UFS Honours & Masters Bursary South Africa 2026. Pursuing postgraduate education in South Africa can be a financially demanding journey. Fortunately, the University of the Free State (UFS) offers valuable financial support through the UFS Honours & Masters Bursary South Africa 2026. This bursary initiative is designed to ease the financial burdens of academically deserving students while encouraging participation in postgraduate studies.
Whether you’re currently completing your undergraduate degree or planning to pursue a Master’s qualification, this bursary could be the key to unlocking your academic potential. In this article, we delve deep into the UFS bursary programme, eligibility criteria, benefits, application procedures, and critical deadlines—all while incorporating helpful tips for applicants.
About the University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected tertiary institutions. Established in 1904 as Grey University College, it has evolved into a multi-campus university that prioritizes academic excellence, community engagement, and diversity.
Today, UFS has three campuses:
- Bloemfontein Campus
- QwaQwa Campus
- South Campus
Together, they serve over 40,000 students across seven faculties, including:
| Faculty Name | Specializations Offered |
|---|---|
| Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences | Accounting, Economics, Business Management |
| Faculty of Education | Teacher Training, Curriculum Development |
| Faculty of Health Sciences | Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Radiography |
| Faculty of Humanities | Psychology, Sociology, Political Studies |
| Faculty of Law | LLB, Public Law, Private Law |
| Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences | Physics, Biology, Agriculture |
| Faculty of Theology & Religion | Theology, Religious Studies |
UFS has also seen a steady rise in international students and collaborative academic partnerships, enhancing its global academic footprint.
UFS Bursary Programme 2026 – Fields Covered
The UFS Honours & Masters Bursary South Africa 2026 is aimed at students enrolled for Honours and Masters degrees at the university. This bursary is not restricted by field of study, allowing a broader range of students from various faculties to benefit.
Importantly, the bursary is need-based, intended for students who require financial support to continue their academic journey.
- Promote access to postgraduate education
- Reward academic excellence
- Encourage progression from Honours to Master’s levels
- Support capacity-building in academic departments
Bursary Value and Responsibilities
Each bursary recipient will receive R41,000 in funding. While this amount significantly reduces the cost of postgraduate education, students will also be expected to take on academic-related duties during their study period.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Service Hours | 120 hours annually |
| Duties | CTL tutoring, academic/student assistance, marking |
| Compensation | Students will be paid separately for these hours |
This dual approach financial support coupled with academic engagement ensures that students remain active participants in the university community while gaining valuable experience.
UFS Honours Bursary Requirements
Students intending to apply for the UFS Honours Bursary 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- A minimum final average of 70% in their undergraduate qualification
- A commitment to pursuing a Master’s degree after completing their Honours
- Must meet all admission criteria set by the relevant faculty at UFS
UFS Masters Bursary Requirements
Applicants aiming for the UFS Masters Bursary 2026 must:
- Have obtaineda minimum of 70% in their Honours degree
- Be registered for a full-time Master’s programme at UFS
Students who fail to meet these academic thresholds will not be considered, making academic excellence a critical factor in successful bursary applications.
How to Apply for UFS Honours & Masters Bursary 2026
The application process for the UFS Honours & Masters Bursary is conducted entirely online.
- Visit the official bursary application portal: UFS Bursary Application 2026
- Complete the application form in full.
- Upload all required supporting documents (ID copy, academic transcripts, admission letter).
- In the section asking “How did you hear about the bursary?”, enter: www.zabursaries.co.za
- Submit your application before the applicable deadline.
Important Deadlines for 2026 Applications
While UFS has not officially released the final deadline for its 2026 bursary programme, the following dates from related funding agencies offer guidance:
| Application Type | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UFS Honours Applications | Not yet available | UFS official notice |
| ISFAP Assessment Deadline | 2 September 2025 | UFS internal deadlines |
| DSI-NRF Honours Claims | 31 March 2025 | National Research Foundation |
| NRF Master’s & Doctoral Deadline | 5 September 2025 | National Research Foundation |
| Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust | 30 September 2025 | UFS External Bursary Partners |
Note: Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances. Early submission is highly recommended.
Tips to Strengthen Your UFS Bursary Application
- Maintain high grades: Strive for a 70%+ academic record
- Write a strong motivation letter: Showcase your goals and how the bursary will support your academic future
- Demonstrate financial need: Clearly outline your financial background and challenges
- Get faculty support: A letter of recommendation can significantly improve your application’s credibility
Benefits of the UFS Bursary Programme
Besides financial relief, the UFS bursary offers long-term benefits such as:
| Benefit | Impact on Students |
|---|---|
| Reduced Financial Burden | Focus more on academics than finances |
| Academic Work Opportunities | Gain hands-on tutoring and assistance experience |
| Encouragement to Pursue Master’s | Continuity in postgraduate education |
| UFS Networking | Become part of an academic support system |
Contact Details for the Bursary
For any queries regarding the UFS Honours & Masters Bursary South Africa 2026, you can contact UFS directly via:
- Phone: 051 401 9111
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.ufs.ac.za
It is advised to reach out well before deadlines to ensure you get timely responses and assistance.
FAQs About UFS Honours & Masters Bursary
Can international students apply for the UFS Honours & Masters Bursary?
Currently, the bursary is primarily aimed at South African citizens or permanent residents. International students are advised to inquire directly with UFS to check their eligibility.
Are part-time students eligible for this bursary?
No, only full-time students are considered eligible for the UFS Honours & Masters Bursary programme.
Is the R41,000 bursary amount enough to cover all postgraduate expenses?
While R41,000 significantly reduces costs, it may not cover all tuition and living expenses. However, it helps students offset academic fees and can be combined with other funding sources.
Final Thoughts
The UFS Honours & Masters Bursary South Africa 2026 stands as a remarkable opportunity for students striving for academic excellence but facing financial barriers. By combining financial support with academic engagement, UFS fosters a well-rounded postgraduate experience.
