, Surgeon, Pharmacist, Gynaecologist, Biochemist, Dietician, Biokineticist, Audiologist, Industrial Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech & Hearing Therapist, Veterinarian, Nurse (B.Cur 4-year degree) |
| Science | Actuary, Statistician, Mathematician, Microbiologist, Scientist, Astronomer |
| Environmental | Botanist, Biologist, Agriculturalist, Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Farmer (4-year Agri degree), Historian, Meteorologist, Radiographer, Radiologist, Researcher |
| Construction | Architect, Town & Regional Planner, Ecologist, Land Surveyor |
As you can see, the PPS Bursary South Africa 2026 supports a wide range of professions—particularly those contributing to South Africa’s social, health, economic, and technological development.
What the PPS Bursary Covers
The PPS bursary is comprehensive and generous. It covers:
- Tuition fees (within a defined budget)
- Prescribed textbooks necessary for your coursework
This financial support helps to ease the burden on students and their families, enabling them to focus on their academic and career growth.
Why Apply for the PPS Bursary?
Here are a few compelling reasons why the PPS Bursary South Africa 2026 stands out from other funding opportunities:
- Catered Exclusively for Graduate Professionals – Unlike general bursaries, PPS supports future leaders in specific professions.
- Backed by a Reputable Organisation – PPS is South Africa’s leading mutual financial services provider with over 80 years of legacy.
- Covers Essential Academic Costs – This includes tuition and prescribed books—reducing your financial stress.
- Profit-Sharing Philosophy – The ethos of sharing profits with members reflects PPS’s commitment to mutual growth.
- Prestige and Recognition – Being selected for the PPS Bursary is a mark of excellence in your academic and professional journey.
Eligibility Criteria for PPS Bursary South Africa 2026
To qualify for the PPS Bursary South Africa 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be registered full-time at a South African university for their 4th year or postgraduate studies in one of the listed fields
- Must have achieved a minimum academic average of 75% in previous years of study
- Must demonstrate proven financial need
Important: Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in disqualification, so ensure all conditions are satisfied before applying.
How to Apply for the PPS Bursary 2026
Applications for the PPS bursaries must be submitted online.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload clear, certified copies of the following documents:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of June exam results or most recent academic transcript
- Student account statement showing all paid fees from previous years
- Affidavit declaring the financial position of the student and/or family
- A motivational letter (Word document, max 300 words) detailing career aspirations and reasons for applying for the bursary
Note: If any document is missing, your application will be automatically disregarded.
PPS Bursary Application Closing Date
- Deadline: 15 January annually
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered under any circumstances. To avoid disappointment, submit your application well before the cut-off date.
Contact Details – PPS Bursary South Africa 2026
If you need further information or have any queries about the PPS Bursary South Africa 2026, reach out to the PPS Bursary team directly:
- Fax: 011 644 9629
- Email: [email protected]
FAQs About PPS Bursary South Africa 2026
Can students at private universities apply for the PPS Bursary?
No, the bursary is only available to students registered at public South African universities.
Can I apply if I am doing my 3rd year of study?
No, only students in their 4th year of study or postgraduate programmes are eligible for this bursary.
Is there a limit on how much funding I can receive?
Yes, the bursary covers tuition and prescribed books within a specific budget, which is determined by PPS annually.
Conclusion
The PPS Bursary South Africa 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for academically excellent, financially deserving students to pursue their dreams without financial strain. If you are in your final year or pursuing postgraduate studies in one of the listed professions, don’t miss this opportunity.
